nme.com
01.08.2023 / 14:15
Who is Falka in ‘The Witcher’ and why does Ciri take her name?
The Witcher season three sees Ciri undergo a significant transformation – but what does it all mean for the future of the Netflix series?Based on the successful fantasy book series and video games of the same name, The Witcher sees Henry Cavill star as a magically super-powered monster hunter (known as a Witcher) who crosses paths with Ciri (Freya Allan), a princess whose untapped magic is sought after by evil monarchs, mages, and monsters.At the end of the third season, the pursuit for Ciri’s magical powers leads to her being stranded in the Korath Desert, where she experiences visions of her parents and Falka (Hiftu Quasem), a legendary elven leader who imparts the knowledge of fire magic.Fans of the books will know that Falka, often dubbed ‘Bloody Falka’, was a princess of Redania, who sought revenge against her father, stepmother and half-siblings after a tumultuous family history.Her rebellion captured Redania but met its demise when expanding into other kingdoms, leading to Falka’s execution.In Ciri’s visions, we learn of a prophecy that suggests a descendant of Falka will bring about the world’s destruction, while one from elf sorceress Lara Dorren’s lineage will be its saviour.While struggling to survive in the desert, Ciri uses her newly acquired fire magic to heal a white unicorn. At that point it becomes clear that her abilities are more advanced than anything a mortal mage can teach.