Summary
The stories inThe Witcheruniverse, both books and games, focus on human characters and nations at their core. However, that does not mean other races do not play a part. There are characters of other races,such as dwarvesor halflings, but the most notable example are elves. Several elven characters play key roles in the story and impact Geralt’s life.
Elves inTheWitcheruniverse can be divided into groups: Aen Seidhe and Aen Elle. While the two groups are of the same species, they separated many generations ago. Aen Seidhe are the elves who live in the Netherlands, downtrodden and weakened compared to humans. On the other hand, Aen Elle escaped to a different world and conquered it, mastering the art of dimensional travel and building up a glorious civilization.
10Francesca Findabair (Aen Seidhe)
A Sorceress Queen
Arguably the most prominent elven character inTheWitcherbooks.Francesca Findabairis an elven sorceress who fought at the battle of Sodden Hill and sought to win independence and freedom for elves. Unlike more rebellious Scoia’tael, Francesca desired to achieve a similar outcome via diplomacy with Nilfgaard.
She worked with Emperor Emhyr, who eventually granted her control over the elves of Dol Blathanna and peace with Nilfgaard as long as she renounced Scoia’tael and did not aid them. Francesca also allied with Philippa Eilhart and was one of the founders of the Lodge.
9Imlerith (Aen Elle)
The bloodthirsty general
One of the antagonists inThe Witcher 3,Imlerithis a general of theWild Huntand Eredin’s right-hand man. He is a veteran of many wars and conquests, known for being ruthless and incredibly powerful. He first appears when he is chasing Ciri in Velen, causing her to hide with the Bloody Baron.
However, an act that makes Imlerith memorable is his killing of Vesemir during the battle of Kaer Morhen. The old Witcher was a beloved character who appeared in the novel series; his tragic death as Imlerith broke his neck is one of the most dramatic moments in the game.
8Toruviel (Aen Seidhe)
A rebellious spirit
While not the focus of Geralt’s story,Toruvielled an eventful life. She was a fierce fighter and supporter of her kind, which led to her becominga prominent Scoia’taelmember, and later, a part of the Vrihedd Brigade, which was allied with Nilfgaard. She and Yaevinn achieved multiple victories against the Northern Kingdoms.
Toruviel returns toThe Witchergame, where she is still with Yaevinn and aiding the Scoia’tael cause in Temeria. Depending on the player’s choices, she could become an ally and a possible romantic encounter, or an enemy opposing Geralt.
7Caranthir (Aen Elle)
A prodigy sorcerer
Caranthir Ar-Feinielis another major antagonist ofThe Witcher 3and, like Imlerith, is a notable general of the Wild Hunt. He was born due to Avallach’s attempts to inbreed elven couples with magical talents, which marked Caranthir as a prodigy and someone who managed to impress Eredin.
Caranthir is the coordinator and a source of magical strength for the Wild Hunt. He battles Eskel during the battle of Kaer Morhen and later takes on both Ciri and Geralt at Skellige, managing to almost kill the Witcher in the process, but eventually still falls to him.
6Yaevinn (Aen Seidhe)
Relentless Squirrel
Yaevinnis an elf who shares much of Toruviel’s story. At the time ofThe Witchernovels, he served Toruviel and acted as one of her trusted lieutenants. Much like her, Yaevinn fought against Northern Kingdoms and aided Nilfgaard, being a part of the Vrihedd Brigade.
When Geralt meets him again inThe Witchergame, Yaevinn has formed his own group of Scoia’tael, which he now commands. Despite his initial distrust towards Geralt, if the latter proves himself by helping non-humans in their goals, Yaevinn becomes a major ally for Geralt. If Geralt sides with the Order, Yaevinn becomes an enemy who the Witcher kills.
5Auberon Muircetach (Aen Elle)
The Ailing King
Auberonwas the king of theAen Elleand the ruler of their capital city in another world, Tir Na Lia. He welcomed Ciri into his kingdom, providing her shelter and the guise of care. However, it was revealed that he is her ancestor and seeks to impregnate Ciri so she can produce an heir for himself.
However, he has trouble doing the deed due to his old age and weakness. Auberon was patient, however, and this did not stop him from trying. Before he can sire an heir, he dies from an overdose of aphrodisiac supplied to him by Eredin. The king had a quiet death, leaving the throne empty for his general to take his place.
4Iorveth (Aen Seidhe)
A radical leader
Unlike many elves who fell or were broken while fighting for freedom,Iorvethproved to be more resilient. He commanded his own division of Scoia’tael during the war. Still, his most important contribution to Geralt’s story is duringThe Witcher 2, where he can end up as either a major ally or an enemy to him.
When Geralt meets Iorveth, he commands the last surviving Scoia’tael battalion and lacks faith in humans. He proves to be an unmatched bowman and an inspiring, stern leader. His continuous rivalry withVernon Rocheis one of the focal points in the game.
3Eredin Breacc Glas (Aen Elle)
The leader of the Hunt
The main antagonist ofThe Witcher 3,Eredin,is a fierce warrior of few words. He led countless conquests and brought many worlds to their knees in the name of his people, loyally serving King Auberon. However, after Auberon failed to impregnate Ciri, Eredin decided to take matters into his own hands and claim the throne.
Since Ciri escaped him inTheLady of the Lake, Eredin and his Wild Hunt have been hunting her. This relentless pursuit ended with him going up against Geralt and his friends, which ended with the Eredin meeting his end at the hands of the Witcher in their final duel.
2Aelirenn (Aen Seidhe)
A legend from the past
Aelirenn, the White Rose of Shaerrawedd, is not a character who appears in novels or games, as she is dead long before most of the present characters were born, but she is a legend and an idol to Aen Seidhe. She lived during the times when most elven leaders gave up their fight with humans.
Aelirenn was the one to rally her people into a desperate battle to reclaim their land. Most of those who joined her were younger elves with dedicated spirits and wills. She led them into a battle that ended up being a brutal massacre where countless elves died, yet her actions inspired countless generations to come.
1Avallac’h (Aen Elle)
A talented mastermind
Another of King Auberon’s close advisors,Avallac’hwas an unparalleled sorcerer of the Aen Elle who could travel between worlds. He might not have been the strongest of warriors, but he was a charming manipulator who brought Ciri to King Auberon, convincing her that she would be free after giving the king his heir.
In the games, it was revealed that all Avallac’h did was attempt to stop the White Frost and, as a result, spare his world from complete annihilation. He mentored Ciri in Geralt’s absence and helped her realize her magical potential and eventually stop the catastrophe,whether at the cost of her life or not.
