"The Time of the White Frost and White Light Approaches. The Time of Madness and Disdain. Tedd Deireádh. The Final Age. The World will Perish Amidst Ice and be Reborn with the New Sun. Reborn of the Elder Blood, of Hen Ichaer, of a Planted Seed. A Seed that will not Sprout but Burst into Flames! Ess'tuath esse! Thus it shall be! Watch for the signs! What signs these shall be, I say unto you: first the Earth will flow with the blood of Aen Seidhe, the Blood of Elves..."
— Ithlinne's Prophecy
"The sword of destiny has two edges. You are one of them."
— Sword of Destiny
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Short Stories
"Evil is evil, Stregobor. Lesser, greater, middling, it's all the same. Proportions are negotiated, boundaries blurred. I'm not a pious hermit, I haven't done only good in my life. But if I'm to choose between one evil and another, then I prefer not to choose at all."
— Geralt of Rivia (The Lesser Evil)
"You don't believe in it, you say. Well you're right, in a way. Only Evil and Greater Evil exist and beyond them, in the shadows, lurks True Evil. True Evil, Geralt, is something you can barely imagine, even if you believe nothing can still surprise you. And sometimes True Evil seizes you by the throat and demands that you choose between it and another, slightly lesser, Evil."
— Renfri (The Lesser Evil)
"People, like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves. When they get blind-drunk, cheat, steal, beat their wives, starve an old woman, when they kill a trapped fox with an axe or riddle the last existing unicorn with arrows, they like to think that the Bane entering cottages at daybreak is more monstrous than they are. They feel better then. They find it easier to live."
— Geralt of Rivia (The Last Wish)
"You're pathetic, with your little stolen sacks of seeds on pack horses, your handfuls of grain, the tiny crumbs on which you plan to survive. All of your supposed callings which will turn aside your impending annihilation. Because you know this is the end. Nothing will sprout or yield up crops to you on the plateau, nothing will save you now. Nothing besides your famed longevity. Well live long then, live long in arrogant isolation, until there are fewer and fewer of you; growing weaker and weaker and all the more bitter. And you know damn well what will happen then, Filavandrel. Desperate young men with the eyes of hundred year old's and withered, barren girls like Touruviel will lead those who can still hold a sword and bow in their hands, down into the valleys. You'll wish to meet your end honourably in battle, not in sick beds of misery, where anaemia, tuberculosis and scurvy will send you. Then, oh long-living Aen Seidhe, you'll remember me. You'll remember that I pitied you. And you'll understand that I was right."
— Geralt of Rivia (The Edge of the World)
"Not this war, Geralt. After this war, no-one returns. There will be nothing to return to. Nilfgaard leaves behind it only rubble; its armies advance like lava from which no-one escapes. The roads are strewn, for miles, with gallows and pyres; the sky is cut with columns of smoke as long as the horizon. Since the beginning of the world, in fact, nothing of this sort has happened before. Since the world is our world... You must understand that the Nilfgaardians have descended from their mountains to destroy this world."
— Dandelion (Something More)
Blood of Elves
Yarpen Zigren: We have to live next to each other. We and you, humans. Because we simply don’t have any other option. We’ve known this for two hundred years and we’ve been working towards it for over a hundred. You want to know why I entered King Henselt’s service, why I made such a decision? I can’t allow all that work to go to waste. For over a hundred years we’ve been trying to come to terms with the humans. The halflings, gnomes, us, even the elves – I’m not talking about rusalkas, nymphs and sylphs, they’ve always been savages, even when you weren’t here. Damn it all, it took a hundred years but, somehow or other, we managed to live a common life, next to each other, together. We managed to partially convince humans that we’re not so very different.
Cirilla: We’re not different at all, Yarpen. We’re not different at all. After all, you think and feel like Geralt. And like… like I do. We eat the same things, from the same pot. You help Triss and so do I. You had a grandmother and I had a grandmother… My grandmother was killed by the Nilfgaardians. In Cintra.
