The Witcher Season 4 delivers one of the most emotionally intense and transformative finales in the series yet. With Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri separated and forced onto individual journeys, the story takes a dark, mature turn that explores identity, destiny, and sacrifice. As showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has often said, “It wouldn’t be The Witcher if everything ended happily.” And true to her words, Season 4 ends not with closure, but with haunting possibilities.
The Broken Family and Their Separate Paths
At the beginning of the season, the trio who once shared an unbreakable bond — Geralt (Liam Hemsworth), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan) — find themselves shattered and heading in different directions. Though still spiritually connected, each faces a path of pain and discovery.
Geralt is on a mission to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. Along the way, he joins forces with new allies: Milva (Meng’er Zhang), a sharp archer with unmatched wit; Zoltan (Danny Woodburn), a dependable dwarf; and Regis (Laurence Fishburne), a mysterious barber-surgeon who later reveals himself as a higher vampire. Regis becomes both a healer and a mentor, guiding Geralt through his emotional turmoil.
Yennefer, meanwhile, turns her focus to regaining control of the Continent’s magical network, which has been seized by the cunning mage Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu). Her storyline becomes one of leadership and resilience, culminating in the rebirth of the sisterhood of mages.
And Ciri — now living under the name Falka — has joined the Rats, a band of young thieves who provide her with a new sense of family. Yet even among them, she struggles between her innate goodness and the darkness growing within her.
A Story Within a Story: Stribog and Nimue
One of Season 4’s most intriguing elements is its storytelling structure. The season introduces Stribog (Clive Russell), a storyteller recounting the legend of Geralt of Rivia a hundred years after the events took place. Among his listeners is Nimue (Eve Ridley), a curious young girl who corrects him mid-story — revealing her deep knowledge of Witcher lore.
Nimue later grows up (played by Sha Dessi) and sets out to study magic at Aretuza, feeling an unexplainable connection to Ciri. Stribog, before she departs, gives her a copy of Half a Century of Poetry and tells her, “How this saga ends may depend on you.” This narrative device hints that Nimue may one day play a vital role in shaping the legacy of the Witcher world.
Geralt’s Knighthood: A Dream Realized, Yet Hollow
In Episode 5, we learn that Geralt’s title “of Rivia” was self-made — an invented name to sound more official as a young Witcher. But in Episode 8, his childhood dream finally comes true when Queen Meve (Rebecca Hanssen) knights him after the Battle of the Bridge.
However, the victory feels bittersweet. Hissrich explains, “It’s everything he ever dreamed of, but his dreams have changed. Now they’re about Yennefer and Ciri.” The moment highlights how far Geralt has come — from a monster hunter seeking recognition to a man defined by love and loyalty.
The Battle of Montecalvo: Magic Restored
As Vilgefortz tightens his grip on the Continent’s magical portals, the mages prepare for war. Fringilla (Mimî M. Khayisa) and Istredd (Royce Pierreson) work secretly to undermine Vilgefortz’s control. In a powerful act of sacrifice, Istredd destroys the villain’s portal room using a forbidden spell, giving his life to restore balance.
This pivotal battle reignites unity among the mages and crowns Yennefer as their new leader. Her speech to Philippa, Triss, Francesca, Fringilla, and Sabrina redefines the mages’ purpose — not as tools of power, but as guardians of freedom and magic. The sisterhood reforms as the “Lodge of Sorceresses,” marking a new beginning for the magical world.
Yennefer’s Final Gamble and Mysterious Disappearance
Yennefer’s journey reaches a dramatic climax when she attempts to kill Vilgefortz once and for all. Using Vesemir’s blood-stained dagger and Triss’ elven magic, she opens a dangerous portal meant to lead her to Vilgefortz. Instead, she’s cast into a stormy sea and swallowed by a vortex. Her fate remains unknown as the season ends.
Showrunner Hissrich clarifies that Yennefer’s mission wasn’t about vengeance but protection. “She’s making the world safe for Ciri to return to,” Hissrich says. Her disappearance leaves the fate of both Ciri and the Continent uncertain.
The Brutal Test: Ciri vs. Bonhart
Perhaps the darkest arc of the season belongs to Ciri. Captured by the ruthless bounty hunter Leo Bonhart (Sharlto Copley), she witnesses unimaginable cruelty as he murders her beloved Rats one by one — including Mistle (Christelle Elwin), her closest companion. Rather than killing Ciri, Bonhart spares her, fascinated by her strength and potential.
According to Copley, Bonhart views Ciri as “a kindred spirit — someone capable of the same violence he thrives on.” Ciri’s transformation into Falka represents the duality within her: the light she inherited from her mother figure Yennefer, and the darkness that trauma has awakened.
Executive producer Tomasz Bagiński describes this as “a coming-of-age story through shadow.” Ciri must embrace every part of herself — even the darkness — to survive what lies ahead.
What Comes Next for Ciri?
The season concludes with Ciri still in Bonhart’s custody, setting the stage for the spinoff The Rats: A Witcher Tale. The special explores the events leading up to Ciri’s capture and offers chilling narration from Bonhart himself, declaring, “In the end, I always win.” Yet fans know that Ciri — the Lion Cub of Cintra — has defied destiny before.
As she faces her captor and her own inner darkness, Ciri’s choices will determine not only her fate but also the fate of the Continent. Her story, far from over, is evolving into something more powerful — a legend of survival, vengeance, and rebirth.
Final Thoughts
Season 4 of The Witcher is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together timelines, destinies, and personal transformation. Geralt’s knighthood, Yennefer’s sacrifice, and Ciri’s evolution into Falka mark the beginning of a darker, more complex saga. As the story continues, the central theme remains: destiny cannot be escaped — only faced.
All four seasons of The Witcher are now streaming, with the fifth season promising to reveal the fates of its three beloved heroes.