Witcher Season 3 – Differences Between Books and Show

The Witcher Season 3 is here (or at least, most of it), and it brings with it plenty of respectful nods to its source material, as well as significant alterations. Let’s look into some of the biggest differences and similarities between the show and books.

Some spoilers ahead

#1 Difference – Dear Friend

In the books, Geralt writes a letter to Yennefer requesting help, and he writes something like “from your friend.” This is something that Yennefer mocks him back with in her returning letter. However, as we know, they aren’t on good terms because of a mutual falling out.

There’s a much bigger falling out that the show needs to deal with. After all, Yennefer did attempt to betray Ciri and Geralt in order to get her powers back. So the third season begins with her sending little notes to Geralt who isn’t speaking with her due to the betrayal.

#2 Similarity – There’s More to Yennefer and Geralt’s Relationship than We See

As things start to improve between Yennefer and Geralt in season 3, we find out that more happened than we saw on screen in season 1. They mention several of their adventures (we’ll call them that) that we never actually see shown. This is an important tie-in to the book because when Yennefer and Geralt meet after falling in love at the end of “Last Wish”, they similarliry mention events that we never read about in the stories. It helps add depth to the characters when we realize that there is more to them than meets the eye, and helps us see that they are more like a real couple than just static characters.

#3 Difference – the Wild Hunt

The Wild Hunt doesn’t come into the story until later chapters. In this season, however, we see them once again, appearing and disapearing. It’s also a little hard to believe that Geralt would be able to dismiss the very powerful wild hunt with just an Aard Cast. But hey – maybe?

#4 Similarity – the Wyvern/Basilisk

In the books, Ciri also confronts street performers parading a Wyvern as a Basilisk. There’s not much more to it than that, but it was cool to see that similarity brought in.

#5 Difference – Whodunit

Episode 5 unfolds as a multi-perspective whodunit where ultimately Geralt, Yennefer and crew corner Stregobor as the evil dark mage behind all the sinister happenings beffalling them of late. However, like a typical whodunit, the old mage turns out to be nothing more than a red haring.

However, in the books, while there certainly is an aspect of trying to find the bad guys behind things, it’s not nearly so straightforward, and the gala scene feels more like a boring party than an intricate epicenter of political webs. We’re just as in the dark as Geralt when he steps outside to go to the bathroom only to find the world in chaos.