Yarpen: And mine by the humans. In Brugge. During the pogrom.
Cirilla: We’re not different at all, Yarpen. We’re not different at all. After all, you think and feel like Geralt. And like… like I do. We eat the same things, from the same pot. You help Triss and so do I. You had a grandmother and I had a grandmother… My grandmother was killed by the Nilfgaardians. In Cintra.
Yarpen: And mine by the humans. In Brugge. During the pogrom.
"Magic is chaos, an art and a science, a curse, a blessing and progress."
— Yennefer of Vengerberg
Tower of the Swallow
"One hand washes the other. Freedom and contempt have their limits. In the end, it is always the case that one is someone else's tool."
— Mistle
"You cannot do it. You cannot do it, witcheress. In Kaer Morhen, they taught you to kill, so you kill like a machine. Instinctively. To kill yourself takes character, strength, determination and courage. But that, that they could not teach you."
— Leo Bonhart
Fulk Artevelde: You should know, sir witcher, that I've promised myself that the law will prevail in this region. At any cost and by any means, per fas et nefas. Because the law is not the jurisprudence, not a thick book full of paragraphs of philosophical treatises, no driveling fantasies of justice, no hackneyed phrases of morality and ethics. The law is safe highways and roads. You can walk safely through the streets in this city, even after dark. You can go to the lavatory in the inns and taverns and leave your purse and wife at the table. The law is the quiet sleep of people who are sure that they will be awakened by the crowing of the cock, not the red rooster! And for those who break the law – the rope, the hatchet, and the red-hot iron! A punishment that deters others. Those who break the law have to take their punishment. With all available means and methods... Hey, witcher! I can see disapproval painted on your face; do you dislike my methods or their targets? I think the methods! Because the methods are easy to criticize, but do you want to live in a safe world or not? Well, answer!
Geralt of Rivia: I have nothing to say.
Fulk: I think you do.
Geralt: I, Lord Fulk, even like the world you’re envisioning and imagining.
Fulk: Really? Your face is evidence of something else.
Geralt: The world in your imagination is the perfect world for a witcher. It will never lack work for a witcher. Instead of law books, paragraphs, and driveling fantasies of justice, your world brings lawlessness, anarchy, despotism, the selfishness of petty kings and autocrats, the over-zealousness of careerists who wish to win favor with their superiors, the blind vengeance of fanatics, the cruelty of vigilante justice, and revenge, sadistic revenge. Your vision is a world of fear, where people fear to leave their houses after dark – not for fear of bandits, but of the guardians of the law, because large-scale bandit hunts always lead to the fact that the bandits join the ranks of law enforcement en bloc. Your vision is a world of bribery and the provocation of the press, a world of witnesses and false witnesses. A world of spying and forced confessions. Denunciation and fear of denunciation. And, inevitably, the day will come in your world when the wrong person has their breast torn out with pincers, and innocent people will be hanged or impaled. And, then, it will be a world of crime. In short, a world in which a witcher would feel like a fish in water.
Geralt of Rivia: I have nothing to say.
Fulk: I think you do.
Geralt: I, Lord Fulk, even like the world you’re envisioning and imagining.
Fulk: Really? Your face is evidence of something else.
Geralt: The world in your imagination is the perfect world for a witcher. It will never lack work for a witcher. Instead of law books, paragraphs, and driveling fantasies of justice, your world brings lawlessness, anarchy, despotism, the selfishness of petty kings and autocrats, the over-zealousness of careerists who wish to win favor with their superiors, the blind vengeance of fanatics, the cruelty of vigilante justice, and revenge, sadistic revenge. Your vision is a world of fear, where people fear to leave their houses after dark – not for fear of bandits, but of the guardians of the law, because large-scale bandit hunts always lead to the fact that the bandits join the ranks of law enforcement en bloc. Your vision is a world of bribery and the provocation of the press, a world of witnesses and false witnesses. A world of spying and forced confessions. Denunciation and fear of denunciation. And, inevitably, the day will come in your world when the wrong person has their breast torn out with pincers, and innocent people will be hanged or impaled. And, then, it will be a world of crime. In short, a world in which a witcher would feel like a fish in water.
