Geralt

Geralt of Rivia is a fictional monster hunter and the central character of The Witcher fantasy series, created by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Introduced in the short story collection The Last Wish (1993), and developed through the novels that follow, Geralt is a witcher—one of a breed of trained, mutated humans tasked with slaying dangerous beasts. The character has become a defining figure in modern fantasy fiction.

Geralt was trained at a witcher school, commonly identified as the School of the Wolf, and underwent the Trial of Grasses, which granted him enhanced reflexes, senses, stamina, and slowed aging. In combat he wields two swords—steel for humans and less dangerous creatures, and silver for monsters—along with magic‑like signs such as Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, and Axii. His white hair and cat-like eyes are the visual markers of his condition.

Across Sapkowski's books, Geralt navigates a morally complex world shaped by politics, war, and magic. He forms bonds with sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg and the child Ciri, whose destinies become closely tied to his own. The narrative blends dark humor, folklore, and philosophical reflection, and it has been expanded by adaptations that explore his adventures and the wider Continent.

In other media, Geralt is the star of CD Projekt Red's Witcher video game series, beginning with The Witcher (2007) and culminating in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, widely praised for storytelling and world-building. The character is also portrayed in the Netflix adaptation The Witcher, with Henry Cavill, and, as announced, will be portrayed by a new actor in future seasons.