Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Variable
- Mood
- Gritty, Dark, Adventurous, Philosophical, Humorous
- Read it if
- You enjoy dark fantasy, morally grey protagonists, monster hunting, and a collection of interconnected short stories that build a rich world.
- Skip it if
- You prefer a single, continuous narrative rather than episodic adventures, or if you dislike morally ambiguous characters and grim themes.
The Last Wish Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Voice of Reason 1
Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, recovers in the temple of Melitele after severe injuries from a striga. Nenneke, the high priestess, cares for him, but Geralt is restless, troubled by nightmares and memories. The framing narrative, 'The Voice of Reason,' mixes his recovery with flashbacks to various monster-hunting contracts. In this first part, Geralt remembers meeting Iola, a silent novice at the temple, and his talks with Nenneke about his calling and the nature of good and evil where monsters are often misunderstood and humans can be more monstrous.
The Witcher
Geralt arrives in Vizima, the capital of Temeria, to deal with a striga terrorizing the city. King Foltest's daughter, Adda, was born cursed and transforms into a monstrous striga at night, preying on people. Geralt learns that Foltest, despite the danger, refuses to let anyone kill her, hoping for a cure. Geralt accepts the contract, but instead of slaying the creature, he aims to lift the curse. He spends a night in the old royal palace, the striga's lair, confronting the creature until dawn, breaking the curse and restoring Adda to human form, though she remains feral.
The Voice of Reason 2
Back at the temple, Geralt continues his recovery and talks with Nenneke. She questions him about the moral ambiguities of his work, especially his involvement in political schemes and the unforeseen results of his actions. Geralt recounts Princess Adda's story, highlighting his decision to save her instead of killing her, despite the risk. He reflects on the Witcher's code and its limits, dealing with the concept of lesser evils and the difficulty of staying neutral in a world full of complex moral choices. Iola, the novice, continues to watch him silently.
A Grain of Truth
While traveling, Geralt finds two dead merchants. Following tracks, he reaches a secluded manor inhabited by Nivellen, a man cursed to look like a beast. Nivellen lives with several monstrous, but seemingly harmless, female companions – a rusalka, a bruxa, and a vampire. He admits to having raped a priestess, leading to his transformation. Geralt first suspects Nivellen, but soon realizes that one of Nivellen's companions, Vereena, a bruxa, is the true monster, responsible for the murders. Geralt confronts and kills Vereena, which breaks Nivellen's curse, restoring him to human form.
The Voice of Reason 3
Geralt continues his recovery, thinking about Nivellen's story. He discusses with Nenneke the blurred lines between human and monster, and how appearances can deceive. He considers how Nivellen, despite his monstrous form, showed more humanity than many 'normal' people, while Vereena, beautiful and alluring, was truly evil. Nenneke challenges Geralt's detached view, urging him to acknowledge the emotional cost of his work. Geralt feels a growing connection with Iola, who, despite her silence, seems to understand him. Geralt wonders if he will ever escape the consequences of his actions.
The Lesser Evil
Geralt arrives in Blaviken and meets the sorcerer Stregobor, who asks for his help. Stregobor believes Princess Renfri, a cursed 'Black Sun' child, will bring destruction and wants Geralt to kill her. Renfri, now a bandit leader known as Shrike, comes to Blaviken, seeking revenge on Stregobor. Geralt tries to mediate, urging Renfri to stop her violent path. However, Renfri plans to massacre the townspeople to draw Stregobor out. Faced with choosing between a potential future evil and an immediate atrocity, Geralt kills Renfri and her gang in the marketplace to prevent the massacre, earning him the name 'Butcher of Blaviken'.
The Voice of Reason 4
The 'Butcher of Blaviken' incident troubles Geralt. He tells Nenneke about the traumatic event, expressing his despair at being forced into a situation where all choices were terrible. He questions the 'lesser evil' idea, feeling that he only chose the most immediate evil. Nenneke tries to comfort him, reminding him of his intention to save innocent lives. Geralt feels the weight of public opinion and the permanent stain on his reputation. Iola, seeing his pain, offers silent comfort, deepening their unspoken bond. Geralt wonders if he will ever escape the results of his actions.
