When Netflix announced they were developing The Witcher, the hype train immediately started. Upon the show's arrival, it was met with a somewhat mixed critical reaction. Casual viewers and fans of the games, however, were utterly impressed. From the many great performances to the surprisingly great action scenes, The Witcher fans eagerly await season two's release.
Although the show is said to be mainly based on the books, there are many influences that are obviously taken from the game. Geralt's attire and voice seem to be almost the same as they were in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The similarities didn't end there. Also included from the games were many great quotes. Here are the top ten quotes The Witcher took directly from the games.
"Sometimes There's Monsters, Sometimes There's Money. Rarely Both"
A phrase Geralt says in a few of the video games. Being a Witcher isn't the easiest job in the world. Although more often than not he gets paid in both the show and the games, this quote helps show that both versions of the character aren't in it only for the coin.
No matter whether he is the Geralt of the books, games, or Netflix show, one thing always remains the same. This handsome Witcher has a heart of gold.
"Lilac And Gooseberries"
At the beginning of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt and Vesemir are searching for Geralt's long lost love, Yennefer. As Geralt investigates a battlefield, he notices the scent of "lilac and gooseberries." In the show, Geralt also notes such a smell coming off of Yennefer.
Fans of the games, show, and even the books know that one of Yennefer's defining characteristics is her distinct smell of lilac and gooseberries. Hearing Geralt describe the smell in that same gruff voice we know and love from the games was quite a treat.
"The White Flame"
Many different characters in the show from Nilfgaard referred to someone they revered known as the "White Flame." Fans of the game are quite familiar with this phrase, as it is said numerous times.
Fans of the game are quite familiar with this phrase being uttered by the numerous Nilfgaardian characters. It is in reference to the emperor of Nilfgaard, Emhyr var Emreis. A major character in the games, it will be interesting to see if the Nilfgaardian ruler makes his debut in The Witcher season 2.
"The Sword Of Destiny Has Two Edges"
This quote in both the game and the new hit series refers to Geralt himself. "The sword of destiny has two edges." Geralt assumes that he is one edge, while death is the other. He believes this because death follows the famed witcher quite closely over the course of his adventures.
Death is not the other side of destiny, however. Instead, it is Ciri. The show makes sure to point this out, highlighting how destiny has intertwined the two characters.
"Roach"
Throughout the first season of The Witcher, Geralt can be heard calling his horse "Roach." In the world of the video games, Geralt calls many of his horses by that very same name.
It is revealed that Geralt calls all of his horses by that same name in an effort to distance himself emotionally from them. Being a witcher is a very dangerous line of work, and he is well aware that his horses may only live so long.
"The Time Of The Sword And Ax Is Nigh"
A phrase heard in both the show and the games, "the time of the sword and ax is nigh" is a bit of a prophecy in Witcher lore. More specifically, it is a telling of the wars to come as Nilfgaard advances on the rest of the known world.
In a property like The Witcher that deals with all sorts of legends and other fantasy elements, it is no surprise that both the video game and Netflix series are littered with all sorts of interesting prophecies that will no doubt come to pass in time.
"Evil is Evil"
"Evil is evil. Lesser, greater, middling, it makes no difference." One of Geralt's more memorable lines from the games is also echoed in his new series. This quote really tells all about who Geralt truly is at his core.
At times, while following his Witcher code, Geralt can feel a bit distant and emotionless. This isn't who he really is. The Witcher has a deep desire to, above all else, do what is right.
"The Butcher of Blaviken"
Whereas in the games we merely hear stories about Blaviken, Netflix's The Witcher actually shows fans of the character how Geralt acquired that name. We learn of this in the very first episode in fact.
Fans of the video games know that this title will haunt Geralt for decades to come. The show will no doubt continue to reference this unfortunate event from the character's past.
"...F*ck"
This might as well be Geralt's catchphrase. That and of course the occasional tiresome grunt. The Witcher has helped make this recurring exclamation of Geralt's a bit of a viral meme.
The reason that this one word made this list is not simply because Geralt says it in both the games and the show. Lots of characters say this word in all sorts of different mediums for a variety of reasons. It made the list because not only is it Geralt's favorite catchphrase in both the show and the game, Henry Cavill also manages to sound identical to his video game counterpart whenever he utters this specific curse word.
"If I Have To Choose Between One Evil Or Another, I'd Rather Not Choose At All"
The addendum to Geralt's "Evil is evil" speech, this quote even further delves into the depths of his true character. In both mediums, the Witcher is asked to use his skills to do many evil things in the name of good. He'll have no part in it.
As players of the games know, there are going to be many more moral dilemmas that Geralt finds himself in. It will be interesting to see how this new iteration of the character reacts to being faced with such tough choices.