Witchers & Their Origins

Understand Witchers and their origins in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition. Learn about their mutations, training, and place in the world.

Witchers are a dying breed, genetically mutated and rigorously trained to be monster slayers for hire. Their existence is a product of ancient rituals and arcane alchemy, designed to imbue them with superhuman strength, speed, reflexes, and senses, along with a degree of magical aptitude and resistance to disease and poisons. Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, is one of the last of his kind.

The process of becoming a Witcher is brutal and often fatal. Young boys, typically orphans or those given up by their families, are subjected to a series of dangerous trials. The most infamous of these is the Trial of the Grasses, a mutagenic concoction that drastically alters their physiology. Only a fraction of those who undergo this trial survive, and fewer still emerge with their minds intact. Those who do are then subjected to further alchemical treatments and intense combat training.

This rigorous upbringing instills in Witchers a unique perspective on the world. They are often viewed with suspicion and fear by common folk, seen as unnatural beings who consort with monsters. While they are bound by a code to protect humanity from the creatures that plague it, their neutrality in human affairs is a core tenet of their order, though this is often tested by the complex political landscape Geralt navigates.

The Witcher schools, such as the School of the Wolf (Geralt's school), the School of the Cat, and the School of the Griffin, each had their own traditions, training methods, and even philosophical leanings. However, many of these schools have been destroyed or disbanded over the centuries, further contributing to the dwindling number of active Witchers. The events of The Witcher 2 often highlight the decline of the Witcher profession and the challenges faced by its remaining members.

Geralt's personal journey in The Witcher 2 is deeply intertwined with his identity as a Witcher. He is constantly reminded of his unique nature, the prejudices he faces, and the burden of his responsibilities. Understanding the origins and purpose of Witchers provides crucial context for Geralt's actions, his relationships, and the overarching narrative of the game.

Key Aspects of Witcher Lore:

• Mutagenic Trials: The dangerous alchemical and physical processes that create Witchers.
• Superhuman Abilities: Enhanced strength, speed, senses, and resilience.
• Social Stigma: Often feared and mistrusted by humans.
• Witcher Schools: Distinct training grounds and traditions (e.g., School of the Wolf).
• Neutrality: A core principle, though frequently challenged.