"I know what evil is afraid of. Not your ethics, Vysogota, not your preaching or moral treaties on the life of dignity. Evil is afraid of pain, mutilation, suffering, and, at the end of the day, death! The dog howls when it is badly wounded! Writhing on the ground and growls, watching the blood flow from its veins and arteries; seeing the bone that sticks out from a stump; watching its guts escape its open belly; feeling the cold as death is about to take them. Then, and only then, will evil begin to beg, 'Have mercy! I regret my sins! I'll be good, I swear! Just save me, do not let me waste away!' Yes, hermit. That is the way to fight evil! When evil wants to harm you, inflict pain – anticipate them, it’s best if evil does not expect it. But if you fail to prevent evil, if you have been hurt by evil, then avenge him! It is best when they have already forgotten, when they feel safe. Then, pay them in double. In triple. An eye for an eye? No! Both eyes for an eye! A tooth for a tooth? No! All their teeth for a tooth! Repay evil! Make it wail in pain, howling until their eyes pop from their sockets. And then, you can look under your feet and boldly declare that what is there cannot endanger anyone, cannot hurt anyone. How can someone be a danger when they have no eyes? How can someone hurt when they have no hands? They can only wait until they bleed to death."
— Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon
The Lady of the Lake
"A strange thing, fate. Goodbye, my daughter."
— Emhyr var Emreis, Deithwen Addan yn Carn aep Morvudd, the White Flame Dancing on the Barrows of his Enemies
"This Lodge, is to decide the fate of the world. So, this Lodge must reflect the world. Here, equilibrium and wisdom does not always mean cold and selfish, calculation and vileness, and sentimentality is not always naive. On one hand, iron discipline, and on the other, responsibility, resistance to violence, gentleness, and trust. Cool reason... And heart."
— Philippa Eilhart
The Witcher
"Death, the final judgement. The Beast has met its end once. It doesn't fear death, it is death. How will you defeat human villainy? With your sword? You who died and still walk amongst the living?"
— Eredin Bréacc Glas AKA The King of the Wild Hunt (speaking through Alvin)
The Professor: (as he's released from his cell, he notices our protagonist behind bars and can't resist a parting taunt) How ironic, our paths cross again! So near and yet so far. Fear not, witcher, we'll meet again, I assure you...
Geralt of Rivia: (to Vincent Meis, the Captain of the City Guards) You're making a mistake. This man's a murderer.
Professor: You fail to grasp the basic rules governing this world. You're a genetically modified killer with no place in modern society. But we'll tend to that problem next time. Farewell.
Geralt: (Beat) I can't wait.
Geralt of Rivia: (to Vincent Meis, the Captain of the City Guards) You're making a mistake. This man's a murderer.
Professor: You fail to grasp the basic rules governing this world. You're a genetically modified killer with no place in modern society. But we'll tend to that problem next time. Farewell.
Geralt: (Beat) I can't wait.
Bernard 'Thaler' Ducat: Enjoying yourself?
Geralt of Rivia: Exquisitely. Not enough food, nowhere to sit, and nothing but small talk. And I may be the only one not involved in one of the many schemes or secret alliances being forged.
Thaler: It's a sign of the times. New customs and fashions. You think it better to show the Nilfgaardian we're barbarians? that we can't distinguish between a fork and a comb? That the only way we know how to feast is to get blind drunk and roar lusty songs while slapping the serving wenches on their arse...?
Geralt: I'm a relic, someone from the past, so I'm rather attached to the old customs. Never understood nor liked the new ones. But really, Thaler. Why are you here?
Thaler: I'm a patriot. I've the good of the kingdom at heart. A kingdom threatened by the schemes and alliances you were observant enough to note.
