The Witcher on Netflix is an adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's books, which also led to the hit video game series. However, there are some changes when it comes to adapting the books to the screen. While the books are mainly told from Geralt's perspective, the writers of the TV series wanted to introduce the three main characters simultaneously. This decision led to a rather difficult timeline being implemented in season 1.

However, it was all for the best as it allowed fans to meet Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and Cirilla, also known as Ciri, of Cintra (Freya Allan) at the same time. Season 1 of The Witcher shows Yennefer's backstory. This allows fans to know more about her character. And as she is a compelling character, viewers are likely glad to get a greater insight into her.

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While the timeline confused many fans, without it, Yennefer's backstory would probably not have been shown in season 1 of The Witcher. So perhaps the timeline had its uses. Yennefer's rise to power is something fans would not have wanted to miss out on. Of course, her power comes with a price. One that she does not fully understand until it's too late.

Witcher Netflix Yennefer Trying Magic

Without seeing her backstory, fans might not have as much sympathy for her struggles as they now do. And wouldn't that be a shame? So perhaps there is a reason for the writers' decisions, as controversial as they may be. Perhaps the writers made the right choice, even though it led to some confusion for some fans. After all, the world of The Witcher would not be the same without all of its characters.

So why is it so important to show Yennefer's backstory? Besides the fact that seeing her go through all she's gone through creates greater sympathy for her among fans, Yennefer's backstory also allows for different sides of her character to emerge. Instead of simply being a cold, hard person who doesn't need anyone, Yennefer is shown to have a softer side.

While her independent nature is important, as The Witcher showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich told TV Guide, "everyone has vulnerabilities." Showing Yennefer's vulnerable side makes her a more well-developed character. The more well-developed Yennefer is, the more fans will like her. Seeing her story from Yennefer's perspective also allows fans to get to know the powerful mage on a deeper level. And that allows for more sympathy for her as well.

Of course, Yennefer is far from a damsel in distress. She freely decides to become a mage, and therefore to be sterilized. However, at the time, she doesn't realize what she's giving up. Fans can feel for her due to that. Hissrich discusses how she "wanted to make Yennefer culpable for that decision" since "we all make decisions that we make and we think they're right in the moment and then they ripple out into our futures."

Witcher Netflix Screenshot Of Yennefer Exhausted

By having Yennefer decide to be sterile without realizing what she's doing, it's that much more heartbreaking when she does finally realize. Yennefer also is an even more intriguing character because of that decision by the writers. It makes her even more realistic. Many people can probably relate to such decision-making. Often, one doesn't realize until it's too late the effects of a decision.

Therefore, the writers of The Witcher made the right decision by showing Yennefer's backstory. If fans didn't have that context, it would be a lot harder for them to feel for or relate to her. As it is, however, fans can understand where Yennefer is coming from. They can root for her to overcome her fate, as impossible as it may seem.

The knowledge of why Yennefer wants a child and why she can't have one will also make the eventual Yennefer-Ciri relationship that much more poignant. Fans will have even more reason to be invested in the relationship between these two powerful women. Having Yennefer feel somewhat alone in the world makes all of her relationships have more of an impact. And making her an active participant in the decision makes it not only more realistic but more difficult to watch.

Witcher Netflix Series Yennefer Using her Power

Since Yennefer made the decision herself, she is partially to blame for it. And that gives fans a wide range of emotions. It makes it even easier to feel for her and to understand why she became who she became. Of course, not every fan of The Witcher will be intrigued by Yennefer's backstory. Some might have preferred her character without it, while others simply are more interested in Geralt or Ciri, for example. Everyone has different tastes. Yet Netflix's version of The Witcher would probably not be the same without Yennefer, and her backstory is part of her, no matter what.

Therefore, fans might be glad, however they feel about her backstory, that it is part of the story. It's a small price for fans to pay for having such a compelling character. And in the end, it is definitely worth it.

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