Geralt of Rivia Explainer – The Lore of the White Wolf
Geralt of Rivia from “The Witcher” wasn’t just trained to fight monsters. He was physically changed to be the world’s deadliest monster hunter.
Welcome in, adventurers! Whether you know him from the novels, the video games, or the incredible Netflix series, you’ve probably heard of Geralt of Rivia. This deadly monster hunter from The Witcher series has made quite a name in popular culture. From the catchy song about coin tossing to the various Netflix specials, few don’t know at least a little about the Witcher world. But who is this white-haired warrior? Where can you find him if you want to know more?
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Who is Geralt of Rivia?
Geralt was born to the sorceress Visenna and the warrior Korin. When he was very young, 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. In addition to training, Geralt underwent mutagenic injections to give him a Witcher’s characteristic superhuman abilities.
Unfortunately for him, he showed a higher tolerance than the rest of his classmates. Because of this, he was subjected to even more mutations, which resulted in his trademark white hair. This also earned him the moniker “White Wolf”. Of all the children selected for the additional injections, Geralt was the only one to survive.
Through his training, Geralt was enthusiastic and committed to the Witcher creed of destroying monsters and defending the innocent. He quickly learned, however, that some monsters are human, and sometimes the people he rescued feared or even resented him. He decided the life of a hero was not for him and plied his trade as a mercenary. Geralt traveled the region, taking monster-slaying jobs wherever he could find them.
On one of these jobs, Geralt protected a cursed skin-changer named Duny, the lover of Princess Pavetta of Cintra. In place of payment, Geralt invoked the “Law of Surprise,” which turned out to be their yet unborn daughter, Cirilla. Geralt had little patience for destiny and refused to take the child when her parents died.
He staunchly believed that women could not become Witchers and didn’t want to subject the child to his dangerous life. But destiny had other plans. The two would cross paths three times before he finally took her into his care. From then on, Geralt raised and trained Ciri as his daughter. Many years later, she would succeed him as a Witcher.
What Can He Do?
Like all Witchers, Geralt underwent extensive and brutal training in swordsmanship and strategy. He excelled even over his fellow aspirants and is a master of bladed combat. He wields a pair of blades, one forged of iron and one of silver. The silver blade is said to be for killing monsters, and the iron blade is for killing men. Geralt also has some sorcery training, though nothing like the mages of Aretuza. He can cast fire bolts, set magical traps, or lull his enemies to sleep.
The mutations that Geralt received gave him extraordinary superhuman powers. He has rapid healing, can live far beyond the lifespan of an average human, and can see in the dark. Geralt’s additional injections also heightened his strength, agility, and durability to superhuman levels. They made his senses so sharp he could hear and track a person’s breath for days. As powerful as these abilities are, they merely put him on even footing with the monsters he usually faces.
Geralt in Video Games
Most people know the White Wolf from the game series, where he is (usually) the primary protagonist. Based on the book series by the same name, these games follow Geralt, his ward Ciri, and the mage Yennefer as they travel the continent. They face monsters, both human and inhuman, and come face to face with the deadly Wild Hunt. At the time of writing, there are three primary games, two expansion packs, and seven spin-offs. However, a remake of the original Witcher game is in the works, as well as a pair of unknown related properties called “Project Polaris” and “Project Sirius”.
Geralt has also appeared as a guest star in several other popular video game franchises. He was a playable character in Soul Calibur VI and had several guest quests and rewards in Monster Hunter: World. Each time he appeared, he passed through a portal, seemingly unsure of where he was.
Geralt on TV
In the popular Netflix adaptation, The Witcher, Geralt is played by Henry Cavill for the first three seasons. Cavill captures the gravitas and ferocity of Geralt while also showing his more vulnerable side. However, Season Three with Cavill’s last season, and he has turned the reigns over to Liam Hemsworth for the upcoming final season. Though I’m sad to see Cavill go (he WAS Geralt to me, in the way RDJ is Tony Stark), I’m optimistic to see what Hemsworth will do with the character.
Can I Be a Witcher Too?
If you want to play a Witcher on the tabletop, look no further than Matt Mercer’s Blood Hunter class for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. While it isn’t a shot for shot copy, you will get many of the same benefits that Geralt enjoys, thanks to the infusions and blood maledicts available to Blood Hunters. If you prefer your adventurers a little more “princess”, you can check out our breakdown for playing as Ciri right here.
Happy adventuring!