Geralt: I said I was an old-fashioned witcher. Be straight, like Thaler the fence would be.
Thaler: Thaler the fence does nothing for free.
Geralt: Thaler the fence is a scoundrel who'd prefer the Temple District not know he consorts with the cream of Vizima society.
Thaler: Have it your way. let me tell you, friend - a serious slashfest is in the works, one without pardon. The defeated will be picked apart by crows. You'll be forced to fight for a new order, comrade - or against it. We will fight for our traditions and customs, for our land and our women.
Geralt: Who's this enemy? Who wants to steal our women?
Thaler: I wouldn't deceive you - I think you're one of us, it's a cause we share. I don't know the enemy yet, but I will soon, and when I do... the Time of the Sword and Axe will come, blood will flow in the streets. And know this, comrade, there will be no room for your neutrality.
Geralt of Rivia: Exquisitely. Not enough food, nowhere to sit, and nothing but small talk. And I may be the only one not involved in one of the many schemes or secret alliances being forged.
Thaler: It's a sign of the times. New customs and fashions. You think it better to show the Nilfgaardian we're barbarians? that we can't distinguish between a fork and a comb? That the only way we know how to feast is to get blind drunk and roar lusty songs while slapping the serving wenches on their arse...?
Geralt: I'm a relic, someone from the past, so I'm rather attached to the old customs. Never understood nor liked the new ones. But really, Thaler. Why are you here?
Thaler: I'm a patriot. I've the good of the kingdom at heart. A kingdom threatened by the schemes and alliances you were observant enough to note.
Geralt: I said I was an old-fashioned witcher. Be straight, like Thaler the fence would be.
Thaler: Thaler the fence does nothing for free.
Geralt: Thaler the fence is a scoundrel who'd prefer the Temple District not know he consorts with the cream of Vizima society.
Thaler: Have it your way. let me tell you, friend - a serious slashfest is in the works, one without pardon. The defeated will be picked apart by crows. You'll be forced to fight for a new order, comrade - or against it. We will fight for our traditions and customs, for our land and our women.
Geralt: Who's this enemy? Who wants to steal our women?
Thaler: I wouldn't deceive you - I think you're one of us, it's a cause we share. I don't know the enemy yet, but I will soon, and when I do... the Time of the Sword and Axe will come, blood will flow in the streets. And know this, comrade, there will be no room for your neutrality.
"Kneel, Geralt of Rivia, White Wolf. You traveled a long path, fraught with danger. You demonstrated courage and goodness. By divine power, I hereby knight you. Face your enemies without fear. Safeguard the helpless. Never lie, even if it means your death. That is your oath. Arise a knight. Destiny will give you no rest. A long road lies ahead. I see death and blood. I see frosty chaos. Take this sword as a sign of my favour. Once the blade of a great warrior, it lay in the depths for ages, awaiting your arrival. It matters not if you believe in Destiny. With the blade I present you, you will complete your mission. Go, White Wolf, and do what must be done."
— The Lady of the Lake
Yaevinn: Look into my eyes, dh'oine, and you will see your death.
Geralt of Rivia: I see a blind fanatic about to perish.
Yaevinn: Silence, traitor. You've delivered death too often. Retribution awaits.
Geralt: You might be able to brainwash young elves with your slogans, but they don't impress me, nor did they impress those you murdered.
Yaevinn: I was wrong about you. You're a blind, rabid dog biting anything that moves. Someone needs to finish you off.
Geralt of Rivia: I see a blind fanatic about to perish.
Yaevinn: Silence, traitor. You've delivered death too often. Retribution awaits.
Geralt: You might be able to brainwash young elves with your slogans, but they don't impress me, nor did they impress those you murdered.
Yaevinn: I was wrong about you. You're a blind, rabid dog biting anything that moves. Someone needs to finish you off.