A Question of Price
Geralt attends the wedding feast of Queen Calanthe's daughter, Pavetta, in Cintra. A mysterious knight named Duny, cursed to appear as a hedgehog-like creature, crashes the feast, claiming Pavetta as his bride due to the Law of Surprise, having saved her father years ago. Geralt intervenes when Calanthe's knights attack Duny. Pavetta reveals her love for Duny and her latent magical powers manifest violently. Geralt helps calm the situation, and the curse on Duny breaks when Calanthe accepts their union. As a reward, Duny offers Geralt anything, and Geralt invokes the Law of Surprise, unknowingly claiming the unborn Ciri.
The Voice of Reason 5
As his recovery ends, Geralt thinks about the Law of Surprise and his fated connection to Ciri. He tells Nenneke he is skeptical about destiny, despite his life being shaped by such events. He admits his fear of claiming Ciri, a child he has never met, and the responsibility it brings. Nenneke, who believes in destiny, urges him to accept his fate. Geralt decides to leave the temple and avoid Cintra, hoping to circumvent destiny, but a sense of unease remains, hinting at future events.
The Edge of the World
Geralt and his bard Dandelion journey to a remote valley to investigate a 'devil' stealing crops. They meet Toruviel, an elven archer, and her community, who struggle against human encroachment and the loss of their way of life. They find the 'devil' is a sylvan named Torque, who is being coerced by an ancient entity known as the 'Queen of the Fields' to steal for her. Geralt, seeing the sylvan is not malicious, tries to resolve the situation peacefully. After a confrontation with Torque and the unseen Queen's influence, Geralt and Dandelion leave, letting the sylvan face his fate.
The Last Wish
While fishing, Dandelion accidentally unleashes a djinn from an ancient artifact. The djinn, a powerful elemental, injures Dandelion and causes chaos. Geralt, trying to save Dandelion, seeks help from the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg, known for her beauty and magic. Yennefer, recognizing the djinn's power, tries to capture it for herself. A magical battle occurs between Yennefer and the djinn, putting Dandelion's life in danger. To save Yennefer from the djinn's power, Geralt makes his third and final wish: a wish that binds his destiny with Yennefer's, creating a strong, though difficult, bond between them.
The Last Wish Characters
Geralt of Rivia
Protagonist
A Witcher, a mutated monster hunter bound by a complex moral code.
Geralt is a professional monster slayer, highly skilled in combat and magic. He is stoic, cynical, and often struggles with the moral ambiguities of his profession, frequently finding that humans can be more monstrous than the creatures he hunts. Despite his detached demeanor, he possesses a deep sense of justice and compassion, particularly for the innocent and the downtrodden. He adheres to a strict, though sometimes flexible, Witcher's code, which guides his actions and often puts him at odds with societal norms. He is haunted by his past and the difficult choices he is forced to make.
Relationships: Nenneke (mentor, confidante, mother figure); Dandelion (best friend, traveling companion); Yennefer of Vengerberg (lover, fated companion, tumultuous relationship); Ciri (child of destiny, adopted daughter (implied)); King Foltest (client, ruler of Temeria); Renfri (tragic antagonist, victim of circumstance)
Nenneke
Supporting
High priestess of the Temple of Melitele and Geralt's surrogate mother.
Nenneke is a wise, pragmatic, and deeply caring woman who runs the Temple of Melitele. She acts as a mentor and mother figure to Geralt, often providing him with medical aid, counsel, and a safe haven. She is not afraid to challenge Geralt's cynical worldview or his attempts at neutrality, pushing him to confront the emotional and moral implications of his actions. She is a strong believer in destiny and tradition, often contrasting with Geralt's more skeptical outlook, yet their bond is one of profound mutual respect and affection.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (surrogate son, confidante, patient); Iola (novice under her care)
Dandelion (Jaskier)
Supporting
A flamboyant bard and Geralt's best friend.
