The Witcher is a fantasy drama series starring Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and others. The show is based on the book series by author Andrzej Sapkowski and is created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. The show is set in a fictional medieval world and explores the legends of characters like Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri. The show focuses on Geralt, who must protect Ciri from evil forces who might want to exploit her Elder blood and powerful magic. The show has had three seasons till now, and there have been many thought-provoking quotes in the show. Here is a list of 10 of them, ranked.
Disclaimer: The article is based on the author’s opinions.
"Respect doesn't make history", "They took my choice, I want it back", and other best quotes from The Witcher
10. “Pretty ballads hide bastard truths.”

This powerful quote is spoken by Eist, who is an important character in the first season of The Witcher. Eist plays the role of Calanthe’s husband and Ciri’s grandfather. Even though he is Ciri’s grandfather, he behaves more as a friend to her. Eist is someone who does not care about formalities and has a dry wit and sense of humor. Therefore, he often says things that might sound inappropriate, but they hold wisdom. In the above lines also, Eist speaks his mind and does not care if it triggers someone. The lines are spoken because Cintra is a place of secrecy, which makes Eist’s words poignant and clever. The quote also reflects the overall truth in the series. While the lines do have an initial impact, they also point to the fact that music plays an important role in the show. Therefore, music is important for storytelling, and often, stories are made by not keeping truth in priority, but convenience. Therefore, sometimes the most beautiful stories hide the most gruesome truths.
9. “Respect doesn’t make history”

The famous lines are spoken by Jaskier in The Witcher. While most popular quotes from the show speak about morality and strength, Jaskier’s quote is light-hearted but highlights the practicality of life. It might not sound noble, but it is a fact. The lines are spoken when Geralt has to kill a devil, who is causing mayhem. However, it turns out that the devil is a sylvan, who is protecting some important elves. When Geralt and his friend and bard, Jaskier, realize that they have made a mistake, the elves spare the two. The two have an exchange in conversation, and Jaskier immediately begins composing a song that is not truthful. When Geralt asks Jaskier, where is his respect? Jaskier notes that he has already got the respect of the elves, and now his only priority is to help Geralt make history. While Jaskier can be annoying at times, he is a crucial and beloved character. He is a traveling minstrel who becomes Geralt’s close friend. While he is loyal to Geralt, he is also an opportunist and does not waste any opportunity at fame. Jaskier makes it clear from the above lines that no one looks for honesty in a melody, and songs are about feelings and not facts.
8. “I bow to no law made by men who never bore a child.”

This powerful quote is spoken by Queen Calanthe in The Witcher, who is the Lioness of Cintra. Like her title, Calanthe rules over her kingdom with strong, resolute, and unyielding determination. Calanthe is the embodiment of a strong woman and is one of the few characters on television to portray an incredibly strong fictional queen. Even though she is a queen, Calanthe rules and works more as a warrior. The queen is a force of nature and does not adhere to any outdated notions that are put on women by patriarchy. As a strong-willed woman, she has no intention of being ruled by weak men who try to limit her freedoms and rights. Calanthe says the above quote with regard to the Law of Surprise, which says that she must give her daughter, Pavetta, to the hedgehog man, Duny, because he saved Pavetta’s father. Calanthe does not hesitate in refusing to conform to the unjust order and highlights the fact that no person can come between the love of a mother and her child. Her quote is also powerful both within and outside of the series. Within the series, these lines are a powerful example of how Calanthe and other strong women like her in the show do not bow down to restrictive laws like queens being forced to birth sons or their children being taken away by the Law of Surprise. Outside the show, the lines are relatable because even in today’s times, women have to fight for their right to decide over their own bodies.
7. “Sometimes our deepest hate is for the things we cannot change about ourselves.”

Vesemir is an important character in The Witcher in the second season, and these lines were said by him. Vesemir is one of the wisest elder witchers, and he has immense wisdom and experience. However, his wisdom also has a tinge of sadness and desperation. Vesemir quickly became a fan favorite because of his interesting character traits. When he realizes that Ciri has Elder blood, he tries to convince her to help him make the new witcher mutagen. However, when Vesemir says this to Ciri, she realizes that she is descended from elves, whom her grandmother used to despise. Therefore, at this crucial junction, Vesemir says these wise words that are universally truthful and wise. His above words are harsh, but they are true, and therefore, Ciri decides to help Vesemir. The above quote might have been spoken in the context of the series, but it is true. People do hide their insecurities in the garb of hatred.
6. “You can do anything. Doesn’t mean you have to.”

Another instance where quotes by The Witcher are so wise that they can be applied to real life. The above quote is spoken by Geralt in season 2 when Ciri is trying to tend to her own injuries at Kaer Morhen. However, these lines can mean just about anything. Geralt and Ciri share a loving father-and-daughter relationship throughout the show, and even though Geralt is grumpy and distant at times, he shares a deep bond with his adopted daughter. While Geralt has faced many challenges, he tries to protect his daughter from all harm, even though she is strong and capable. Geralt and Ciri are bonded by destiny, and the duo have a powerful relationship. Throughout the second season, Geralt teaches Ciri everything that he knows and also trains her on fighting and resilience. Geralt knows that a big fight awaits Ciri, and he therefore trains her well. However, his above lines also highlight that he knows of his daughter’s strengths but also wants her to exercise caution. The above quote is spoken like a true parent, who knows the gifts, strengths, and limitations of their child. While Ciri is the most powerful person on the continent, she is still young and therefore needs to be careful. Geralt therefore both highlights her daughter’s strengths and also gives her sage advice.
5. “Whatever you lack in talent, you make up for in confidence.”

