Just a few days ago, Lauren Hissrich, the showrunner for the Witcher Netflix Series, announced a list of the show’s main characters. While some names (Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri, etc.) were to be expected, some of the names may not be familiar to those who haven’t read the Witcher novels. These characters have never appeared in CD Projekt Red’s games (aside from on Gwent cards).
If you haven’t read Andrzej Sapkowski’s original Polish novels, you may be wondering who these characters are. The reason for this is very likely that the Netflix series, like the early novels, are set before the events of the CD Projekt Red’s games.
Who is Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach?
A Nilfgaardian intelligence officer, Cahir was described by Lauren Hissrich as:
“Conflicted. Charismatic. Haunted. Pure of Heart. Despite-being-young-he’s-like-a-relic-of-a-simpler-time-when-knights-in-shining-armor-always-won-the-girl-but-now-in-the-face-of-harsh-reality-he-must-learn-what-it-means-to-actually-be-heroic-and-brave-for-others.”
Cahir’s inclusion may be a very strong indicator for what the story of the Netflix series will be. Cahir was secretly dispatched by Nilfgaard to find and capture Princess Cirilla (Ciri). She managed to escape him, but suffered nightmares about the “knight with the winged helmet” for a while after. Cahir was sent to jail for his failure and was sentenced to death, but was given one last chance to capture Ciri to save his life. He came close to succeeding, but was bested by Ciri in combat. Cahir later abandoned his mission and eventually travelled with Geralt and his companions, redeeming himself in the process.
Who is Milva?
A human hunter raised by dryads, Milve was described by Lauren Hissrich as:
“Saucy. Savage. Conciliatory. Commonsense. The-epitome-of-the-novels’-shades-of-grey-who-embodies-unrequited-romance-and-also-unbelievable-strength-and-also-the-skills-to-kill-and-also-the-ability-to-crusade-for-peace-and-also-and-also-and-also.”
Milva was an ally and guide for the Scoia’tael, the mainly elven guerrilla group. When Geralt was tended to by dryad healers, Milva was asked to gather information for him and later joined him in his travels, acting as his guide. She travelled with the Witcher and his companions throughout most of their journey to Stygga Castle.
Who is Vilgefortz of Roggeveen?
A powerful mage, and very likely one of the series’ main villains, Vilgefortz was described by Lauren Hissrich as:
“Mercenary. Conspiratorial. Power-hungry. Ruthless. Handsome-as-all-get-out-which-is-important-because-(as-Geralt-says-“one-could-expect-anything-from-a-man-looking-like-this”)-he-is-the-essence-of-evil-hidden-behind-beauty-which-makes-him-very-very-dangerous.”
Vilgefortz was a member of the Chapter of Sorcerers and for a time, their de facto leader. Secretly allied with Emhyr var Emreis, he helped him claim the Nilfgaardian throne, despite being from the Northern Kingdoms, because Emhyr promised him control of the North once he had conquered it. He was the mastermind behind a long-term plot to capture Ciri, and was responsible for hiring Leo Bonhart, another character confirmed to feature in the Netflix series. His confrontation with Geralt and his companions at Stygga Castle was a climax of The Lady of the Lake, the seventh novel of the Witcher series. Those who have played the Blood and Wine DLC for The Witcher III: Wild Hunt may be familiar with parts of this encounter because of conversations that Geralt has with Regis.