Dandelion is a charming, witty, and often self-serving poet and musician. He is Geralt's closest companion, providing comic relief and a stark contrast to Geralt's stoicism. Despite his often-frivolous nature and penchant for trouble, Dandelion is fiercely loyal to Geralt and possesses a keen, if sometimes superficial, understanding of human nature. He frequently chronicles Geralt's exploits, often embellishing them, and serves as a vital connection for Geralt to the wider world and its social intricacies. His presence often lightens Geralt's burden, though he can also inadvertently lead Geralt into complications.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (best friend, traveling companion); Yennefer of Vengerberg (acquaintance, occasional rival for Geralt's attention)
Yennefer of Vengerberg
Supporting
A powerful and beautiful sorceress, Geralt's fated love.
Yennefer is a formidable sorceress, known for her immense magical power, striking beauty (achieved through magic), and sharp wit. She is independent, ambitious, and often manipulative, but beneath her cold exterior lies a desire for love and connection, particularly for a child. Her past, marked by physical deformity and societal rejection, has shaped her into a fiercely proud and sometimes ruthless individual. She has a complex and passionate relationship with Geralt, often marked by conflict but also undeniable affection and a deep, fated bond.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (lover, fated companion, tumultuous relationship); Dandelion (acquaintance, tolerated by her)
Renfri
Supporting
A cursed princess turned bandit leader, known as Shrike.
Renfri is a tragic figure, a princess born under the 'Black Sun' curse, believed to be destined for evil. Abused and hunted from a young age due to this prophecy, she becomes a ruthless bandit leader seeking revenge on those who wronged her, particularly the sorcerer Stregobor. Despite her violent path, she retains a sense of innocence and vulnerability, making her fate all the more poignant. She represents the idea that prophecies can be self-fulfilling due to the fear and persecution they inspire, rather than inherent evil.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (antagonist, reluctant executioner); Stregobor (arch-nemesis)
King Foltest
Mentioned
The King of Temeria, whose daughter is cursed.
King Foltest is the ruler of Temeria and the father of Princess Adda, who was cursed to become a striga. Despite the danger and the pleas of his advisors, Foltest refuses to allow anyone to kill his daughter, demonstrating a deep, if perhaps misguided, paternal love and hope for her cure. He represents the human element of power and the emotional complexities that can override pragmatic decisions, even when faced with monstrous threats. His actions highlight the moral dilemmas Geralt often faces.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (client); Adda (daughter, victim of a curse)
Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon)
Mentioned
The Child Surprise, Geralt's destiny.
Ciri is introduced as the unborn child of Princess Pavetta and Duny (Emhyr var Emreis), unknowingly claimed by Geralt through the Law of Surprise. She is a figure of destiny, intrinsically linked to Geralt's future. Though only a baby or young child in this collection, her significance is immense, representing the powerful forces of fate and the responsibilities Geralt tries to avoid. Her existence foreshadows the deeper narrative of the Witcher saga, where she becomes a central character with powerful Elder Blood.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (fated adopted daughter, child of destiny); Pavetta (mother); Duny (Emhyr var Emreis) (father)
Nivellen
Supporting
A man cursed to appear as a beast, living with monstrous companions.
Nivellen is a man cursed to resemble a beast after desecrating a temple and raping a priestess. He lives in isolation in a manor, surrounded by seemingly monstrous, yet mostly harmless, female companions. He is articulate, self-aware of his monstrous appearance, and initially appears to be the 'monster' Geralt is seeking. However, he demonstrates a surprising degree of humanity and even charm, highlighting the theme that appearances can be deceiving. His curse is tied to true love, which he finds in the form of the bruxa, Vereena, though her love proves deadly.
