Breaking Down the Devastating Ending of The Witcher Season 4

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Saying goodbye is always tough in the world of The Witcher. While the show features plenty of monsters and prophecies, at its heart, it’s a story about the people struggling within those conflicts—those who fight, stumble, and persevere. Throughout its seasons, The Witcher has followed the complex relationship between Geralt of Rivia (Liam Hemsworth), a monster hunter with a predetermined fate; