Why did Geralt side with the Northern Kingdoms?
In the ethereal tapestry of the fantasy genre, the figure of the lone hero, the stoic neutral observer, has always been an enchanting prospect. The 'Man with No Name' archetype, epitomized by Clint Eastwood's taciturn gunslinger in the iconic Spaghetti Westerns, or the eternally perplexing Doctor Manhattan from the realm of comics, or our own beloved Geralt of Rivia, they all evoke a sense of detached resilience that shapes the narratives they occupy. However, the season 3 finale of The Witcher thrusts Geralt into uncharted waters. Geralt makes a choice, an action hitherto unheard of from his stony demeanor - he picks a side in the Continent's cascading conflict.
Why does the famously apolitical Geralt align himself with a side in the war? This question, reminiscent of a Rubik's Cube in its complexity, has an answer embedded within Geralt's own journey, much like the ultimate solution in a complex algorithm.
One of the most defining characteristics of Geralt has been his steadfast commitment to neutrality. Akin to Switzerland's policy of armed neutrality, Geralt's approach to the Continent's incessant political squabbles has been to steadfastly stay on the sidelines. Much like Switzerland, which uses its neutrality as a shield to protect its peaceful existence amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape, Geralt's neutrality acts as his personal defense mechanism against getting entangled in the unending quagmire of the Continent's power struggles. It's his sanctuary, his own fortress of solitude.
However, the human heart, much like the ever-shifting tides of the ocean, is subject to the inexorable pull of emotional gravity. Geralt, despite his Witcher mutations, is not immune to this fundamental human condition. The reason behind Geralt's shift in stance is not an impersonal geopolitical consideration, but rather a deeply personal motivation - his adoptive daughter, Ciri.
Ciri's perilous predicament is a wake-up call for Geralt, akin to the moment an earthquake shatters the tranquility of the early morning. This danger shakes Geralt from his stoic apathy. Much like the Biblical tale of Moses, who, despite being raised as an Egyptian prince, ultimately chose to identify with his Hebrew roots to liberate his people, Geralt, too, is compelled by the force of love and responsibility to relinquish his neutrality. Ciri, like the enslaved Israelites for Moses, represents a cause so profound that it jolts Geralt out of his self-imposed neutrality.
Another compelling comparison can be made with Harper Lee's classic, 'To Kill a Mockingbird', wherein the character of Atticus Finch decides to defend a black man falsely accused of rape in racially segregated Alabama. His choice is not born out of political leanings but a fundamental belief in justice. Much like Atticus Finch, Geralt's decision to choose a side is not political but a stance against the injustice meted out to his own, his Ciri.
Interestingly, Geralt's decision also mirrors an unlikely character - Katniss Everdeen from 'The Hunger Games'. Both Geralt and Katniss are reluctant heroes, their heroism forged in the furnace of personal loss and an ensuing war. Their decision to participate in the conflict is not a call to arms, but a clarion call for peace and safety for those they hold dear.
The impact of Geralt's decision to side with the Northern Kingdoms against Nilfgaard is enormous, not just on the physical plane of battles and politics, but more on the personal level. It marks the metamorphosis of Geralt, from an uninvolved observer to an active participant, from a bystander to a frontrunner, much like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. It brings to light his dormant paternal instincts and shines a spotlight on his unwavering commitment to protecting Ciri, the embodiment of his emotional vulnerability.
In conclusion, Geralt of Rivia's choice to abandon his neutrality and side with the Northern Kingdoms is not merely a tactical maneuver in a large-scale war. It is an intensely personal decision, fueled by his love for Ciri, much like Moses' struggle for his people, Atticus Finch's battle for justice, or Katniss Everdeen's fight for her loved ones. It showcases the fascinating evolution of his character - an insight into the heart of a Witcher, a beacon of hope in the chaos of war, a testament to the power of personal bonds over political neutrality. This decision reshapes his narrative, heralding a new chapter in The Witcher's saga, one where our beloved Geralt is not just a spectator but a crusader in the epic tale that is the Continent.