Relationships: Geralt of Rivia (investigator, temporary ally); Vereena (lover, true monster)
The Last Wish Themes
The Ambiguity of Morality and the 'Lesser Evil'
This theme is central to Geralt's character and his struggles. The world of 'The Last Wish' is rarely simple; good and evil are often mixed, and choices are rarely clear. Geralt often finds himself in situations where he must choose between two terrible options, leading him to question the idea of a 'lesser evil.' This is clearest in 'The Lesser Evil' story, where Geralt kills Renfri and her gang to prevent a greater massacre, branding him the 'Butcher of Blaviken.' He deals with the idea that even good intentions can lead to terrible outcomes and that neutrality is often impossible.
“'Evil is evil, Stregobor,' said the Witcher seriously, 'Lesser, greater, middling, it's all the same. Proportions are negotiated, boundaries blurred. I'm not a pious hermit. I haven't done only good in my life. But if I'm to choose between one evil and another, I'd rather not choose at all.”
Destiny vs. Free Will
The concept of destiny, especially the 'Law of Surprise,' is a powerful theme. Geralt, despite his cynicism and attempts to avoid fate, is repeatedly drawn into events that seem predetermined. His claiming of Ciri through the Law of Surprise in 'A Question of Price' shows this theme, setting up the larger saga. The narrative questions whether characters truly have control or if their lives are merely following a set path. Geralt's struggle is often against the idea of destiny, yet he cannot escape its pull, especially in his bond with Yennefer in 'The Last Wish' and his connection to Ciri.
“'You're trying to escape destiny,' Nenneke smiled. 'It's hard work, isn't it?”
Prejudice and Othering
The book explores how societies label and treat those seen as 'other,' whether non-humans, cursed people, or those with unique abilities. Witchers themselves are outcast and feared, despite being necessary protectors. Monsters are often not evil but results of curses or misunderstandings, while humans often show more cruelty and prejudice. 'A Grain of Truth' shows this, where Nivellen, despite his monstrous form, shows humanity, while the beautiful Vereena is truly evil. Similarly, Renfri is persecuted due to the 'Black Sun' prophecy, leading to her tragic transformation into a bandit, showing how fear and prejudice can create the very monsters they dread.
“'People,' Geralt said, 'like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they are less afraid.”
Love and Its Complexities
Love in 'The Last Wish' is rarely simple. It appears in various forms: King Foltest's strong paternal love for his cursed daughter, Nivellen's desperate, tragic love for the monstrous Vereena, and the tumultuous, fated bond between Geralt and Yennefer. These relationships are often complicated by curses, magic, and difficult choices. Geralt's final wish in 'The Last Wish' binds him to Yennefer, creating a powerful, lasting, yet often challenging love that goes beyond conventional romance, suggesting that true love can be forged in unexpected and magical ways, often requiring sacrifice and acceptance of fate.
“'And what if that love is a curse?' she whispered. 'What if it's a trap?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Law of Surprise
A mystical custom where a savior claims an unpaid debt by asking for 'that which you find at home yet don't expect.'
The Law of Surprise is a pivotal plot device that binds destinies. It's an ancient custom where a person saved by another offers 'that which he already has but does not know,' often resulting in an unexpected child being claimed. This device directly connects Geralt to Ciri in 'A Question of Price,' establishing their fated relationship and setting the stage for the entire saga. It underscores the theme of destiny, as characters are unknowingly bound to future events by invoking this seemingly innocuous tradition, highlighting the unpredictable and powerful forces at play in their world.
The 'Voice of Reason' Framing Narrative
Interspersed chapters showing Geralt's recovery and reflections, providing context for the short stories.
The 'Voice of Reason' segments serve as a framing device, weaving together the seemingly disparate short stories into a cohesive narrative. Set during Geralt's recovery at the Temple of Melitele, these chapters allow him to reflect on his past adventures, discuss his moral dilemmas with Nenneke, and process the emotional toll of his work. This structure provides internal monologue, character development for Geralt, and thematic exploration, deepening the reader's understanding of his motivations and struggles while also foreshadowing future events and relationships, particularly his bond with Ciri and Yennefer.
