Witcher creator Andrzej Sapkowski reveals that the various witch schools in the CD Projekt Red games are based on an error. A single sentence in “The last wish” led to a concept that he considers “Narrative wrong”.
Sapkowski criticizes witch schools as a mistake
The witch schools are among the most fascinating elements of the Witcher Games of CD Projekt Red. Geralt from Riva comes from the wolf school, while other witcher schools such as the Viper, the bear or the manticor are part of. Each school has its own traditions, combat styles and armaments sets. But the creator of the Witcher universe, Andrzej Sapkowski, sees the concept extremely critically – and does not scold the first time as a game.
The Polish author described the witch schools as the result of an unwanted error in his work. A single sentence about a “school of the wolf” was mysterious way into his book “The last wish”. Later he classified this mention as “unfortunate and narrative wrong, even harmful to the action”.
Origin in an unwanted sentence
In one Ama on Reddit (via PC gamers) explained Sapkowski the history of the problem. In later books, he had deliberately never referred to witcher “Gryffindors or Slytherins”-an allusion to the Harry Potter houses. Nevertheless, the adaptators, in particular the “video game people”, would have clung to this idea with remarkably persistent persistence and the witch schools wonderfully increased.
In this one sentence, CD Project Red built up an entire Lore system that millions of players know and appreciate today. The concept of the various witch schools became a central element of the games, although Sapkowski describes this as “completely unnecessary”.
The fantasy author is unsure how to deal with this situation. He is considering various options: The problematic sentence could be removed from future editions of “The Last wish”, or it could expand and clarify the topic in upcoming books. An explanation of the importance of witcher medallions and their connection to certain people would also be conceivable.
Criticism of adaptations
The author also used the opportunity for fundamental criticism of video game and television adaptations of his works. Originals and adaptations are independent of one another, without dependencies or contact points. Words cannot be translated into pictures without losses. The superiority of the written word about images is obvious – no picture, animated or not, the power of the written word could be enough. The tense relationship between Sapkowski and CD Project Red has a history.
The author originally sold video game rights for a small amount because he did not believe in the success of the games. After the enormous success of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, he demanded $ 16 million in additional payments, although the original contract did not provide for royalties. Finally, both parties agreed on a new agreement.