"Reflect on your deeds, witcher. I stood near you when you arrived at Kaer Morhen, an omen of its downfall. I observed as you judged the villagers of the Outskirts, leaving only blood and fire behind you. You brought death upon Raymond, endangered Shani mindful of only your goals. Chaos followed in your wake. You slaughtered dozens with your witcher's sword. You helped create the foundations of the Order's fanatical reign. You left Vizima in chaos, only to bring destruction on Murky Waters. Every one of your decisions brought further devastation, each choice you made led to greater evil. Vizima blazes, the Order and the Scoia'tael bleed Temeria. Does your neutrality not taste bitter?"
— The King of the Wild Hunt's "The Reason You Suck" Speech / Hannibal Lecture to Geralt's neutral path
Geralt of Rivia: Stop!
Eredin, The King of the Wild Hunt: Do not deny it, witcher! You are my greatest champion! A perfect means of destruction. Wherever you walk, Death and Chaos follow. Now, as it was years ago... Accept it! Do not fight it... Give up to me yet another man you destroyed...
Geralt: Jacques de Aldersberg is mine.
Eredin: You dare to oppose me. I sense your weakness, as your life seeps from your wounds... With every drop, death draws nearer... You stand no chance against me... Yield to me!
Geralt: Never.
Eredin, The King of the Wild Hunt: Do not deny it, witcher! You are my greatest champion! A perfect means of destruction. Wherever you walk, Death and Chaos follow. Now, as it was years ago... Accept it! Do not fight it... Give up to me yet another man you destroyed...
Geralt: Jacques de Aldersberg is mine.
Eredin: You dare to oppose me. I sense your weakness, as your life seeps from your wounds... With every drop, death draws nearer... You stand no chance against me... Yield to me!
Geralt: Never.
The Witcher II: Assassins of Kings
"I carry out orders others are incapable of executing."
— Vernon Roche
"You saved my life, White Wolf. We fought side by side, now we'll cross blades."
— Letho of Gulet, the Kingslayer
"Sooner or later Humans will kill off all the Aen Seidhe, all Dwarves and Gnomes, then they'll start murdering one another. Your kind knows no other way, it's in your genes. You'll keep killing each other until only one remains; the strongest among you. A thousand years from now, a dimwitted Human barbarian will climb to the top of a pile of bones, sit down and proclaim 'I win'."
— Iorveth
Geralt of Rivia: They say there are no innocents at war.
Baron Ravanen Kimbolt: Indeed. At war there is but the cause you fight for. A higher cause. Though they also say that war is a refuge for the cursed. An asylum for those stripped of heart and soul.
Geralt: A higher calling... beautiful concept. Except I remember the knights who stormed La Valette Castle. High-born men fighting atop high walls. They were out to kill for fame, fortune and pure enjoyment. I was also at Vergen, where simple soldiers went into battle clutching false relics to their breast. If there's one thing I love about being a witcher, it's that I never have to draw my sword on someone else's command.
Kimbolt: You're a paid thug. Even if you refuse to acknowledge it. That murky set of principles, values call them, you cast them in the nearest corner when the price is right.
Geralt: I am not for sale.
Kimbolt: I'm not talking about coin, witcher. As a freak, you want what you're most often denied. Camaraderie, respect, love. That is your price!
Baron Ravanen Kimbolt: Indeed. At war there is but the cause you fight for. A higher cause. Though they also say that war is a refuge for the cursed. An asylum for those stripped of heart and soul.
Geralt: A higher calling... beautiful concept. Except I remember the knights who stormed La Valette Castle. High-born men fighting atop high walls. They were out to kill for fame, fortune and pure enjoyment. I was also at Vergen, where simple soldiers went into battle clutching false relics to their breast. If there's one thing I love about being a witcher, it's that I never have to draw my sword on someone else's command.
Kimbolt: You're a paid thug. Even if you refuse to acknowledge it. That murky set of principles, values call them, you cast them in the nearest corner when the price is right.
Geralt: I am not for sale.
Kimbolt: I'm not talking about coin, witcher. As a freak, you want what you're most often denied. Camaraderie, respect, love. That is your price!