Cursed Transformations
Characters transformed into monstrous forms due to magic or circumstance.
Cursed transformations are a recurring plot device that drives several key stories. Examples include Princess Adda becoming a striga ('The Witcher') and Nivellen's beastly form ('A Grain of Truth'). These curses serve to create literal 'monsters' that Geralt must confront, but often reveal that the true evil lies not in the monstrous appearance but in human actions or intentions. They challenge Geralt's perception of good and evil, forcing him to look beyond the surface and determine whether a creature is truly malicious or merely a victim of circumstance, often leading to a cure rather than a kill.
The Djinn's Wishes
Granting three wishes, with the final wish having significant, often unforeseen, consequences.
The djinn and its three wishes are the central plot device in the titular story, 'The Last Wish.' The power of the wishes, particularly the final one, directly binds Geralt and Yennefer's destinies. This device explores the themes of fate and the unintended consequences of magic. Geralt's final, unspoken wish is implied to be a desire to bind his fate with Yennefer's, not merely to save her, creating their tumultuous, fated relationship. It's a classic magical trope used to establish a powerful, lasting connection between two protagonists, ensuring their paths will continually intertwine.
The Last Wish Quotes
“Evil is evil, Stregobor. Lesser, greater, middling, it's all the same. Proportions are negotiated, boundaries blurred. I'm not a pious hermit. I haven't done only good in my life. But if I'm to choose between one evil and another, I'd rather not choose at all.”
“People like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they invent whole theories to explain them. 'The world is full of evil, so we have monsters.' But it's not true. The world is full of good and evil, and the monsters are just a part of it.”
“If I have to choose between not choosing at all and choosing some evil, I choose not to choose.”
“There's a grain of truth in every fairy tale.”
“People are like that. They like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they invent whole theories to explain them. 'The world is full of evil, so we have monsters.' But it's not true. The world is full of good and evil, and the monsters are just a part of it. Some monsters are just people. Some people are just monsters.”
“Destiny? Some people call it fate. Others call it coincidence. I call it bollocks.”
“I'm not saying it's not complicated. I'm saying it's not that complicated.”
“To be a witcher is to make a choice. Not a choice between good and evil. A choice between what is and what is not. Between life and death. Between what you must do and what you must not.”
“There is no such thing as a lesser evil. Evil is evil.”
“I am not a hero. I'm a witcher. I kill monsters. But I don't kill people for money. Or for fun.”
“Only a monster for a monster. Only a monster to kill a monster.”
“What do you know about good and evil? I've seen both. And they're not as different as you think.”
“The world doesn't need a hero. It needs a professional.”
“You are a monster, for all your pretty words.”
“Every legend has its source in fact. And every fact can be twisted into a legend.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
Which sorceress does Geralt first encounter and form a complex relationship with in 'The Last Wish' during the story 'The Voice of Reason' (which serves as a frame story for other tales)?
- Triss Merigold
- Yennefer of Vengerberg
- Nenneke
- Renfri
Show answer
. While Geralt has relationships with all these characters, his complex relationship with Yennefer is central to 'The Last Wish' and the overarching saga. However, the question specifically asks about the sorceress he first encounters in the framing story, 'The Voice of Reason', which is Nenneke, the priestess of Melitele, who tends to him at her temple.
Question 2
In the story 'The Lesser Evil', what is the difficult choice Geralt is forced to make in Blaviken, involving Renfri and Stregobor?
- To kill the Striga or save Princess Adda.
- To allow Renfri to kill Stregobor and his apprentices, or to prevent her, which results in him killing Renfri and her men.
- To decide between two contracts, one for a basilisk and one for a griffin.
- To choose whether to help a cursed prince or leave him to his fate.
Show answer
B. To allow Renfri to kill Stregobor and his apprentices, or to prevent her, which results in him killing Renfri and her men. Geralt is caught between Renfri, who wants revenge on Stregobor, and Stregobor, who wants Renfri dead. He chooses to intervene to prevent a massacre, leading to him killing Renfri and her gang, earning him the moniker 'Butcher of Blaviken'.
