Looking at comics

Books are not enough. For lovers of comic books will also be an edition of The Witcher. The author of the series is Maciej Parowski and drawings created Boguslaw Polch. In 1993-1995, he created six albums released by the publisher "Prószyński i S-ka", issued later in the two sets in hardcover. Publisher CD project, responsible for the computer game "The Witcher", announces the resumption of comic books. Example of pictorial history:
  

"The road of no return"
It tells the story of the first, and only meeting of the Geralt's parents - Korin and Visenna.

Books and stories

"The Sword of Destiny"

A SHARD OF ICE

This story shows the complicated relationship between Geralt and Yennefer. The action takes place in the city Aedd Gynvael, where Geralt lives with Yennefer. He killed zeugl there. The wizard Istredd, who is Yennefer's lover, offers her marriage, but she doesn't agree. Jealous Geralt is making conversation with Istredd, and challenging him to a duel. They don't know, however, that a woman, for which they want to fight, left the city and left them a message...

 

Books and stories

"The Sword of Destiny"

Released in 1992, published by SuperNOWA, the second part of the Witcher series by chronology. It consists of several short stories.

The Bounds of Reason

Geralt hired to kill the basilisk, hunting in the ruins of the castle. He hasn't retired very long time, so the villagers thought he was dead and try to get his stuff. Prevented this the knight Borch three jackdaws and his companions (which protected him at a time) - Tea and Vea.  After a while, Geralt is appearing, pulling behind him a dead basilisk. Terrified villagers pay him and flee. The Witcher thanks Borch, and he invites him to the tavern "Under pensive dragon". They all together  set off on a journey around the world the next day. At the border stops them decurion, tasked only allow those who have safe-conduct. Among the people waiting at the barrier is Jaskier. He tells Geralt that King Niedamir arranges hunting a dragon, who recently appeared in the area. In the hunting takes part: the knight of Denesle Eyck, gnomes, dwarves Yarpen Zigrin's, a shoemaker Kozojed and the sorceress Yennefer . Upon hearing about her Geralt decides to join the expedition. But he don't know what the secret is hidden with his new companion - Borch Three Jackdaws.

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

THE LAST WISH

Geralt and Jaskier are catching fish on the river. In the fishing net tangled a mysterious box. Jaskier said that there's a genie. Despite the advice of Geralt he takes off seal and frees the spirit. He expresses two wishes: killing his rival, the troubadour Valdo Marx, the second: have romance with the Countess Virginia. But he couldn't say third, because the genie began to suffocate him. Geralt banishes the spirit by exorcism, but he can't cure Jaskier, so he takes him to a nearby town. But there they can't help him too. The only remedy is the sorceress of Vengerberg - Yennefer.

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

Geralt and Jaskier are going to the village. Representative of the village, Dhun, asks him to help in the expulsion from the village, "the devil" who wanders about the local area, destroying crops, contaminating water and stealing oats from the granary. The Witcher decides to handle the case. Jaskier insists that there are no devils. They go into the field to deal with the devil (or rather Silvan). Soon it appears. Jaskier, despite warnings Geralt attack Silvan. He hurls at them with iron balls. Friends need to withdraw. In the village everything becomes clear. A wise girl named Lillie has helped them, but she forbade killing. Geralt devised a plan.

 

 

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

A QUESTION OF PRICE 

Geralt is invited to the court of Queen Calanthe. He has to dress as a knight, called Ravix of Czteroróg. During the feast he sits next to the queen. She has an important task for Geralt.However, he did not know at the moment, what it is, but it is certain that Geralt perform them because each task is only a "a question of price." Meanwhile, adoption continues. At the banquet, there are many candidates to  the princess of Cintra's hand - Pavetta. During the feast there is the mysterious knight, a hedgehog of Erlenwald.  Announces that Pavetta is for him, under the laws of surprises. Years ago he saved a life of her father, who got lost while hunting. This promised to give him something that already has, and what did not expect. It was just Pavetta.The queen has no intention to do that. This wasn't the best idea.

