The Ritual of Wolves: Death and Remembrance Among Witchers

The act of feeding a fallen witcher’s body to wolves, as seen with Eskel’s controversial death in The Witcher television series, is not a universal practice and isn’t necessarily common or traditional. While the show depicted it as a likely symbolic gesture for a witcher of the School of the Wolf, the books and games present a more nuanced picture of witcher burial customs. The practice seems to be an exception rather than a standard rule, likely employed in specific circumstances or as a personal choice. The feeding of a body to wolves might symbolize a return to nature, a practical disposal in harsh environments, or a unique sign of respect depending on the context and the witcher’s personal beliefs.

Witcher Funeral Rites: Beyond the Wolves

The Witcher lore offers two primary methods for honoring the dead: cremation on a funeral pyre and burial with the creation of a tomb. The choice likely depends on factors such as the location of death, available resources, and the deceased witcher’s standing within the school.

Cremation on a Funeral Pyre

This method is practical and symbolic. Fire purifies the body, releasing the spirit and preventing it from becoming a ghoul or other undead creature. The ashes can then be scattered, returning the witcher to the land he protected. This option is especially useful if the witcher dies far from Kaer Morhen, or if circumstances don’t allow for a traditional burial.

Burial and Tombs

A more elaborate rite, burial and tomb construction indicate respect and remembrance. Tombs can serve as memorials, allowing surviving witchers to visit and honor their fallen comrade. This tradition suggests a desire to preserve the memory of the deceased and acknowledge their contribution to the school.

Eskel’s Death: A Narrative Choice

Eskel’s death, and the subsequent feeding of his body to wolves, were controversial changes made in the Witcher Netflix adaptation. The decision served specific narrative purposes, primarily:

• Propelling Geralt’s story: Showrunner Lauren Hissrich stated that Eskel’s demise motivated Geralt to protect Ciri with greater urgency. The loss highlighted the dangers surrounding Ciri and the potential for further loss.
• Raising the stakes: By killing off a familiar character, the show emphasized the perilous nature of the world and the vulnerability of even experienced witchers.
• Creating emotional impact: The shocking nature of Eskel’s death, and the unusual funeral rite, aimed to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience.

However, it’s essential to understand that this depiction isn’t necessarily representative of traditional witcher practices as established in the source material.

Wolves: Symbolism and Practicality

Wolves themselves hold complex symbolism in the Witcher universe. As the namesake of the School of the Wolf, they represent loyalty, pack mentality, and a connection to the wild. From a purely practical standpoint, in a desolate location like Kaer Morhen, allowing wolves to consume the body could simply be a practical means of disposal, particularly if other options are limited by weather or the surrounding monsters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Witcher Death and Burial

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the Witchers, the School of the Wolf, and their burial rights:

1. What do Witchers do with their dead?

Generally, they either cremate them on a funeral pyre or bury them, often constructing a tomb. Specifics depend on circumstances and the witcher’s importance.

2. Why did Eskel turn into a Leshen?

Eskel was infected by a leshy, a forest spirit, which transformed him. This was a plot device created for the Netflix series.

3. Why was Eskel killed off?

The showrunner stated that Eskel’s death was a narrative choice to accelerate Geralt’s involvement with Ciri.

4. Is Geralt the only White Wolf?

No, “White Wolf” is a unique nickname specifically referring to Geralt of Rivia, and not necessarily to the entire School of the Wolf

5. Why are Geralt’s eyes yellow but not other witchers?

Geralt’s yellow eyes resulted from additional mutations he underwent during the Trial of the Grasses.

6. Why does Geralt have white hair but other witchers don’t?

Geralt’s white hair is a result of his body’s ability to resist The Trial of the Grasses, resulting in additional testing being done.

7. How did Eskel have a child?

In the lore, Eskel was granted a child of surprise after saving a princess’s father from a werebbubb gang.

8. Is Geralt the most powerful witcher?

The lore suggest yes, Geralt of Rivia is often considered one of the most strongest witchers in the world.

9. Could Eskel have been saved?

That is an unknown, but many fans claim that Eskel’s character could have been saved to develop his significance to Geralt and Ciri.

10. Why does Eskel hate Ciri?

The Witcher games and book series provide details that can be connected to why Eskel might not take too kindly to Ciri. For example, he has a princess child by the Law of Surprise in the past.

11. Why is Eskel a tree?

Eskel wasn’t a tree; he was infected by a Leshen. Leshens are often described as terrifying tree monsters that can takeover a being’s mind and body.

12. Are there female Witchers?

Yes, though rare, female witchers existed. Adela and Dragonfly are two named examples.

13. Who is more powerful Geralt or Yennefer?

Geralt’s prowess lies in combat, while Yennefer’s strength is in magic. Power depends on the situation.

14. Why doesn’t Eskel have white hair?

Only Geralt had white hair due to the extra mutations he underwent during the Trial of the Grasses.

15. Is Eskel older than Geralt?

Geralt and Eskel are of the same age because they were in training together.

The Witcher’s Legacy: More Than Just Monster Hunting

The Witcher franchise, encompassing books, games, and television, explores themes of morality, destiny, and the struggle against prejudice. The death of a witcher, and the manner in which they are remembered, adds another layer to this exploration. Whether cremated, buried, or, in rare cases, given to the wolves, the rituals surrounding their passing reflect the harsh realities of their profession and the bonds they share with their fellow witchers.

Understanding the nuances of witcher lore, like their burial practices, enhances our appreciation for the complex world created by Andrzej Sapkowski. It also highlights how adaptations can deviate from the source material to serve specific narrative goals, even if those choices prove controversial among fans. For those interested in exploring these narrative choices and their impact on audiences, the study of games and storytelling can provide valuable insights. Learn more at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.