The Ambiguous Fate of Yennefer and Geralt in 'The Witcher'

In the rich tapestry of 'The Witcher' universe, the interactions and fates of beloved characters like Yennefer and Geralt often leave fans questioning the ultimate resolution of their storylines. A central debate revolves around the events following Ciri's powerful interventions, particularly in the context of the Lady of the Lake and later retcons.

Resurrection Through Ciri's Magic

The narrative within 'The Witcher' presents a complex scenario where Ciri, with her vast powers, uses a portal to create a mystical realm. This realm is often interpreted as an afterlife or a form of limbo. In this realm, Ciri encounters Yennefer and Geralt, who appear to be alive but not in their original forms. This event raises fundamental questions about life, death, and the nature of resurrection in the series. The cycle of life and death presented in the story suggests that characters can exist in different states, rather than a straightforward resurrection.

Conflicting Accounts in 'The Lady of the Lake'

In the novel 'The Lady of the Lake,' Ciri reveals to Sir Galahad that her friends died in her arms, but then she tells him that they lived and got married. This conflicting account leaves readers with more questions than answers. It is implied that Ciri may have been lying about the isolation island where she claimed they were meant to get married, suggesting that they might have died after all.

Manipulation of Space-Time and Retcons

Ciri is known for her powerful manipulations of space-time. Given that the events in the Witcher games after 'The Lady of the Lake' involve both Geralt and Yennefer, it is plausible to consider retcons that address their fate. One possible interpretation suggests that Geralt and Yennefer died, and Ciri sent their souls to an afterlife. However, Ciri's subsequent claim that they were alive might have involved rewriting space-time, leading to a resurrection that inadvertently resulted in memory issues. This theory aligns with the timeline and the inconsistencies in some of the storylines, such as Yennefer's delayed appearance and Geralt's memory lapses.

Transport to Avallach and Post-Death Realities

An alternative theory suggests that Ciri saw the deaths of Geralt and Yennefer and transported them to Avallach, which she cannot visit. In Avallach, they might have recovered from their deaths but ended up in a rather odd situation, especially considering their history. It is proposed that a spell of forgetfulness was cast upon Geralt, either by the inhabitants of Avallach or by Yennefer, as a form of punishment for forgetting her. This spell could have led to Geralt's amnesia and his subsequent infidelity with Triss, as seen in the games.

Overall, the fate of Geralt and Yennefer in 'The Witcher' presents a multifaceted narrative. While the manipulation of space-time and the afterlife interpretations provide a rich context for these events, the most plausible explanation seems to involve Ciri's retcons leading to a more complex reality where life and death are not as definitive as they might seem at first glance.