An original analysis of the legendary work of the author of The Witcher, by a medieval literature specialist
‘How does the legend of Geralt and Ciri end? But everyone knows that!’
The remark by a secondary character in The Witcher sums up all the issues raised in the saga written by Andrzej Sapkowski.
This essay examines how The Witcher constructs its own legend: how does it become at once source, material and result in this polyphonic work?
Novels and short stories, video games and series adaptations develop narratives that are at once complementary, contradictory and yet inseparable, recounting the adventures of the witcher Geralt, his adopted daughter Cirilla, the sorcerer Yennefer, the bard Jaskier and a host of other characters. Each version blends elements of real-life inspiration with fantasy aspects, bringing history and stories together.
The Witcher is thus a legendary story in the making, woven from myths and developed through a transmedia bundle, and forms a vast collection of tales glorifying the exploits of heroes - in other words, a legend.