Question 3
What type of creature is Princess Adda, the daughter of King Foltest, cursed to be in 'The Witcher' (the first short story in 'The Last Wish')?
- A werewolf
- A striga
- A succubus
- A ghoul
Show answer
B. A striga Princess Adda was cursed to transform into a monstrous striga, a creature that feeds on human flesh, due to an incestuous relationship between her parents.
Question 4
In the story 'A Question of Price', what is the 'Law of Surprise' that Geralt invokes, leading to his eventual connection with Ciri?
- He demands the first coin the debtor earns.
- He demands whatever the debtor finds at home, yet does not expect.
- He demands a specific magical artifact.
- He demands the hand of the debtor's eldest daughter in marriage.
Show answer
B. He demands whatever the debtor finds at home, yet does not expect. The Law of Surprise is a mystical custom where a person saved by another offers 'that which you find at home, yet do not expect'. In this case, it was Duny's unborn child, Ciri, whom Geralt unknowingly claimed.
Question 5
What is the primary theme explored in the story 'The Edge of the World', featuring the Sylvan named Torque and the Queen of the Fields?
- The destructive nature of forbidden love.
- The conflict between human expansion and nature, and the idea that 'monsters' are often misunderstood or simply different.
- The corrupting influence of power.
- The futility of fighting against destiny.
Show answer
B. The conflict between human expansion and nature, and the idea that 'monsters' are often misunderstood or simply different. This story highlights how humans often perceive non-human races and creatures as monsters simply because they are different or interfere with human interests, even when their actions are for their own survival or customs. Torque, the Sylvan, is not inherently evil.
Question 6
Which of these characters is NOT present at the Temple of Melitele with Geralt during the 'Voice of Reason' framing story?
- Nenneke
- Iola the First
- Dandelion (Jaskier)
- Yennefer of Vengerberg
Show answer
D. Yennefer of Vengerberg While Geralt thinks about Yennefer and their past, she is not physically present at the Temple of Melitele during the framing narrative. Nenneke, Iola, and Dandelion are all there.
Question 7
What is the specific wish Geralt makes to the djinn in the story 'The Last Wish' that binds his destiny to Yennefer?
- To make Yennefer love him eternally.
- To heal his wounds and grant him immortality.
- To link his destiny with Yennefer's in such a way that if one dies, the other dies too, or that their lives are irrevocably intertwined.
- To gain immense magical power himself.
Show answer
C. To link his destiny with Yennefer's in such a way that if one dies, the other dies too, or that their lives are irrevocably intertwined. Geralt's third wish to the djinn, whispered to Yennefer, is to link their destinies. This is a crucial moment that explains their tumultuous, yet unbreakable, bond throughout the series.
Question 8
In 'A Grain of Truth', what creature does Geralt find living with Nivellen, and what is her true nature?
- A dryad, who is a benevolent forest spirit.
- A vampire, who is a beautiful but dangerous monster.
- A succubus, who is an illusion-casting demon.
- A rusalka, who is a water nymph.
Show answer
B. A vampire, who is a beautiful but dangerous monster. Nivellen is cursed to be a beast, and he lives with Vereena, who appears as a beautiful woman but is in fact a bruxa, a type of vampire, who is responsible for the murders in the area.
Question 9
Which of the following best describes the Witcher's code, as presented in 'The Last Wish'?
- A strict, unbending set of rules that Geralt always follows, preventing him from taking sides in human conflicts.
- A flexible set of personal ethics and guidelines, often used by Geralt as an excuse to avoid unwanted situations or to justify his actions, rather than a formal, external code.
- A set of ancient laws dictated by the Council of Mages, to which all Witchers must adhere.
- A religious doctrine that guides Witchers in their spiritual and monster-hunting duties.
