Ciri from The Witcher went through a transformation in season 2 of the Netflix series. She tapped into her powers, found a father in an unexpected place, and started her training to protect herself. It’s only the beginning of her and we’re excited to see more!
Since we can’t get enough of Ciri and all things The Witcher, we’ve broken down this powerhouse’s journey throughout season 2 with a character study about Freya Allan‘s badass character.
The Ciri We Saw When Season 2 Started
At the start of The Witcher, Ciri was grateful but wary of her savior aka Geralt. Her grandmother told her to find him but the question everpresent in her mind is, “What comes next?” And honestly, we had the same question. So she basically circles him, going between thinking, “This is my hero.” and “What have I gotten myself into?” And you can include a side of, “Does this guy really know what he’s doing?”
Ciri is also very secretive at the start of The Witcher season 2. Which, again, who wouldn’t be in her shoes. She’s lost everyone she’s ever cared for in her life. And every second that passed she felt that young and sheltered woman she was, shedding away as she faced the world head-on. So she hid her family scarf and watched as much as possible, gaughing if she had to make a move of her own to survive.
But the biggest secret Ciri held from Geralt, because she just met him, was the monolith destruction. She did that. Not the Black Knight or anyone at Cintra. She did. And it scared the living daylights out of her. And she is scared of what she is and what that means if Geralt. a monster hunter finds out. Because at this point, she equates herself to that or an unknown force that he will one day have to take down.
The Ciri We Saw When She Started Training with Dad
Ciri really started to come into herself when she began training. Whether with Geralt or with the other Witchers, they were there to guide her. No matter what she may need or if they didn’t think she was quite ready. It was their job to show her the way of the future as a means of protecting herself from all those that wished to harm her. And they really put her through the ringer while doing so.
This version of Ciri was also really angry. She wanted everything to come to her at the drop of a dime. Meaning, Ciri wanted to learn everything and become the best fighter she could be in the shortest amount of time. And it took her ages to realize that the reason why Geralt was taking his time is because slow and steady wins the race when training and learning a whole new way of living.
It was also around this time that Ciri started to accept that Geralt was there to help her. He wasn’t there out of duty. He was in the beginning. But no more. He wanted to be there for her and her future. And the more time they spent together the more she came to realize that fact. In turn, she started to be easier on herself and Geralt, allowing the relationship to blossom into the daughter/father relationship we know and love on The Witcher.
The Ciri We Saw When She Found Her Home
As the season wrapped up, we saw a Ciri that had her control taken away. The Deathless Mother had possessed her body and put her in an illusion of what her life would be like. And somehow, she managed to pull the actual souls into said illusion. That’s why the camera focused so much on Calanthe’s confused and awed face. And why Ciri’s father didn’t disappear when her mom did. Basically, it showed the real power of this dark elf who possessed Ciri.
In this illusion, Ciri had everything she’s dreamed of. And that’s key to understanding Ciri and why she’s stuck in it. It’s what she dreamed of. It’s not her reality anymore and not necessarily what she needs. But it’s what she dreams about in quiet moments when she misses her grandmother, friends, and advisor. And it’s her reality, the father that she never expected to come into her life, that pulls her out and grounds her with a new home, family, and purpose.
Ciri isn’t alone anymore. She has a father who believes in her and her power. He knows, and tells her, that she is more than enough. She is extraordinary. And he will continue to show her the ways of the Continent and the Witchers as a means of preparing her for what’s to come. Yennefer joining the team is Geralt helping her reach her full potential. And at the end, the illusion is unnecessary because Ciri’s reality is her home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Ciri’s journey in season 2 of The Witcher is about the life she has shed. She is no longer a princess. She is a warrior. She’s never going to forget her previous life. But her new one takes precedent. And Geralt is part of that life. Yennefer is the future mother figure she has doesn’t trust. And Jaskier is her new uncle. Hopefully, season 2 will give us all of them interacting and working together to stop those coming for Ciri.
The Witcher season 2 is available on Netflix.
