The Witcher is a beloved franchise, from the original books and the highly-successful video games to the recent Netflix series adaptation. The Netflix series' third season has just arrived, prompting fans to once again immerse themselves in the universe and recollect what previously transpired.
The first two seasons of The Witcher produced some memorable quotes, whether it was Geralt's bluntness, Vesemir's wisdom, or Jaskier's wit. The Witcher has always been known for its intense monster encounters and endless drama, but the best quotes of the early seasons still helped the show leave its mark.
10 "The Girl In The Woods Will Be With You Always" - Renfri
Season 1, Episode 1, "The End's Beginning"
Prophecy and destiny are everything in The Witcher, as everyone seems to put their faith in one or the other. In "The End's Beginning," Geralt met the mysterious Renfri and was seduced into an ongoing feud between her and an equally untrustworthy wizard called Stregobor.
Geralt eventually had to kill Renfri, but not before hearing her final words. Her quote, "The girl in the woods will be with you always. She is your destiny," didn't make complete sense to Geralt until the very end of the season when he finally ran into Ciri in the woods. These words summarized the start and end of the first season.
9 "You Can Do Anything. Doesn't Mean You Have To" - Geralt
Season 2, Episode 3, "What Is Lost"
Geralt's many life lessons to Ciri always have the same structure, as he warns her of fear and encourages her to take control. His quote, "You can do anything, doesn't mean you have to," could have been about anything, but these were Geralt's words to Ciri when she tried to tend to her own injuries at Kaer Morhen.
Geralt's quote was especially applicable to Ciri's growing valiance and fighting spirit throughout the second season, and he tried to warn her to be more cautious. He flattered her and highlighted her capabilities while reiterating that every situation has a choice. This quote will ring true as Ciri progresses further down her journey in Season 3 and beyond.
8 "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher" - Jaskier
Season 1, Episode 2, "Four Marks"
Introducing a bard into any story is a pointless act if they aren't going to compose and sing songs about their travels along the way. Jaskier quickly slotted into the role of Geralt's sidekick and travel companion. "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" was his first song detailing his travels and exploits with his friend, and it certainly became his most popular.
The popularity of "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" wasn't even contained within the Witcher universe. Fans don't know if Jaskier will ever be able to produce another song so catchy or memorable, but "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" will always be the first.
7 "They Took My Choice. I Want It Back" - Yennefer
Season 1, Episode 6, "Rare Species"
Yennefer's rise to becoming a powerful mage in The Witcher has been impressive, but her journey was full of moral dilemmas and questionable choices. When she was at Aretuza, she had to sacrifice a part of herself to become beautiful. That part left her unable to have children.
Although Yen made this choice, regaining her body and sense of choice has fueled her journey through the show since then. The above quote suggests Yen's refusal to be held accountable for her choice, but the circumstances motivate and light a fire under her.
6 "Sometimes Our Deepest Hate Is For The Things We Cannot Change About Ourselves" - Vesemir
Season 2, Episode 5, "Turn Your Back"
The Witcher fans were delighted when Vesemir was introduced during the second season, and Kim Bodnia did not disappoint with his portrayal of the wise old witcher. However, his wisdom and experience came with a sadness and desperation to revitalize his kind. When he discovered that Ciri had Elder blood, he knew he had to convince her to help him make a new witcher mutagen.
When Vesemir pitched the idea to Ciri, it was news to her. It meant that she was descended from elves, whom her grandmother supposedly despised. Vesemir's words of hate masking one's own insecurities was a harsh truth that Ciri needed to hear and ultimately convinced her to help out.
5 "I Bow To No Law Made By Men Who Never Bore A Child" - Calanthe
Season 1, Episode 4, "Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials"
"Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials" was an important episode as it blatantly confirmed the multiple timelines. It also showed Geralt meeting a younger Queen Calanthe and her still-alive daughter, Pavetta - Ciri's mother. Queen Calanthe showed her disdain for the Law of Surprise in this episode, as it threatened to take her daughter away from her.
This was an interesting introduction to the Law of Surprise, but it also cemented the importance of destiny in this universe. Geralt would test Calanthe's resolve even further by claiming the Law of Surprise from Duny and Pavetta mere moments later, which ended up being Ciri. Calanthe's powerful words showed her caring side, as she hated that her family could be taken away from her because of a gamble made by men.
4 "Fear Is An Illness. If You Catch It And Leave It Untreated, It Can Consume You" - Geralt
Season 2, Episode 1, "A Grain Of Truth"
Season 2 of The Witcher started with Geralt teaching Ciri about the world and how to survive in it. He watched and observed her suffering through nightmares and the burden of her powers before telling her to face her fears or at least talk about them.
This was what Ciri needed to hear all along. She had been running for so long while coming to terms with powers she could not comprehend. Geralt's advice opened the door to Ciri trusting and respecting him more, and she knew she shouldn't keep her fear bottled up any longer.
3 "You Have The Most Incredible Neck. It's Like A Sexy Goose" - Jaskier
Season 1, Episode 6, "Rare Species"
Not all the best quotes from Netflix's The Witcher have to have serious meaning and symbolism. Jaskier is a perfect example in The Witcher because he serves as comic relief, yet still remains a necessary presence throughout. "Rare Species" saw Jaskier accompany Geralt and Yenenfer on a dragon hunt, which was a fun yet perilous adventure in itself. The trio was joined by various other fearless fighters, including Borch and his Zerikannian bodyguards, Tea and Vea.
There was a hilarious moment before they set off on the hunt where Jaskier sat with Borch's bodyguards. In his awkwardness, he threw a bizarre "compliment" their way. Jaskier has come up with plenty of funny quotes so far, but his "sexy goose" quip is certainly a memorable one.
2 "People Linked By Destiny Will Always Find Each Other" - Geralt
Season 1, Episode 8, "Much More"
Destiny plays a huge role in The Witcher, whether it serves to bind people together or as a higher power for others to put faith into. When Geralt claimed the Law of Surprise as payment for saving Duny's life, he inadvertently became attached to their unborn daughter, Ciri. The entire first season of The Witcher was essentially building up Geralt and Ciri's characters before their inevitable reunion.
Their reunion in the season finale was satisfying, as Ciri finally felt safe in Geralt's arms. Geralt's calm delivery of "people linked by destiny will always find each other" immediately pushed all the danger and doubt out of the way, as they were finally together.
1 "He's The Father I Never Had. When I'm With Him, I Don't Feel Alone Anymore" - Ciri
Season 2, Episode 7, "Voleth Meir"
As Yennefer led Ciri toward a trap in "Voleth Meir," she questioned the girl about her bond with Geralt. Ciri replied that he was the father she never had. Up until that point, Yen had known that she was Geralt's "Child Surprise" but didn't truly understand. She just thought that they were linked by destiny, as Yen and Geralt were.
Ciri's admission was wholesome and heartbreaking, as Yen began to question what she was doing. Everyone knows about Geralt's resolve and devotion to protecting Ciri, but this moment solidified that Ciri reciprocated his love and respect. Geralt will continue to protect and defend Ciri as the seasons roll on, and Ciri will continue to have that sense of security when they are together, despite the troubling times.