Show answer
B. A flexible set of personal ethics and guidelines, often used by Geralt as an excuse to avoid unwanted situations or to justify his actions, rather than a formal, external code. The 'Witcher's Code' is frequently shown to be a convenient fabrication by Geralt, allowing him to evade political entanglements or undesirable contracts, rather than a rigid, formal code handed down to Witchers.
Question 10
In the story 'The Last Wish', what is the profession of the character Dandelion (Jaskier in Polish) and what is his relationship with Geralt?
- He is a fellow Witcher and Geralt's combat partner.
- He is a royal messenger who often brings Geralt contracts.
- He is a bard and poet, Geralt's best friend and chronicler of his adventures (though often exaggerating).
- He is a merchant who supplies Geralt with potions and equipment.
Show answer
C. He is a bard and poet, Geralt's best friend and chronicler of his adventures (though often exaggerating). Dandelion is a famous bard and poet, and he is Geralt's closest companion, often accompanying him on adventures and immortalizing his deeds (sometimes with creative embellishments).
The Last Wish FAQ
What is the overarching premise of 'The Last Wish'?
'The Last Wish' introduces Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, who travels the Continent taking contracts to kill monsters. The book is a collection of interconnected short stories, often reinterpreting classic fairy tales with a darker, more morally ambiguous tone, showcasing Geralt's unique profession and his struggle with his own humanity and the prejudices of the world.
Who is Yennefer of Vengerberg and what is her significance in this collection?
Yennefer of Vengerberg is a powerful sorceress and Geralt's primary love interest introduced in the titular story 'The Last Wish'. Their relationship is complex and passionate, bound by destiny and the consequences of Geralt's final wish. She represents a significant emotional anchor and a magical force that rivals Geralt's own.
What is the nature of the Witcher profession as depicted in the book?
Witchers are mutated monster-hunters trained from a young age, possessing enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, and minor magical abilities (Signs). They are often feared and ostracized by society despite providing a vital service, seen as unnatural or even monstrous themselves, which is a central theme Geralt grapples with.
Which classic fairy tales are most notably reinterpreted in 'The Last Wish'?
The collection features prominent reinterpretations of 'Beauty and the Beast' in 'A Grain of Truth' with Nivellen and his curse, and 'Snow White' in 'The Lesser Evil' through the character of Renfri. Other stories draw inspiration from 'Little Mermaid' and 'Rapunzel', twisting their original narratives into morally complex scenarios.
How does the story 'The Voice of Reason' frame the overall narrative structure?
'The Voice of Reason' acts as a framing device, interspersing Geralt's recovery at the Temple of Melitele with flashbacks to his past adventures. This structure allows Sapkowski to present the short stories non-chronologically while giving a sense of Geralt's current state and reflections.
What is the significance of the striga in 'The Witcher' and how does Geralt handle her?
The striga, Princess Adda, is a key early monster for Geralt, representing a morally ambiguous contract where he must lift a curse rather than simply kill. He chooses to try and revert her to human form, battling her for an entire night, demonstrating his adherence to the Witcher code of not killing intelligent or curable beings if possible.
What is the true nature of the 'Curse of the Black Sun' mentioned in 'The Lesser Evil'?
The 'Curse of the Black Sun' is a baseless superstition that led to the persecution of girls born during a specific eclipse, believed to be harbingers of evil. Renfri was one such victim, targeted by the mage Stregobor, highlighting the dangers of fear and ignorance over true magical threats.
How does the concept of 'destiny' subtly weave through Geralt's encounters before the titular story?
Even before meeting Yennefer and Ciri (though Ciri is not in this book), hints of destiny appear. Geralt's encounter with the merchant Yurga and his promise to take 'that which you find but do not expect' in 'The Edge of the World' is an early foreshadowing of the Law of Surprise, a key aspect of his future.
What is the unspoken bond between Geralt and Dandelion, despite their differing personalities?
Geralt and Dandelion share a deep, albeit often exasperated, friendship. Dandelion provides Geralt with companionship, a connection to humanity, and often acts as a moral compass or a source of information, while Geralt frequently saves Dandelion from his own misadventures.