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

THE LESSER EVIL

Geralt travels the world in search of work. Along the way, kills Striga from the swamp. He comes to a nearby town called Blaviken. Mayor, however, lacks the funds and therefore does not pay Witcher. He proposes to carry the creature to the wizard. The magician knows Geralt and invites him to his tower. Stregobor tells his story. Years ago there was a prophecy which says that mutants will master the world. Wizards began to exterminate them. One of them was a princess Renfri. Her mother sent a huntsman to kill the girl, but he died,  trying to rape her before. Renfri escaped, joined the band of gnomes and together they attacked the merchants. Stregobor found her and while Renfri tried to kill him, he locked her in the crystal. Unfortunately, not for long. Now, Renfri with his new band chases Stregobor. The wizard asks Geralt to kill Renfri because it is a monster in human skin. The Witcher refuses. In his opinion Stregobor and Renfri are equally bad. It turns out to sytuacion, that Geralt have to make a choice.

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

A GRAIN OF THRUTH

Geralt on his faithful mare wanders the globe in search of work. On the road is a dead armorer and his daughter. To explain who killed these people, Geralt leaves the trail and moving down the road that killed one's traveled . He runs into an old and mysterious mansion - it's abandoned, but only superficially. The Witcher sees a beautiful girl who escapes to his view. Then he meets the owner of the manor - the beast, that wants to oust Geralt from his estate. The Witcher don't want be discarded and asks for hospitality, the host (named Nivellen) finally gives way. At the request of Geralt, Nivellen tells him his story. Geralt leaves the Nivellen's house in the evening, but  he realizes, that was a big mistake and his new friend threatens terrible danger. 

 

 

Books and stories

"The Last Wish"

It's the first collection of short stories. It was released by the Independent Publishing House in 1993. Consists of a main history "voice of reason," interrupted by other stories, explaining, supporting and forming a story of Geralt of Rivia. 

THE WITCHER

To Vizima, the capital of Temeria, comes a mysterious horseman of Rivia. In a roadside inn he is attacked by robbers. Riv kills them, then he is escorted to mayor - Velerad. He explains that he is a witcher Geralt of Riva of the wolf guild and he came here to execute the order of King Foltest. Velerad explains the whole situation. Now, in his youth the king Foltest had an affair with his own sister, Adda. From this union was born a girl. Adda died in childbirth, and her daughter soon after. They were buried in the royal tomb. After seven years  from the tomb came vampire /in polish: strzyga/ , who started killing people. She comes out every few nights during the full moon and she is extremely dangerous and unforgiving. Attempts to kill her yielded no results. According to a wizard of the vampire you can remove the curse, you should just sleep in the Adda's tomb and leave it after the third pianiu cock. The wizard was killed, trying to do this, but the king kept the plan and does not allow kill his daughter. The Witcher takes on the task.

Presentation of the characters

Regis

Barber and one of the 1200 vampires, he is 428 years by human reckoning of time, and 642 years according to calculations of the elves. A very powerful vampire. He always carries a canvas bag for herbs, so his presence is always accompanied by a strong herbal-spicy scent. This effectively confuses animals like horses, which are able to recognize a vampire. Because of acuminata canines he smiles almost exclusively with pursed lips. In the "Baptism of Fire" he joins Geralt and his company. Regis turns out to be a loyal friend. At first, when Geralt discovered the identity of Regis, he tried to kill him.

My opinion: In this saga I love vision of vampires: no deadly garlic, silver bullets or pins. About blood: for vampires it's nothing like the main component of the diet. It's just delicious intoxicant. After meeting one of vampires, he temporarily stopped overuse of blood, but after she left the beloved "addiction" has returned with renewed strength.

 

 

Presentation of the characters

Calanthe

Queen of Cintra, Pavetta's mother and Ciri's grandmother. Just like her granddaughter, she has gray hair. Too many rumors circulated about her. Gossip about incest in family relationships, gossip about the "hot blood", with numerous romances and adventures. Even rumors of incestuous relation with her cousin Calanthe, the queen of Lyria - Meve.

My opinion: She's cold and selfish. "But the uncle Crach an Craite still kneeling with head bowed, greeted the Lioness of Cintra less official title, but recognized by the islanders for a fuller worship."Hail, Modron."

 "Princess" said Calanthe cold and imperious voice, not at all looking at the Earl. [...]
Grandmother's hand was strong and hard as hand man of the icy rings  
 

Presentation of the characters

Triss Merigold

She's a sorceress. She is called the "Fourteenth of the Hill" - she was erroneously thought that she's dead because of the Battle of Sodden Hill. She is a friend of sorceress Yennefer and lover of Geralt. She was taking care of Ciri. It's funny, because she has lots of magic skills, but she's allergic to magical potions. Her hallmark is beautiful, chestnut hair. It's always dispelled, what symbolizes independence.
My opinion: Because of her friendliness and loyalty I think she's one of the best characters.

