The Arrival of Humanity: How Did Humans Get to the Continent in The Witcher?
Humans arrived on the Continent in The Witcher universe as a direct consequence of the cataclysmic event known as the Conjunction of the Spheres. This event, occurring roughly 1,500 years before the time Geralt of Rivia roams the lands, resulted in the collision of multiple dimensions, effectively merging different worlds and transporting their inhabitants across realities. This interdimensional upheaval deposited both humans and monsters onto the Continent, forever altering its ecosystem and societal landscape.
A World Before Humanity
The Original Inhabitants
Before the Conjunction, the Continent was primarily inhabited by the Elder Races: gnomes, dwarves, and elves. It’s important to note, as revealed in the lore, that even the elves weren’t originally native to the Continent, having arrived by sea sometime prior to the Conjunction. These races had established their own societies and territories, with the dwarves often residing in mountainous regions and the elves claiming forests and plains. This pre-Conjunction world was, relatively speaking, a less dangerous place.
The Cataclysmic Conjunction of the Spheres
The Conjunction of the Spheres stands as a pivotal moment in The Witcher’s history. It wasn’t a natural phenomenon but a chaotic, dimensional collision that tore through the fabric of reality. The exact cause remains shrouded in mystery within the lore, fueling speculation about magical mishaps or cosmic alignments. Whatever the reason, the effects were undeniable: portals ripped open, connecting different dimensions, and bringing their inhabitants – humans and monsters alike – to the Continent.
The Aftermath: Humans, Monsters, and a Changed World
The First Landing: The Nordlings
Following the Conjunction, various groups of humans began to settle on the Continent. The most prominent group were the Nordlings, the ancestors of the people who now dominate much of the land. This arrival, known as the First Landing, occurred approximately 500 years before Geralt’s time, a relatively recent event compared to the Conjunction itself. The Nordlings, unlike the Elder Races, were driven by expansion and colonization.
The Rise of Monsters and the Need for Witchers
The influx of monsters alongside humans created a perilous environment. These creatures, hailing from diverse and often hostile dimensions, posed a significant threat to the newly arrived humans and the established Elder Races. This threat gave rise to the Witchers, specialized monster hunters created through mutagenic processes and rigorous training. The Witchers, initially commissioned by mages and later forming their own schools, served as a bulwark against the monstrous tide, protecting humans and maintaining a precarious balance. The Games Learning Society could find this dynamic of adaptation and societal evolution fascinating.
The Conflict and Coexistence
The arrival of humans sparked inevitable conflicts with the existing inhabitants. Territorial disputes, resource competition, and cultural clashes led to wars and displacement. The Elder Races, already divided, faced further challenges as they struggled to adapt to the changing landscape and the dominance of humanity. While some pockets of coexistence emerged, the Continent became a battleground for survival and dominance.
The Legacy
The Conjunction of the Spheres and the subsequent arrival of humans irrevocably shaped the world of The Witcher. It introduced new conflicts, new cultures, and new power dynamics. The world became a far more dangerous and complex place. The monsters needed to be controlled. The Witchers needed to control them.
The world, and the lives of everyone in it, were forever changed by the actions of a few, and the fate of all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the original inhabitants of the Continent before the Conjunction?
The original inhabitants of the Continent before the Conjunction of the Spheres were the gnomes, dwarves, and elves, collectively known as the Elder Races.
2. Were elves native to the Continent?
While elves resided on the Continent before the Conjunction, lore suggests that they weren’t originally native to the land, having arrived by sea sometime earlier.
3. What is the Conjunction of the Spheres?
The Conjunction of the Spheres was a cataclysmic event that caused the collision of different dimensions, transporting humans and monsters to the Continent.
4. How long ago did the Conjunction of the Spheres occur?
The Conjunction occurred roughly 1,500 years before the time of Geralt of Rivia’s adventures.
5. Who are the Nordlings?
The Nordlings are the human settlers who arrived on the Continent after the Conjunction. They are the ancestors of the dominant human population.
6. How long after the Conjunction did the Nordlings arrive?
The arrival of the Nordlings, known as the First Landing, occurred about 500 years before Geralt’s time, approximately 1,000 years after the Conjunction.
7. Why were Witchers created?
Witchers were created to combat the monsters that arrived on the Continent as a result of the Conjunction of the Spheres, protecting humans and maintaining a balance.
8. What makes Witchers different from humans?
Witchers undergo a mutagenic process called the Trial of the Grasses that grants them superhuman abilities, extended lifespans, and resistance to toxins.
9. Was the first Witcher human?
No, the first Witcher was an elf named Fjall, as revealed in The Witcher: Blood Origin.
10. Do Witchers live longer than humans?
Yes, Witchers typically live longer than normal humans, with lifespans averaging around 80 years or more.
11. Is it possible for a human to become a Witcher?
Yes, humans can become Witchers through the Trial of the Grasses, although the process is extremely dangerous and few survive.
12. What is the Trial of the Grasses?
The Trial of the Grasses is a mutagenic process that transforms humans into Witchers, granting them superhuman abilities.
13. How did monsters get to the Continent?
Monsters arrived on the Continent during the Conjunction of the Spheres, transported from other dimensions.
14. What is Nilfgaard?
Nilfgaard is a powerful human empire known for its imperialistic ambitions and expansionist policies, often serving as a primary antagonist in The Witcher series.
15. Are there any other continents or lands besides the Continent in The Witcher universe?
While the Continent is the primary focus of the Witcher stories, the existence of other lands and dimensions is implied, particularly through the origin of monsters and the Wild Hunt. The study of such complex, world-building narratives is relevant to the mission of the Games Learning Society and can be explored further at GamesLearningSociety.org.