How does Geralt's mutation affect his emotional state and his perception of humanity?
Geralt's mutations are often believed to have stripped him of emotions, a common misconception he sometimes uses to his advantage. However, the stories consistently show him experiencing empathy, anger, love, and sadness, indicating his humanity is very much intact, despite the physical changes and the emotional toll of his profession.
Analyze Geralt's moral dilemma in 'The Lesser Evil' and his ultimate choice.
In 'The Lesser Evil', Geralt is forced to choose between two evils: allowing Renfri and her men to massacre Blaviken or killing Renfri to prevent it, as predicted by Stregobor. He chooses to kill Renfri, deeming it the 'lesser evil' to save innocent lives, but is forever branded as 'the Butcher of Blaviken' for his actions, highlighting the no-win scenarios he often faces.
How does Yennefer's past, hinted at in 'The Last Wish', contribute to her complex personality?
Yennefer's past as a hunchback, magically transformed by Tissaia de Vries, is subtly revealed, explaining her deep insecurities, fierce independence, and her desperate longing for children. This background makes her seemingly cold demeanor understandable as a defense mechanism and fuels her powerful ambition and emotional intensity.
What role does prejudice play in the world of 'The Last Wish', targeting both Witchers and non-humans?
Prejudice is rampant in the Continent, with Witchers reviled for their mutations and non-humans (elves, dwarves, gnomes) often facing discrimination and violence. Geralt frequently encounters this bias, forcing him to navigate a world that simultaneously needs his services and despises his existence, often making him feel like an outsider.
What does the titular 'last wish' reveal about Geralt's true feelings for Yennefer?
Geralt's last wish, whispered to the djinn, is never explicitly stated but strongly implied to bind his and Yennefer's fates together. It suggests a desperate desire to save her life and to be with her, indicating that his feelings for her are profound and go beyond simple attraction, intertwining their destinies permanently.
Is Geralt's adherence to the 'Witcher Code' genuine, or is it a personal philosophy he's adopted?
The 'Witcher Code' is revealed to be largely a fabrication, a set of rules Geralt invented to avoid unwanted contracts and justify his moral choices. This interpretation suggests Geralt possesses a strong personal moral compass that guides his actions, rather than blindly following an institutionalized code, making his decisions more personal and weighty.
How does the ending of 'A Grain of Truth' challenge traditional fairy tale morality?
The story ends with Geralt leaving Nivellen and the rusalka Vereena together, despite Vereena being a dangerous vampire. This subverts the expectation of the monster being slain and the maiden saved, instead suggesting that love can exist in unexpected forms and that not all 'monsters' are inherently evil or deserving of death, forcing Geralt to accept a morally gray outcome.
What is the deeper meaning behind the repeated phrase, 'Evil is Evil. Lesser, greater, middling, it's all the same'?
This phrase, spoken by Geralt, reflects his struggle with making impossible moral choices. It suggests that any act of evil, regardless of its perceived scale, still carries weight and corrupts. However, his actions in 'The Lesser Evil' contradict this statement, showing that sometimes, a choice between evils is unavoidable, and the 'lesser' one must be taken, even if it leaves a scar.
How does the presence of magic in 'The Last Wish' differ from typical high fantasy settings?
Magic in 'The Last Wish' is often portrayed as dangerous, unpredictable, and rarely benevolent. It's a force that can corrupt, curse, and cause immense suffering, rather than being a purely heroic or mystical force. Sorcerers like Yennefer wield immense power, but often at a personal cost, and their motives are rarely purely altruistic, reflecting a more grounded and darker magical realism.
About the author
Andrzej Sapkowski is a Polish fantasy writer, best known for his "The Witcher" series, which includes "The Last Wish" and "Blood of Elves." The series gained international recognition and inspired a popular video game franchise and a Netflix television adaptation. Sapkowski's work is celebrated for its complex characters and dark, Slavic-inspired mythology.
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