Who is Geralt’s Girlfriend in The Witcher 3?
Geralt of Rivia, the stoic and monster-slaying protagonist of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, isn’t bound by a single, pre-determined romantic path. Instead, the game allows players to choose between two significant romantic interests: Yennefer of Vengerberg and Triss Merigold. While either sorceress can become Geralt’s “girlfriend” within the game’s narrative, the game leans heavily towards Yennefer as the canonical choice, solidifying her position as Geralt’s true love in the overall Witcher lore. The choice is ultimately up to the player, but the narrative consequences differ significantly.
Yennefer vs. Triss: Understanding the Romantic Options
Yennefer: The Destined Love
Yennefer of Vengerberg is a powerful and enigmatic sorceress whose relationship with Geralt predates the events of The Witcher 3. Their connection is deeply rooted in the books and previous games, tied by a djinn’s wish that bound their fates together. In The Witcher 3, the game presents Yennefer as Geralt’s primary goal, as they search for Ciri, who is like a daughter to both of them. Choosing Yennefer means embracing a complex, passionate, and often turbulent relationship. Committing to Yennefer involves specific choices during certain quests, such as “The King is Dead – Long Live the King” and “No Place Like Home.” By choosing the right dialogue options and expressing your feelings for her, you can solidify your romantic commitment. Failing to do so can result in a less satisfying outcome, or even the loss of the romance option altogether.
Triss: The Familiar Comfort
Triss Merigold, a talented and warm-hearted sorceress, offers a more stable and readily accessible romantic path. Her affection for Geralt is evident throughout the game, and she provides a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the chaos of the Wild Hunt. However, pursuing a relationship with Triss involves potentially betraying Geralt’s established history and deep connection with Yennefer. Romancing Triss involves completing her questline and making specific choices, demonstrating your feelings for her. Deciding to stay with Triss at the end of her personal questline locks in the romance option, but it also closes the door to a relationship with Yennefer.
The Consequences of Choice
The game’s narrative subtly encourages the player to choose Yennefer. However, choosing both characters, attempting to romance both Yennefer and Triss, leads to a unique, albeit negative, outcome. Both sorceresses will discover your attempts at infidelity and ultimately leave Geralt, resulting in a solitary ending. In contrast, deciding not to romance either character leaves Geralt free to focus on other relationships, particularly his bond with Ciri. This is a valid choice that reflects the often solitary nature of a Witcher’s life.
The final choice, while influenced by player agency, highlights the game’s overarching theme of destiny versus free will. While Geralt can choose his romantic partner, the weight of his past, his connection to Yennefer, and the shared history they have contribute to the canonical status of their relationship. Ultimately, the decision rests with the player, creating a personalized experience, and making each choice and decision impactful. If you would like to learn more about this concept, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Geralt’s Love Life
1. Is Yennefer Geralt’s true love in the books?
Yes, Yennefer is Geralt’s true love in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher book series. Their relationship is a central theme, explored in depth across the saga.
2. Is Triss Merigold a love interest in the books?
While Triss is a character in the books and develops feelings for Geralt, their relationship is not as significant as his relationship with Yennefer. It’s a much shorter relationship.
3. Can Geralt marry in The Witcher 3?
While there isn’t a formal marriage ceremony in The Witcher 3, committing to either Yennefer or Triss effectively establishes a long-term romantic relationship that functions similarly to marriage.
4. What happens if I try to romance both Yennefer and Triss?
If Geralt attempts to romance both Yennefer and Triss, they will discover his infidelity and leave him, resulting in a lonely ending.
5. Does Geralt have children?
Geralt is sterile due to the mutations he underwent during his Witcher training. However, he has a strong father-daughter relationship with Ciri, whom he considers his adopted daughter.
6. Does Yennefer have children?
Yennefer, like most sorceresses, is infertile. This is a consequence of the magical transformations they undergo.
7. Is Ciri Geralt’s daughter?
Ciri is not Geralt’s biological daughter. However, she is bound to him by the Law of Surprise and is raised as his adoptive daughter.
8. What is the significance of the djinn’s wish?
The djinn’s wish plays a pivotal role in binding Geralt and Yennefer’s fates together. It’s a key factor in their complex and enduring relationship.
9. Why do people consider Yennefer the “canon” choice?
Yennefer is often considered the “canon” choice due to her central role in the books, the depth of her relationship with Geralt, and the narrative emphasis placed on her in The Witcher 3.
10. Does Henry Cavill’s departure from The Witcher affect the game’s canon?
Henry Cavill’s departure from the Netflix series has no impact on the game’s established canon or the player’s choices within The Witcher 3.
11. Is there a “right” choice between Yennefer and Triss?
There is no objectively “right” choice. The decision ultimately depends on the player’s preferences and how they wish to shape Geralt’s story.
12. How does Ciri feel about Geralt’s romance choices?
Ciri is generally supportive of Geralt’s happiness but often expresses a preference for Yennefer due to their strong bond and shared history.
13. Does Geralt love Ciri more than Yennefer?
Geralt has different types of love for Ciri and Yennefer. He sees Ciri as a daughter and Yennefer as a lover, and he would do anything to protect both.
14. What are the consequences of not romancing anyone?
Choosing not to romance either Yennefer or Triss results in a solitary ending for Geralt, but it allows him to focus on his relationships with Ciri and other characters.
15. Can Yennefer get pregnant with Geralt?
No. Both Geralt and Yennefer are incapable of having children. He went through mutations and she had a procedure to remove her uterus.