The Sword of Destiny is a collection of short stories by Andrzej Sapkowski, part of his The Witcher series. This book delves deeper into the life of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with superhuman abilities. In this collection, we see Geralt face not only dangerous creatures but also difficult moral choices. The stories are filled with themes of fate, love, and the consequences of one’s actions. Each tale sheds more light on Geralt’s complex character and the world he inhabits.
The Bounds of Reason
In this story, Geralt meets a group of adventurers on a quest to hunt a dragon. He is joined by his close friend Dandelion, a bard, and Borch Three Jackdaws, a mysterious figure. Along the journey, they encounter a knight, a sorceress named Yennefer, and a group of dwarves.
As they travel, it becomes clear that everyone has different motives for seeking the dragon. The knight wants glory, Yennefer seeks the dragon’s magical power, while Geralt is indifferent about killing the creature. When they finally confront the dragon, Borch reveals that he himself is a golden dragon, a rare and powerful being. He convinces the group to leave him in peace, and they do so. Geralt realizes that not all monsters are evil and that the line between man and beast can be blurry.
A Shard of Ice
This story focuses on the complicated relationship between Geralt and Yennefer. Yennefer is an independent and strong-willed sorceress, while Geralt struggles with his feelings for her. They are staying in the city of Aedd Gynvael, where Yennefer is involved in magical research.
Geralt’s feelings for Yennefer are tested when he meets Istredd, another sorcerer who is also in love with her. Both men confront Yennefer, forcing her to choose between them. However, Yennefer refuses to pick either, revealing that her relationship with Geralt is unstable because of their different lives and desires. In the end, both men realize that Yennefer cannot be possessed, and Geralt leaves the city with a broken heart.
Eternal Flame
In Eternal Flame, Geralt encounters a doppler, a shapeshifting creature capable of taking on the appearance and memories of anyone it touches. Geralt is hired by his friend Dandelion to deal with the doppler, who has assumed the identity of a wealthy merchant named Dainty Biberveldt.
Instead of killing the doppler, Geralt decides to spare it after learning that it means no harm. The doppler, named Dudu, merely wants to live peacefully and run a business. Geralt allows Dudu to continue in disguise, showing once again that not all monsters are deserving of death. This story emphasizes the themes of tolerance and understanding.
A Little Sacrifice
In this tale, Geralt takes on a job involving a mermaid and a duke who is in love with her. The mermaid, Sh’eenaz, refuses to leave the sea, while the duke is determined to win her heart. Geralt tries to help resolve the conflict but finds that love between two such different beings may be impossible.
Meanwhile, Geralt meets a young poet named Essi “Little Eye” Daven. Essi develops feelings for Geralt, but he does not reciprocate. The story contrasts different forms of love – the impossible love between the duke and the mermaid, and Essi’s unrequited affection for Geralt. In the end, the mermaid returns to the sea, and Geralt leaves Essi, reflecting on the sacrifices people make for love.
The Sword of Destiny
This story is the heart of the collection and explores the theme of destiny. Geralt is traveling through the Brokilon forest, a place ruled by dryads. He is on a mission for King Venzlav, who wants to annex part of the forest. While in Brokilon, Geralt encounters a young girl named Ciri, who is revealed to be the granddaughter of Queen Calanthe of Cintra.
Ciri has a mysterious connection to Geralt, as he unknowingly claimed her as a child of destiny during an earlier event. The dryads wish to keep Ciri in Brokilon, but Geralt knows that her fate lies elsewhere. He feels a strong bond with Ciri, but is reluctant to accept the role destiny has given him.
The story highlights Geralt’s internal struggle with the concept of fate. He does not believe in destiny, but the connection with Ciri forces him to reconsider. By the end of the tale, Geralt decides to take Ciri with him, realizing that their lives are intertwined by forces beyond their control.
Something More
The final story, Something More, is both reflective and emotional. Geralt is gravely injured in a fight and begins to have flashbacks to important moments in his life. He remembers the promise he made to claim a child of destiny (Ciri) and his unresolved feelings for Yennefer.
As Geralt drifts in and out of consciousness, he is rescued by a merchant named Yurga. During his recovery, Geralt is reunited with Ciri, who has been searching for him. Ciri tells Geralt that she considers him her family, and he finally accepts his role as her protector.
This story ties together many of the themes in the collection. Geralt, who has always fought against the idea of destiny, learns that there is “something more” to life than just wandering alone. He begins to accept the responsibilities that come with his connection to Ciri. The story concludes on a hopeful note, as Geralt and Ciri form a bond that will shape their future.
Conclusion
The Sword of Destiny is a collection that deepens the reader’s understanding of Geralt of Rivia and the world he lives in. Each story explores different aspects of Geralt’s personality and the challenges he faces, both physical and emotional. Themes of love, destiny, and moral ambiguity run through the collection, making it more than just a series of monster-hunting adventures.
Geralt’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns that even a hardened witcher cannot escape the forces of fate or the connections he forms with others. Ultimately, the book shows that destiny is not just about fate, but also about the choices one makes and the people one meets along the way.