At the end of June, The Witcher will return to Netflix for its third season. This is a highly anticipated continuation to the series, partly because of the epic conclusion of season two but also because fans know this will be the last season featuring Henry Cavill as the titular Geralt of Rivia.
While Cavill's Geralt is a beloved fantasy TV show character, he's not the only memorable personality in The Witcher. Yennefer is a popular character within the series, known for being a complicated and controversial aspect of the show. Though Yennefer has some problematic traits, her growth and heroic tendencies make her one of the most fascinating characters in the series.
10 Her Transformation
One reason The Witcher is a great binge series is the amazing character arcs throughout the series. Throughout the first season, Yennefer went through tremendous hardship to prove herself worthy of being a sorceress of Aretuza.
After being treated poorly for her entire life due to her spinal and facial deformities, Yennefer was determined to prove her worth. Though she went through extreme ups and downs throughout her training, she sacrificed a great deal to dedicate her life to the magic of Chaos.
9 Rejecting Istredd
During her time in Aretuza, Yennefer began a relationship with the sorcerer Istredd. This was a milestone in her life because he was the first to notice her despite her lack of superficial beauty. However, Istredd betrays her by revealing she's part elven to the Chapter.
Istredd apologizes for betraying her and offers to bring her along on his research projects. Yennefer shows great self-worth and respect for herself by denying his offer. By turning her back on Istredd, she proves she desires not only power but independence to shape her future as she sees fit.
8 Protecting The Baby
While traveling with Queen Kalis, her current assignment as a sorceress, an assassin targets the queen for not producing a male heir for King Virfuril. In a shocking turn of events, the queen abandons her infant daughter in order to save her own life.
Though Yennefer's personality has become harsher throughout the years, she proves her good morals when she decides to take the baby and save the innocent life instead of the selfish queen. The child unfortunately perishes, but this act of pure kindness was one of Yennefer's most endearing moments.
7 The Djinn Spell
The episode "Bottle Appetites" in season one of The Witcher proves why the show is known as one of the steamiest shows on Netflix. Yennefer uses her magic to create a realistic orgy, attempts to trap a powerful Djinn in her body, and begins her romantic relationship with Geralt.
The episode highlights the enticing sexuality of Yennefer, but also demonstrates the lengths of her thirst for magic. Though she made a bad and dangerous decision to try to capture the Djinn, her passion for power and control is a focal point of this episode.
6 Rejecting Geralt
The romance between Geralt and Yennefer is a great addition to the series, but there's no doubt these two are one of the most problematic couples in a fantasy show. After Yennefer takes a heroic stand beside Geralt to protect a dragon and its eggs, she learns that Geralt's last wish from the Djinn tied the two of them together until death.
Knowing this made Yennefer turn on Geralt, believing she couldn't trust her love with the involvement of this magic. While it's discouraging to see her turn away from her heart's desire at this point in the story, this decision highlights her desire to control her destiny.
5 Her Efforts At Sodden Hill
Yennefer makes some questionable decisions throughout the series, but she makes a few decisions that outline her arc as a true hero. One of her best heroic moments was the battle at Sodden Hill. Though the mages fought admirably to defeat the Nilfgaardian army, the battle seemed lost.
In a sacrificial moment, Yennefer consumed the fire created by the enemy and unleashed it on Nilfgaard. Following this, she becomes a temporary prisoner of war and loses her Chaos. Despite her hardship after this moment, her epic decision meant she was willing to go to unbelievable lengths to protect others.
4 Saving Cahir
After Yennefer's journey as a prisoner and then attempting to fix her lost magic, she returns to Aretuza only to be accused of being a traitor. The only way to prove herself to the Chapter is to execute Cahir, confirming to the mages she's not a turn-coat.
Yennefer refuses to fix her reputation by becoming a murderer. At Cahir's execution, Yennefer frees him and helps him escape. Though this made her an enemy to her community, she chose to hold true to her beliefs and turn her back on the sorcerers that proved they were more villainous than virtuous.
3 Rescued Jaskier
Yennefer had done some exceptionally heroic things throughout her storyline, but she also proved that she did have selfish tendencies and was obsessed with power. Despite these negative traits, Yennefer changes substantially during the time she's without her Chaos.
When she learns that a dangerous mage has kidnaped Jaskier, she dupes the villain and saves her friend. This scene highlights the phenomenal escapist quality of The Witcher, showcasing how these resilient characters can still be brave and heroic without the use of powerful spells and magic.
2 Confessing To Ciri
One of the worst things Yennefer ever does is trick Ciri, plotting to turn the powerful girl over to the Deathless Mother in return for her magic being restored. As the two journeys to Cintra, Yennefer learns how exceptional Ciri is and how brave the young woman truly is.
Geralt comes to Ciri's rescue, but before this, Yennefer confesses that she had lied about Geralt's whereabouts for her own gain. This plot demonstrated that Yennefer is far from perfect, but also solidified that her positive attributes outweigh her questionable decisions.
1 Summoning Voleth Meir
Voleth Meir, also known as the Deathless Mother, possessed Ciri, causing immense destruction and threatening to unleash terrors on the world. In an attempt to save others and Ciri, Yennefer chooses to summon Voleth Meir to her by slitting her wrists, knowing the evil entity needed a host.
This final act of bravery in season two returned the Deathless Mother to her own sphere, saving Ciri and her other allies. This was a major turning point for Yennefer, proving her dedication to Ciri. This returned her Chaos and solidified her as an ally and magic teacher to help the young woman control her powers.