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Unraveling The Witcher's complicated origin story for Geralt of Rivia [Lore Corner]

What's the story behind Geralt of Rivia, the lead character behind Netflix's Witcher TV show?

If you've gone to a comic con, chances are you've seen a cosplayer dressed up as Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher. They're easy to spot, thanks to Geralt's intimidating armor, two swords on his back, and white hair done up in an Ariana Grande hairstyle. Since so many people are willing to bear the elements (and indoor temperatures in convention centers) dolled up as Geralt, what's the deal with this character?

Now, with the changeover of Henry Cavill and Liam Hemsworth's Geralts about to take place in Netflix's Witcher series, our video producer, Ashley Victoria Robinson, has all you need to know about the gruff leading man behind Andrzej Sapkowski's fantasy series. Take a look below!  

Who is Geralt of Rivia? 

An image of Geralt on The Witcher
Image credit: Netflix

Geralt of Rivia is the lead character of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher books. He is also the lead of the first 3 video games in The Witcher series by game studio CD PROJEKT RED. Being a witcher, he is a mutant with enhanced physical abilities that aid him in hunting and killing monsters. Geralt is from the School of the Wolf, a backstory that's reflected in the wolf medallion he wears. 

What is a witcher?

The Witcher Season 3
Image credit: Netflix

A witcher is a mutant monster hunter with extensive knowledge of magic, alchemy, tracking, swordplay, horse riding, and more. They are trained from childhood to battle all the monsters that threaten humanity's safety. While witchers do what humans can't - fight monsters and live to tell the tale - they are largely hated by society because of their mutation. 

How old is Geralt? 

An image of The Witcher 3
Image credit: CD PROJEKT RED

In The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt video game, Geralt is 61 years old, or 4 years away from being a senior citizen in America. However, in the upcoming prequel book, The Witcher: Crossroads of Ravens, Geralt is 18 years old. So across The Witcher franchise, you get to see Geralt grow into the battle-hardened Witcher that he is. 


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Ashley V. Robinson

Ashley V. Robinson: Ashley Victoria Robinson is a Canadian hobbit now living in the United States. She is a Popverse Video Producer. You may know her as the host of the Geek History Lesson podcast (alongside Jason Inman), and was even the face of Twitter marketing for podcasters.

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