‘The Witcher’: Bring Out Your Monsters – The Geralt of Rivia Breakdown
Geralt of Rivia wasn’t just trained to fight monsters, he was physically changed to be the world’s most deadly Witcher.
The future of The Witcher’s Netflix series is feeling unsure. But luckily we have always have quite a few of Geralt’s stories to return to with the books and video games. But who is he? What abilities does he have? And where did he get these powers?
Geralt of Rivia’s Early Life
via Netflix
Geralt was born to the sorceress Visenna and the warrior Korin and at a very young age, he was left at the School of the Wolf to be trained as a Witcher. His training was grueling and dangerous with no guarantee of survival, and involved mutations to give Witchers their characteristic superhuman abilities. Geralt showed a higher tolerance than the rest of his classmates, though, and as a result, was subjected to even more mutations.
Not only did these result in his heightened speed, strength, endurance, healing, resilience, immunity, and senses, but it is also responsible for turning his hair that iconic white, earning him the nickname “White Wolf.” Geralt was also the only child selected to receive these additional mutations to survive.
Life as a Witcher
Through his training, Geralt was enthusiastic and committed to the idea of destroying monsters and defending the innocent. But he quickly learned that some monsters are human and sometimes the people he rescued feared or even resented him. Instead, he decided not to attempt to be a hero to everyone and stick to seeking out work from towns and fortresses openly looking for a Witcher’s services. These jobs would take him all over to defeat a manticore, fogler, chimera, vampire, wyvern, and werewolf as well as almost countless other creatures and monsters.
Through one of these jobs, Geralt demanded payment from Princess Pavetta and her husband, Duny, by involving the “Law of Surprise.” This ‘surprise’ would turn out to be their yet unborn daughter Cirilla. Geralt, not believing in destiny and claiming that women couldn’t be trained as Witchers refused to take the child in after the death of her parents. But destiny had other plans and the two’s paths would cross three times in total before he finally took her into his care. From then on, Geralt raised and trained Ciri as his own daughter.
Geralt from The Witcher – Abilities
via Netflix
Through his multiple mutations and years of specialized training, Geralt has a number of abilities not even common among Witchers. He has superhuman physiology that hardens his bones. They also give him resistance to poison and disease. He also has very high agility. Geralt also has an extended lifespan, able to live centuries with very few physical changes. He also has superhuman strength, stamina, and speed. Geralt also has accelerated healing, allowing him to recover from what should be fatal wounds.
Then there are his Witcher senses which allow him to hone in on targets he is tracking. Night vision and heightened hearing allow him to locate almost anyone or anything. He can hear how many are hiding, where they are, and how well they are breathing. Finally, minor spells and magic through the use of Signs allow him to create fire, traps, waves of force, charms, and to make targets sleep.
These abilities are in addition to the weapons and battle mastery that Witchers learn as part of their training.
Geralt’s story is a long, interesting one! If you haven’t had a chance to dive in, we hope you do so soon. But if you are well-versed in the Witcher series, what story, game, or book is your favorite? Have you been enjoying the Netflix series? Where would you like to see Geralt’s story go from here? Let us know in the comments!
Happy adventuring!
