Who Choked Triss? Unraveling a Misconception in The Witcher Universe

The question “Who choked Triss?” often surfaces in discussions about The Witcher, but it’s based on a fundamental misunderstanding. Triss Merigold was never choked in the books or games. The individual who suffered this horrific act was Yennefer of Vengerberg. This misconception likely arises from the shared trauma, similar appearances, and the intertwined narratives of Triss and Yennefer within the Witcher saga. This article will delve into the specifics of what actually happened to Yennefer, the reasons behind the common confusion, and provide a deeper understanding of both characters within the rich Witcher lore.

The Harrowing Ordeal of Yennefer of Vengerberg

Yennefer’s choking occurs during the events surrounding the Thanedd coup in The Time of Contempt, the second novel in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga. During this event, a conflict erupts between pro-Nilfgaardian and anti-Nilfgaardian factions of mages. Vilgefortz, a powerful and ambitious sorcerer, leads the pro-Nilfgaardian faction, and he orchestrates a betrayal of the Lodge of Sorceresses.

During the coup, Yennefer, fiercely loyal to Geralt and Ciri, finds herself confronting Vilgefortz. A brutal fight ensues. Vilgefortz defeats Yennefer and chokes her, nearly to the point of death. This act is not merely an assault; it’s a symbolic crushing of Yennefer’s power and resistance. She survives, but the experience leaves her deeply traumatized and significantly weakens her magical abilities. This crippling of her powers is a major plot point throughout the subsequent books.

The key takeaway is that Yennefer endured this violent attack, not Triss. Understanding this distinction is crucial for appreciating the nuances of the Witcher narrative and the individual journeys of these two powerful sorceresses.

Why the Confusion? Identifying the Source of the Mix-Up

Several factors contribute to the confusion surrounding who was choked during the Thanedd coup. These include:

• Similar Appearance: Both Triss and Yennefer are powerful sorceresses with striking appearances. While their personalities and magical specializations differ significantly, to the casual observer, especially those primarily familiar with the game adaptations, they can seem somewhat interchangeable.
• Shared Trauma and Loyalty to Geralt: Both women share a deep connection with Geralt of Rivia. Triss’s involvement in protecting Ciri after the Thanedd coup and her past romantic relationship with Geralt might lead some to assume she was also a direct victim of the event. Both suffered trauma from the events surrounding Thanedd, but only Yennefer suffered the choking incident.
• Game Adaptations: The Witcher video games, particularly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, take liberties with the source material. While the games generally remain faithful to the core narrative, they alter certain events and character relationships for gameplay and storytelling purposes. It’s possible that alterations in the game may inadvertently contribute to this confusion. The Games Learning Society examines how video games affect the understanding of the source material. More information about the Games Learning Society can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
• Simplified Narratives: In discussions and online forums, complex narratives often get simplified, leading to inaccuracies. The details of the Thanedd coup and the specific roles of each character may become blurred, resulting in the misattribution of the choking incident.

Triss Merigold: A Different Kind of Strength

While Triss wasn’t choked by Vilgefortz, her experience at Thanedd was still traumatic. She was injured during the fighting and witnessed the horrific events unfold. Triss’s strength lies in her ability to heal and use healing magic, as well as her talent for political maneuvering. After Thanedd, she played a vital role in protecting Ciri, demonstrating her loyalty and bravery. It’s important to acknowledge Triss’s contributions to the story separate from Yennefer’s ordeal.

Yennefer’s Resilience: Overcoming Trauma and Regaining Power

Yennefer’s experience at Thanedd is a defining moment in her character arc. The choking symbolizes a brutal attack on her power and independence. However, she is nothing if not resilient. Throughout the subsequent novels, Yennefer dedicates herself to recovering her magical abilities and finding Ciri. Her unwavering determination and love for Ciri are powerful forces that drive the narrative forward. Her journey is one of physical and psychological recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Thanedd coup, Yennefer, Triss, and the events surrounding the choking incident:

1. Was Triss present at the Thanedd coup? Yes, Triss Merigold was present at the Thanedd coup and was injured during the fighting.
2. What role did Vilgefortz play in the Witcher saga? Vilgefortz was a powerful and ambitious sorcerer who ultimately served as one of the primary antagonists of the series. He orchestrated the Thanedd coup and sought to control Ciri’s Elder Blood.
3. Why did Vilgefortz choke Yennefer? Vilgefortz choked Yennefer to subdue her and eliminate her as an obstacle to his plans. He saw her as a threat due to her power and loyalty to Geralt and Ciri.
4. Did Geralt witness Yennefer being choked? Geralt was present at Thanedd but was engaged in his own battles. He did not directly witness Yennefer being choked by Vilgefortz.
5. How did Yennefer survive the choking? Yennefer survived through a combination of her own magical resilience and the intervention of other mages. However, she was left significantly weakened and traumatized.
6. What were the consequences of the Thanedd coup? The Thanedd coup shattered the Lodge of Sorceresses, destabilized the Northern Kingdoms, and further escalated the war with Nilfgaard. It had far-reaching consequences for the entire Witcher world.
7. Is the Thanedd coup depicted in the Witcher video games? The Thanedd coup is referenced and alluded to in the Witcher video games, but the actual event is not directly depicted in its entirety.
8. How does the Netflix series depict the Thanedd coup? The Netflix series The Witcher does depict the Thanedd coup, but with some significant deviations from the book version. These differences include changes in character motivations and the specific sequence of events.
9. What is the significance of Ciri’s Elder Blood? Ciri’s Elder Blood is a powerful gene that grants her unique magical abilities, including the ability to travel between worlds. Vilgefortz sought to exploit this power for his own ends.
10. Did Triss and Yennefer ever reconcile after the Thanedd coup? While their relationship remained complex, Triss and Yennefer eventually found common ground and worked together to protect Ciri.
11. What magic did Triss Merigold use? Triss is a skilled healer and specializes in potions and healing magic. She is also adept at pyromancy.
12. What magic did Yennefer of Vengerberg use? Yennefer excels in transformation magic, illusions, and summoning. Her mastery makes her one of the most powerful sorceresses.
13. How did the choking affect Yennefer’s magic? The choking weakened Yennefer’s magical abilities significantly. It took her a considerable amount of time and effort to regain her former power.
14. What happened to Vilgefortz after the Thanedd coup? Vilgefortz continued to pursue Ciri and served as a major antagonist until his eventual defeat and death at the hands of Geralt.
15. Where can I learn more about the Witcher lore and characters? To learn more, you can read Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher book series, play the Witcher video games, watch the Netflix series, and explore online resources dedicated to the Witcher universe. You can learn more about how games affect understanding of literature at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Depth of The Witcher Narrative

Understanding the specific details of the Thanedd coup and the individual experiences of Yennefer and Triss is crucial for appreciating the depth and complexity of The Witcher narrative. While it’s easy to conflate events and misattribute trauma, it’s important to remember that Yennefer was the victim of the choking incident, not Triss. By acknowledging the individual journeys and strengths of each character, we can gain a richer understanding of the Witcher universe and the enduring themes of love, loss, and resilience that permeate the saga.