What Happens if You Save the Whispering Hillock?
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If you choose to save the spirit trapped within the Whispering Hillock in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you unleash it upon the Velen countryside. This action ultimately leads to the salvation of the children in the orphanage, but at a terrible cost: the complete annihilation of the village of Downwarren. The spirit, bound for so long, reverts to its more primal and destructive nature.
The Moral Quandary: A Choice With Severe Consequences
The Whispering Hillock quest presents one of the most difficult moral choices in The Witcher 3. There are no easy answers, and both options – killing the spirit or freeing it – have devastating consequences. Understanding the repercussions of your decision is crucial to navigating this complex scenario. Saving the spirit, while seemingly benevolent, triggers a chain of events with far-reaching and undeniably dark ramifications.
Unpacking the Aftermath: The Chain Reaction
Downwarren’s Destruction
The most immediate and visible consequence of saving the spirit is the destruction of Downwarren. The spirit, once freed, appears as a massive, monstrous horse. Driven by vengeance and a primal hunger, it descends upon the village, slaughtering its inhabitants. The Baron’s men, the hunters, and the villagers are all brutally murdered. The village, already struggling under the Baron’s rule and the influence of the ancient entity, is completely wiped off the map.
Anna Strenger’s Fate
While the children in the orphanage are saved, Anna Strenger, the Baron’s wife, does not escape unscathed. She, along with the crones of Crookback Bog, is punished for their deceit. The crones transform Anna into a water hag, a twisted and tormented reflection of her former self. While she lives, she is trapped in a monstrous form, a constant reminder of the tragic events that transpired.
The Orphanage: A Pyrrhic Victory
The orphaned children are indeed saved. The spirit, fulfilling its end of the bargain, guides them to safety and a new home. However, this salvation comes at the price of innocent lives lost in Downwarren. This highlights the morally grey nature of the quest; one act of perceived good necessitates another of undeniable evil. The Baron’s desire to find and reconcile with his family becomes even more desperate, knowing the fate that awaits Anna.
Why Players Choose to Save the Spirit
Despite the horrific consequences, some players choose to save the Whispering Hillock spirit for several reasons:
- The Illusion of Good: Initially, the spirit presents itself as a benevolent entity, a wronged individual seeking liberation. Its promise to save the children is a powerful motivator.
- Dislike of the Crones: The Crones of Crookback Bog are undeniably evil. Some players might choose to side with the spirit simply out of spite for the Crones.
- Moral Ambiguity: The Witcher series is known for its morally grey choices. Saving the spirit, despite its consequences, can be seen as an exploration of this ambiguity.
- Completing the Contract: Some players simply want to see how the story unfolds by fulfilling the initial contract that Geralt accepts.
Alternatives: The Consequences of Killing the Whispering Hillock
It’s equally important to consider the alternative. If you choose to kill the spirit, the children in the orphanage are eaten by the Crones. However, Downwarren survives, and Anna Strenger remains human, although her fate is far from happy. She still suffers psychological trauma and ends up dying, but she is not transformed into a water hag.
Is Saving the Spirit the “Right” Choice?
There is no right or wrong answer. The Whispering Hillock quest is designed to challenge the player’s sense of morality and force them to make a difficult decision with far-reaching consequences. The best choice depends on your personal values and how you interpret the events unfolding within the game. Ultimately, the quest serves as a potent reminder that even the best intentions can pave the road to hell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prevent Downwarren from being destroyed if I save the Whispering Hillock?
No. The destruction of Downwarren is an inevitable consequence of freeing the spirit. There is no way to prevent it within the game’s storyline.
2. Does the spirit provide any tangible rewards if I save it?
No, the spirit does not offer any tangible rewards, such as money, weapons, or armor. The “reward” is the perceived act of saving the children in the orphanage.
3. Does saving the spirit affect other quests or storylines in the game?
Beyond the immediate consequences for Downwarren, Anna, and the orphanage, saving the spirit doesn’t directly impact other major questlines. However, the moral implications can affect your overall perception of the game’s world and characters.
4. What happens to the Baron if I save the Whispering Hillock?
The Baron’s storyline progresses as it would if you killed the spirit. He still searches for Anna and seeks redemption. However, witnessing the aftermath of Downwarren’s destruction may further impact his already troubled state.
5. Is there any way to undo my choice after saving the Whispering Hillock?
No. Once you’ve made your decision and the events have unfolded, there is no way to reverse it without reloading a previous save game. This highlights the importance of considering your choices carefully.
6. Does saving the Whispering Hillock have any impact on the game’s ending?
Saving the Whispering Hillock does not directly influence the main endings of The Witcher 3. Your choices during the main questline, particularly concerning Ciri, are far more significant in determining the final outcome.
7. Can I attack the spirit after I release it?
Yes, you can attempt to attack the spirit after you release it. However, it is a powerful creature, and the fight will be challenging. Killing it at this point will not undo the destruction of Downwarren.
8. What level should I be when undertaking the Whispering Hillock quest?
It is recommended to be around level 5-8 when approaching the Whispering Hillock quest. This level range will ensure you are adequately equipped to handle the challenges and moral dilemmas the quest presents.
9. Are there any alternative solutions to the Whispering Hillock dilemma?
No, the game presents only two clear options: kill the spirit or free it. There is no middle ground or alternative solution to completely avoid the negative consequences.
10. Does my relationship with the Crones change based on my decision regarding the Whispering Hillock?
No, your overall relationship with the Crones doesn’t drastically change. They will remain hostile regardless of your choice. However, saving the spirit might earn you their extra ire.
11. What are the long-term consequences of Anna becoming a water hag?
Anna, as a water hag, is essentially lost. She is trapped in a monstrous form and cannot be restored to her former self. This fate serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of the Crones’ actions and your own decisions.
12. Can I find the children after the spirit saves them?
Yes, you can find the children after they have been led to safety. They will be in a different location, signifying their new beginning. This provides a small sense of closure, even amidst the surrounding tragedy.
13. Is the Whispering Hillock spirit inherently evil?
The spirit’s true nature is ambiguous. While it initially appears benevolent, its actions after being freed are undeniably destructive. This raises the question of whether it was inherently evil or driven to violence by its imprisonment and desire for vengeance.
14. How does the Whispering Hillock quest contribute to the overall themes of The Witcher 3?
The Whispering Hillock quest exemplifies the game’s themes of moral ambiguity, the lesser of two evils, and the far-reaching consequences of choices. It forces players to confront difficult ethical dilemmas and grapple with the grey areas of morality.
15. What is the best way to prepare for the Whispering Hillock quest?
Prepare by understanding the lore of the area (checking bestiary entries), completing side quests to gain experience and equipment, and thoughtfully considering the potential consequences of each decision. Ultimately, the most important preparation is a willingness to confront a morally challenging situation.