A Mysterious Arrival at Wyzim

The witcher, Geralt of Rivia, enters the town of Wyzim, hoping for respite but instead finds hostility due to his origins. A tavern brawl leads to his arrest, but the castellan, Velerad, offers him a task: to lift a curse from a striga, the daughter of King Foltest, born from an incestuous affair. Geralt accepts, understanding the peril and complexity of the task, as it involves not just a monster but a royal scandal.

The Beast's Unexpected Hospitality

On his journey, Geralt encounters Nivellen, a man cursed to live as a beast. Despite his appearance, Nivellen is kind and invites Geralt to dine with him. Nivellen shares his story of being cursed by a priestess and living in solitude, except for the mysterious Vereena, who Geralt suspects is a vampire. Geralt's instincts prove correct, leading to a confrontation that breaks Nivellen's curse, revealing the transformative power of love and truth.

A Tale of Curses and Love

As Geralt learns more about Nivellen's past, he uncovers the truth about Vereena, a bruxa who has enchanted Nivellen. A fierce battle ensues, and Geralt defeats Vereena, breaking the curse. Nivellen returns to human form, realizing that love and blood have the power to lift curses. This tale underscores the themes of redemption and the complexities of love.

A Witcher's Dilemma Unfolds

In Blaviken, Geralt is caught between a sorcerer, Stregobor, and Renfri, a woman seeking revenge. Stregobor claims Renfri is cursed, while she tells a tale of betrayal. Geralt must choose between two evils, each with dire consequences. His decision to intervene leads to a violent confrontation, highlighting the moral complexities and the burden of choice that Geralt faces as a witcher.

The Lesser Evil's Consequence

Despite his reluctance, Geralt confronts Renfri and her outlaws to prevent a massacre. The ensuing battle leaves Renfri and her men dead, and Geralt is branded the "Butcher of Blaviken." This incident forces Geralt to reflect on the nature of evil and the consequences of his choices, shaping his understanding of his role in a world where morality is often ambiguous.

A Royal Promise and Betrayal

Geralt becomes involved in a royal dispute when Urcheon/Duny claims Princess Pavetta through the Law of Surprise. Queen Calanthe resists, leading to chaos when Pavetta's magic erupts. Geralt helps control the situation, breaking Urcheon/Duny's curse and revealing him as Duny. This resolution sets the stage for future alliances and enmities, illustrating the unpredictable nature of promises and destiny.

A Sorceress's Dangerous Ambition

Geralt meets Yennefer, a sorceress seeking to capture a djinn for its power. Her ambition leads to a dangerous confrontation, as she underestimates the djinn's strength. Geralt intervenes to save Yennefer and his friend Dandilion, setting the stage for a complex relationship with the sorceress. This encounter highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the complexities of power.

A Witcher's Unyielding Resolve

Geralt faces moral dilemmas and physical threats as he navigates political intrigue and magical dangers. His encounter with the djinn and Yennefer tests his resolve, forcing him to confront his desires and limitations. Despite the chaos, Geralt remains committed to his duty, using his wit and strength to protect those around him, even at great personal risk.

A Battle of Wits and Magic

The confrontation with the djinn escalates as Yennefer's spells fail. Geralt, realizing the djinn is bound to him, uses his cunning to outsmart both the djinn and Yennefer. The battle becomes one of wits and magic, with Geralt making a wish that changes the course of events, freeing the djinn and saving Yennefer. This clash underscores the themes of power, will, and the unforeseen consequences of ambition.

A Wish That Changes Everything

In desperation, Geralt makes a wish that binds his fate to Yennefer's, saving her from the djinn. This wish creates an unbreakable bond between them, marking a turning point in Geralt's life. As he grapples with the implications of his wish, Geralt is set on a new path, exploring themes of destiny, choice, and the transformative power of love and desire.

