payment page
“People”—Geralt turned his head—”like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves.”
In “The Edge of the World,” Geralt explains to Dandelion why some people still invent or imagine monsters when so many real monsters exist. This comes in response to Dandelion asking why the people of Upper Posada claimed they were being attacked by numerous imaginary monsters. Geralt’s explanation explores how people perceive monstrosity. Monsters behave in evil ways because they are driven by instinct. People can judge their own actions more mildly when they compare themselves with monsters. In comparison to a bloodthirsty striga, a king in an incestuous relationship may seem less terrible. Compared to the ruthless bloodlust of a bruxa, a rapist might seem redeemable. Geralt explains that, when real monsters cannot excuse the vicious actions of humans, people use their imaginations.
“I manage because I have to. Because I’ve no other way out. Because I’ve overcome the vanity and pride of being different. I’ve understood that they are a pitiful defense against being different… the sun shines different when something changes, but I’m not the axis of those changes. The sun shines differently, but it will continue to shine…”
In “The Edge of the World,” Geralt explains how he copes with being different in a world that values conformity. It is obvious early on in the book that, as a witcher, Geralt does not fit into mainstream human society. This quote gives the most intimate look into his feelings about that. Geralt advises the elven leader, Filavandrel, to find a way to cohabitate with humans in the Valley. Filavandrel says it’s impossible because humans hate anyone who is different. When he responds with this quote, Geralt explains that he himself has to live alongside regular humans because of the nature of a witcher’s life. He also explains that he used to feel pride because of his differences, but that didn’t make his life easier. More importantly, he realizes that a single person cannot be responsible for large-scale change, and that even if the world does change significantly, the most fundamental elements will continue.
“I joined this fight like an idiot… And do you know why? I wanted the girl, sobbing with gratitude, to kiss her savior on the hands, and her father to thank me on his knees. In reality her father fled with his attackers, and the girl, drenched in the bald man’s blood, threw up, became hysterical and fainted in fear…”
In “Chapter Four: The Voice of Reason,” Geralt explains to Iola his first heroic act after becoming a witcher. Geralt is haunted by many memories, but he singles this one out to explain who he is and where he comes from. His first heroic act proves that he will never be a hero. Geralt had imagined that he would ride into the scene, save the day, and be greeted with the rewards of gratitude. Instead, he adds to the girl’s trauma and sends her father fleeing in terror. This moment informs Geralt’s approach to his work and the way he travels from that day forward. Though he still helps people by killing monsters and breaking curses, he has abandoned the desire to become a traditional hero.
“There’s a grain of truth in every fairy tale.”
In the story “A Grain of Truth,” Geralt explains to Nivellen why he was transformed back into a human after he killed Vereena. In his explanation, he alludes to one of the book’s dominant motifs. In this chapter, true love and blood are powerful. When Nivellen helps Geralt kill Vereena, his true love, her blood splashes onto him. These events cause Nivellen’s transformation back into a human. Geralt’s explanation alludes to the idea that, in the story as in our world, fairy tales often contain a bit of truth. Nivellen’s story includes many elements from the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast,” and other chapters use parts of other familiar fairy tales. Geralt’s quote provides context for these familiar plot points and how the characters in the book interpret them.
“I don’t believe in Melitele, don’t believe in the existence of other gods either, but I respect your choice, your sacrifice. Your belief. Because your faith and sacrifice, the price you’re paying for your silence, will make you a better, a greater being.”
When Geralt speaks to Iola in “Chapter Four: The Voice of Reason,” he recognizes that her religious sacrifices will have a positive effect on her. This reveals something about how Geralt sees himself and his lack of faith. Geralt recognizes and admires that Iola has become a “greater being” through her commitment to Melitele. While this conversation focuses on religious faith, it reveals something about Geralt’s belief system. Geralt can relate to Iola’s conviction and her desire to be a part of something larger than herself. While Geralt has made sacrifices to become a witcher, he sees these as different from Iola’s. Iola sets aside her ego and takes a vow of silence to connect with a larger purpose. This makes her different from Geralt, who is often driven by his ego. In this passage, Geralt feels uncertain about his choices and his role as the world changes.