Yennefer is one of the most interesting characters in The Witcher, and the above lines by her reflect her wisdom and knowledge of the world. The above quote holds true for real life as well. There are many challenges and instances in life where talent can only work till a certain limit. Afterwards, one has to rely on confidence to get what they want. Yennefer is someone who personifies hard work and persistence in the show. Her character arc has been highly impressive, as she has undergone various problems and still come out unscathed and stronger. Therefore, the above lines are a testament to her resolute and steadfast character. Her determination is an inspiration for many, and even though she is not perfect, she is loyal and bound by duty. Her character is an example of rising in the world, even if one comes from humble origins. Yennefer’s struggles have made her extremely confident, and she therefore does not rely on talent alone but on her own confidence and ability. She has spoken several words of wisdom in the show, and the above example is a quote that many people should live by. There is nothing higher than the power of confidence, and even if someone has to fake it, they must so that they can rise above their challenges.
4. “Sometimes a flower is just a flower, and the best thing it can do for us is to die.”

The above lines are poignant because they are spoken by Tissaia de Vries just before she takes her own life. While the lines might therefore hint at her own role, Tissaia was someone who was not just a decorative piece. She is one of the strongest women in The Witcher. Tissaia is shown to be a powerful sorceress and the mother to all the students at Aretuza. Therefore, many of the lessons that Tissaia teaches the students there become a constant reminder for Yennefer. While Tissaia is practical, enigmatic, and elusive, she also holds an open heart for her loved ones and is extremely supportive. Like her personality, Tissaia’s love and words are strong, but they hold deep meaning. The above quote is memorable and is the first lesson for Yennefer. Tissaia knows that everyone on the continent has a role to play, even if it’s ruthless.
3. “If I have to choose between one evil and another, then I prefer not to choose at all.”

Once again, Geralt gives the viewers a noble thought to ponder upon by saying these wise lines. Geralt is one of the most heroic protagonists in a series. The Witcher is a show that is all about Geralt's growth as a character. Geralt is charming, strong, courageous, and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Even though he does his best to make everyone around him believe that he is cold and distant, the reality is that he loves the people whom he cares about and does not hesitate to sacrifice himself if such a moment comes. Geralt is enigmatic, and the quote above depicts his moral judgment. As a character, he has a strong moral compass, and therefore, he clearly makes his position clear. If he has to choose between bad and worse, he will not choose at all. Geralt is not the type of person to be diplomatic or commit a crime. Apart from being strong, Geralt also highlights others' qualities like neutrality. He does not care about the politics of the continent and stays away from the chaos. The above lines therefore underline his neutrality. However, over the course of the series, his love for Ciri and Yennefer makes him realize that he must choose sides.
2. “They took my choice. I want it back.”

The women in the world of The Witcher have had to sacrifice immense parts of themselves to gain power and strength. Calanthe was forced to sacrifice her daughter according to the Law of Surprise, but she strongly refused to do so. In season 1, Yennefer also had to sacrifice a part of herself to gain beauty. And while Calanthe could say no, Yennefer couldn’t. That sacrifice of hers left her with the inability to have children. But once Yenner becomes a powerful mage, she decides to get her power back, and the above lines are said in the context of this. As mentioned above, Yennefer is one of the most interesting, powerful, and complex characters in the show. Her journey has been impressive, but it has also been made in the wake of questionable decisions and moral dilemmas. Therefore, when she was at Aretuza, she had to sacrifice an essential part of herself to become beautiful. Even though Yennefer made the choice, she refuses to be held accountable for it and not getting her power back again. She believes that her acceptance was forced, and she therefore wants to regain her body. Her sense of choice has been an important part of her character and her journey throughout the show. The above quote is a powerful reminder of women standing up for themselves and fighting to get their power back.
1. “Fear is an illness. If you catch it and leave it untreated, it can consume you.”

The final quote on this list is also one of the most powerful lines spoken in The Witcher. The above quote about fear is universally true and is spoken by Geralt. Geralt is someone who is incredibly courageous and brave. Therefore, when he sees Ciri struggling with the burden of her powers and her nightmares, he decides to say these important words to her. In season 2, Geralt teaches Ciri about the world and trains her on how to survive it. While Ciri learns everything that Geralt teaches her, she still has fear and decides to bottle it up. However, Geralt tells from his own experience that fear is not something that you should suppress. Instead, fear is something that one should tackle head-on. Therefore, Geralt tells Ciri that she needs to face her fears or talk about them. The above quote gives Ciri the strength to come to terms with something from which she had been running away all along. She finally begins to understand and accept her powers. The above words hold true for everyone and are a reminder about not letting fear win.