Ciri's Child: Unveiling the True Prophecy in The Witcher 3
Emhyr var Emreis, ruler of Nilfgaard, seeks Geralt's assistance in locating Ciri in The Witcher 3. Similarly, the Netflix show and books also portray the Emperor's desire to find her. However, the motivations behind his plans differ between the game and the original source material.
Emhyr's pursuit of Ciri serves as the central quest in The Witcher 3, but his intentions extend beyond a mere family reunion. He harbors grand ambitions for his kin, and while the game takes certain liberties with the book's continuity, its portrayal of the Emperor's plot diverges in some aspects. Let us explore the reasons behind Emhyr's pursuit of Ciri in the game and how they deviate.
Emhyr's Motivation in The Witcher 3
Emhyr enlists Geralt's help to find Ciri, but he remains vague about his true intentions. After Geralt encounters Ciri in White Orchard, he reports back to Emhyr, who reveals his grand plans for his kin. Morvan Voorhis, Emhyr's advisor, discusses Ciri's return to Nilfgaard and her eventual ascension to power, succeeding her father. Voorhis believes that Ciri's retrieval is part of a succession plan, but the Emperor's specific need for an heir remains unclear.
In the book trilogy, Emhyr's plans take a different turn, with Ciri destined to become Empress if she returns to Nilfgaard. Moreover, it is her child who is prophesied to bring an end to the White Frost and reign over most of the world. Emhyr initially intends to impregnate his own daughter but has a change of heart and ultimately allows her to depart. The game omits this plotline, perhaps due to its controversial nature.
The True Motive in The Witcher 3
So, why does Emhyr desire Ciri in The Witcher 3? He seeks her as a replacement Emperor. It is not a traditional inheritance, as Emhyr remains alive and active at the game's conclusion. Instead, he wishes for Ciri to rule as a regent in his stead, allowing him to step back from the public spotlight.
Deviation from the Book Trilogy
In essence, The Witcher 3 does not entirely align with the books regarding Emhyr's motivations. Book Ciri is not the chosen one; instead, it is her child who is prophesied to vanquish the White Frost and dominate the world. The reason behind Emhyr's need for an heir is unclear, but CD Projekt Red may have exercised creative freedom in this regard. It is possible that Emhyr's hidden motives for Ciri's retrieval more closely resemble those from the books, but only time will tell.
If you are eager for more of Ciri's presence, our Witcher 3 Ciri mods guide offers ways to incorporate the Rider into other remarkable Open-world games. Alternatively, you can explore the best Witcher 3 mods to enrich Geralt's adventure or try out some of the finest Witcher 3 alternatives if you are not a fan of the Gwent game.