 

Presentation of the characters

Dandelion

He's poet, bard and the best friend of Geralt. He studied poetry and music for four years at the Academy of Oxenfurt. In few years become worldwide fame and known as one of the best minstrels. He's famous for the Ballad of the Lion Cub of Cintra. During travelling with Geralt he started to write the "half-century of poetry" (it's first name was "fifty years of poetry")

My opinion: I'm sure that witcher's quote is perfect evaluation of this character:
- Dandelion - The Witcher sighed, making really sleepy - You are a cynic, rake, libertine and lier. And nothing, believe me, nothing isn't complicated here. 

Presentation of the characters

Cirilla Riannon (Ciri)

The princess of Cintra, Pavetta's and Duny's daughter,. Her history: During the Nilfgardian invasion, she was kidnapped by Cahir, but she managed to escape and wandered aimlessly for some time throught in Sodden. She was promised to Geralt. Six years to the day after her birth, witcher went to Cintra for Ciri, but didn't take her with him. Although, their faites finally coalesced into a sequence of events. She had mare, names Kelpie. Her history is much longer, but I think it's quite boring. Her eyes are "deep green" and hair are gray.

My opinion: She's the most trivial and simple character. Child of destiny, outstanding warrior, of unwanted pregnancy, able and intelligent, brave. A real Mary Sue...

Presentation of the characters

Yennefer of Vengerberg

A sorceress, born in 1173. She prefered black clothing (sometimes white ones), and smelled gooseberry and lilac perfumes. She had black, wavy hair and violet eyes. She was a quadroon (she had 0.25% of elven blood). On her neck she wore obsidian star (her favourite charm). Like most of sorceresses, she was barren, and she hated thought, that she never will have baby (secretly and unsuccessfully she tried to fix that). Yennefer probably killed his father, who rejected her and her mother.
My opinion: I don't have nothing to reproach her, but I don't really like this character. She was with Geralt, but she had lover in the same time. It wasn't fair.

Presentation of the characters

Geralt of Rivia

The main character of the Witcher Series. Also known as Gwynbleidd or Butcher of Blaviken. Despite his alias, Geralt don't come from Rivia. His home was Keadwen, when he was young. Geralt is Visenna's and (probably) Korin's child. He exceptionally well endured attempts ( grass attempt too ). While mutation he lost pigment in his hair. After completing the Witcher's training he moved into the world as a mercenary monster hunter, experiencing many adventures. His best friend was the bard Jaskier, and his lover of life was enchantress Yennefer.
My opinion: despite the fact, that Geralt sometimes is behaving like a fool, it's my favourite character. His personality is unique and complicated.

From a to r in the word "Witcher"

Everything you need to know

I think it's time to detailed description of title creature.
Witcher /other names: Vedymin, Wiedmolol Bul, Vatt'ghern/ - specyfic creature, endowed supernatural abilietes. Such mutants are created in Kaer Morhen to killing monsters ( but only that one, which pose a danger ). How are witchers made? Children are are subjected to professional (and murderously hard ) tests, mutations and changes. These ones, who survives are trained and teached. After that they are send to start their work. With witcher's abilietes new created mutant can earns his living by killing various creatures.                                                               ***
How they carry out orders? It's so easy - here witcher's swords are coming into play. Even the best fencers not take kindly to fight with they. "It weren't especially correct cuts, but really, uhm... I would say: spectaculary. Such cuts, that Bald's guys run away, when they saw what witcher's sword can do with a human" ~ "The voice of reason"

A few words about the author

The author of exceptionally popular saga names Andrzej Sapkowski. He’s polish fantasy writer, born in 1948.  At first he was translating stories. His first one - "The Witcher" was published in “Fantastyka”, Poland's fantasy literary magazine. This successful story made him more popular. Sapkowski has won five Zajdel Awards for short stories ( "The Sword of Destiny", "Lesser Evil" and "In a Bomb Crater") and novels ( "Blood of Elves" and "Narrenturm" ). His books have been translated into Czech, French, Spanish, Lithuanian, German, Russian, Slovak, English ( but this happened recently ).

                                                       On the photo: Andrzej Sapkowski