Geralt's Last Wish For [SPOILER] Explained
Olivia Owen Fans of The Witcher know that Geralt's 'Last Wish' is one of the biggest questions of his story. But in the books, it's not a total mystery.
Warning: SPOILERS for Netflix's The Witcher
Netflix's version of The Witcher is throwing viewers into an entire world of magic, monsters, and mythology. It's the kind of fantasy that rewards those who dig deeper into the lore in search of questions -- but every single viewer will want to know just what Geralt wishes for in a whisper too quiet to hear.
The series is too concerned with keeping its own pace (across three different timelines, no less) to stop and spell out each new piece of mythology. But after audiences get an explanation of The Witcher's 'Law of Surprise,' they are guaranteed to find themselves faced with another riddle. After Geralt and his bard companion Jaskier discover a genie's jar (or "djinn's amphora") they are tossed into an adventure threatening both of their lives. Only when Geralt faces off against Yennefer's magical desire is the threat silenced... by Geralt's third, final, and completely secret wish. But it's not a secret to those who read the source material.
For those who must know the secret, and are not satisfied only with Geralt's impressive fighting skills, but the secret desires of his heart, we have some fantastic news. The episode in question, "Bottled Appetites," is based directly on a short story by author Andrzej Sapkowski. And in that story, Geralt's wish isn't a secret at all. Needless to say, potential SPOILERS ahead.
The Witcher's Genie is... Cleaner Than The Book
If viewers are curious to know the third wish uttered by Geralt, then they're likely just as interested to know what his first one was. The Witcher series does a good job of not revisiting the moment, leaving it for viewers to appreciate on rewatch. When Jaskier shouts that Geralt wants nothing, the witcher replies that "I just want some damn peace!" Since viewers don't know that Geralt is in command of the djinn or genie at the time, they may not realize the cut on his arm masked by the jagged piece of amphora -- or the genie's recipe for 'peace.'
But in the short story upon which this tale is based, things play out very differently. Even more R-Rated than the Neteflix series was willing to adapt, as it turns out. The short story is fittingly titled "The Last Wish" (and is collected in a book of the same name). And in the original version the genie curses Jaskier out of its own anger, not a command. But that raises the question: What did Geralt use his first wish for? In the Netflix version, Geralt blasts the genie with the Aard sign. But in the book he utters an "exorcism" spell he learned from a witch, as well. Words he later has translated for him as he portals to the final fight -- perfectly explaining why this genie is in such a foul mood:
'It's your last wish, so I'll tell you. It means... Hmm... Hmm... essentially... get out of here and go f*** yourself!' Geralt entered the nothingness, where cold stifled the laughter which was shaking him.
The Witcher's Third & Final Wish
Those who have watched the scene play out won't need a breakdown, with Yennefer moments away from being killed by the genie she's trying to master, commanding Geralt to make his third and final wish, severing his bond. The book's version of Geralt and Yennefer's first meeting is even more meaningful, emphasizing the witcher's fascination with the witch. Geralt cuts it even closer, too, since the genie's physical form is inches away from killing Yennefer when he finally acts:
The djinn opened his mouth and stretched his paws towards her. The witcher suddenly understood what it was he wanted. And he made his wish.
Since the story is given the title "The Last Wish," audiences can appreciate that their question is entirely the point. What Geralt "understood he wanted" is actually heard by Yennefer in the original version, but the bad news is that the words aren't written out for the reader to witness. The good news is that several clues are offered, giving a clear idea of what it means for Geralt and Yennefer going forward (and isn't what most people, including Netflix's version of Yennefer, will assume).
The Books Reveal The Witcher's Wish
In Sapkowski's written version of "The Last Wish" Yennefer addresses the wish immediately after they are spared death from a crumbling ceiling (a home in the Netflix series, a tavern in the book). Saying "I heard what you wished for" and that Geralt's decision "astounded" her, it's a major part of what sparks their session of lovemaking. When they finish, Yennefer revisits the scale of his wish... and what it may cost him:
'Your wish,' she whispered, her lips very near his ear. 'I don't know whether such a wish can ever be fulfilled. I don't know whether there's such a Force in nature that could fulfill such a wish. But if there is, then you've condemned yourself. Condemned yourself to me.'
The Netflix version can't communicate Geralt's words loud enough for Yennefer to hear without the viewers also knowing, which is important. The books themselves never explicitly confirm the truth shared by Geralt and Yennefer, but they do explain the problem more than the show does. With Geralt's life in danger along with Yennefer's, a wish can only be used to save one of them. Unless Geralt gets clever.
As the battle rages on, Jaskier watches from outside the tavern, suggesting to the same priest that Geralt could somehow find a way to word a wish or desire that spared both of them. Which is when the priest drops the closest thing to an explanation fans may get, saying:
"It's not that simple... But if... If he expressed the right wish... If he somehow tied his fate to the fate... No, I don't think it would occur to him. And it's probably better that it doesn't."
The conclusion arrived at by the priest -- no amateur in magic or mysticism -- implies Geralt would need to bind his fate to Yennefer's, or make their fates as one to both survive as a result of a single spell. That wish can be interpreted in different ways. If Yennefer lives for centuries as some mages do, will Geralt be forced to endure, as well? Can Geralt defeat any enemy, but fall dead if Yennefer does? The books haven't given answers or a conclusion just yet. But it sure makes Geralt and Yennefer's love story that much more tragic.
The Witcher is available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.
