Debunking Viral Claims: Ciri’s Potential as a Witcher in The Witcher 4

Excitement is in the air as The Witcher 4 has been officially announced, featuring a fresh trailer showcasing Ciri’s transformation into a fully-fledged witcher. Notably, she now possesses the iconic cat-like eyes and has gained the ability to consume elixirs.

Historically, the process of becoming a witcher has traditionally involved young boys undergoing the perilous Trial of the Grasses, a challenging alchemical transformation. This process is infamous for its high mortality rate, claiming the lives of about three out of every ten candidates. Those fortunate enough to survive the trial emerge as enhanced mutants, exhibiting increased strength, speed, enhanced night vision, longevity, and the capacity to safely ingest potions that grant temporary superhuman abilities.

Interestingly, while Ciri has undergone rigorous witcher training, she never completed the Trial of the Grasses until the events leading up to The Witcher 4. This has sparked considerable debate within the community, with some asserting that it is impossible for women to survive the trial.

However, there is no substantial evidence supporting these claims, so let’s delve into the lore for a clearer understanding.

Can Women Become Witchers?

There is no definitive statement preventing a woman from becoming a witcher. The topic is briefly addressed in Blood of Elves, the first book of the saga, though it does not explicitly confirm whether females can withstand the Trial of the Grasses.

At the time described in the novels, the witchers have halted the creation of new members due to a lack of knowledge surrounding the process, especially after a catastrophic event at Kaer Morhen that resulted in the deaths of all who understood the trial, as well as the loss of critical ingredients. The only witcher left from that era, Vesemir, was primarily a fencing instructor and was not privy to the creation process.

Upon Triss’s arrival at Kaer Morhen, she discovers that the witchers have been using special mushrooms to enhance Ciri’s physical abilities, aiming to make her stronger than her peers. Triss voices her concerns about the mushrooms potentially adversely affecting her hormonal development and depriving her of her femininity.

ciri training in the witcher 3 — CD Projekt Red

The witchers utilized mushrooms to bolster Ciri’s strength during her training.

Triss recommends moderating the intake of these enhancements while noting that they have not caused any lasting harm, implying that Ciri is “developing healthily and normally.” Moreover, her opposition regarding the Trial of the Grasses stems from the uncertainty surrounding its execution and her awareness of its high fatality rates, not from her gender.

Despite Ciri being the first known female witcher in The Witcher 4, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that the trial is impossible for women; it simply has never been attempted. Notably, there aren’t any stipulations regarding age for undergoing the trial, and boys typically start training at a young age.

Also, dismiss any references to ‘witcheresses’ like Zhira of Zerrikania, as such terms are fan creations and not part of the official lore.

How Did Ciri Become a Witcher?

The definitive account of how Ciri became a witcher remains elusive as we await the game’s release. It is suggested that she underwent the Trial of the Grasses, possibly with assistance from a sorcerer, yet the circumstances surrounding this are unclear.

In The Witcher 3, the witchers successfully processed Uma through the Trial, leading to speculation that Ciri returned to Kaer Morhen for her transformation. However, her new medallion, resembling a Lynx, suggests she may be affiliated with a different school of witchers, which could indicate an alternative method of becoming a witcher.

According to an IGN interview, more details about Ciri’s metamorphosis into a witcher will be revealed in the game. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga hinted, “It’s just a tease showing something, but you don’t know where you will experience it and how in the game. I think it’s a huge change and I hope people did not expect it.”

The consequences of Ciri’s participation in the Trial of the Grasses are still shrouded in mystery, and fans will have to wait for the game to uncover how her experiences shaped her character. Given the magical elements in the narrative, coupled with her unique elder blood, it remains plausible that Ciri could endure the Trial and thrive as a witcher.

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