Characters

Geralt of Rivia

Geralt is a witcher, navigating a world of moral ambiguity and magical threats. Known for his stoic demeanor and white hair, he grapples with moral dilemmas, often choosing between lesser evils. His encounters with Nivellen, Renfri, and Yennefer highlight his struggle to balance duty with personal ethics. Despite his reputation, Geralt is introspective, seeking to understand the nature of monsters and humanity.

Nivellen

Nivellen, cursed to live as a beast, is kind-hearted despite his appearance. His story of redemption unfolds as Geralt helps him break the curse by confronting Vereena, a vampire. Nivellen's transformation back to human symbolizes change and the impact of genuine affection, illustrating themes of love and redemption.

Renfri

Renfri, marked by the Black Sun prophecy, is both victim and villain, driven by revenge against Stregobor. Her interactions with Geralt reveal her complexity and the blurred lines between good and evil. Her tragic end in Blaviken catalyzes Geralt's reflection on choice and consequence, leaving a lasting impact on his character.

Stregobor

Stregobor, a wizard believing in the Black Sun prophecy, sees Renfri as a threat. His actions highlight the dangers of prejudice and fear. The conflict with Renfri and events in Blaviken demonstrate the complexities of power and ethical dilemmas faced by those who wield it.

Yennefer of Vengerberg

Yennefer seeks power and control, aiming to capture a djinn. Her encounter with Geralt challenges her ambitions and forces her to confront vulnerabilities. The bond formed with Geralt through his wish complicates her life, setting her on a new path and exploring themes of power, desire, and destiny.

Dandilion

Dandilion, Geralt's friend, inadvertently releases a djinn, endangering his life. His involvement with Yennefer and the djinn tests his friendship with Geralt, highlighting his vulnerability in a world of magic and danger. Dandilion provides a lighter, human perspective amidst the chaos.

Urcheon/Duny

Urcheon/Duny, revealed as Duny, claims Princess Pavetta through the Law of Surprise. His curse leads to conflict, but with Geralt's help, it is broken, revealing his true form. Urcheon/Duny's story sets the stage for future alliances, illustrating themes of destiny and redemption.

Queen Calanthe

Queen Calanthe is determined to protect her daughter and kingdom, even if it means breaking promises. Her interactions with Geralt and Urcheon/Duny reveal her cunning and willingness to make difficult decisions for her realm's sake, embodying the challenges of leadership and sacrifice.

Plot Devices

The Law of Surprise

The Law of Surprise is a traditional custom binding characters through unexpected promises. It plays a crucial role, creating connections and conflicts that drive the narrative, highlighting themes of fate and choice as characters grapple with the implications of promises and unforeseen outcomes.

The Black Sun Prophecy

The Black Sun prophecy foretells the birth of cursed girls destined for destruction. It influences the conflict between Stregobor and Renfri, raising questions about destiny, prejudice, and evil. The prophecy challenges characters to confront fears and biases, underscoring moral ambiguity and superstition's consequences.

The Djinn

The djinn represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of seeking power. Its presence challenges characters, forcing them to confront desires and limitations. The djinn's role highlights themes of power, will, and the unforeseen consequences of ambition.

The Wish

Geralt's wish, made in desperation, binds his fate to Yennefer's, changing events' course. This plot device highlights themes of destiny and choice, as characters grapple with their actions' implications, exploring the transformative power of love and desire.

Analysis

"The Last Wish" explores themes of moral ambiguity, destiny, and the complexities of human nature. Through Geralt's journey, the narrative delves into the blurred lines between good and evil, the burden of choice, and the unforeseen consequences of actions. The characters' struggles with curses, prophecies, and desires reflect the challenges of navigating a world where morality is not black and white. The book emphasizes the power of love, redemption, and the impact of genuine connections, while also questioning the nature of fate and the role of free will. Sapkowski's storytelling weaves a rich tapestry of fantasy, philosophy, and human emotion, inviting readers to ponder the nature of evil and the choices that define us.

Last updated: January 5, 2025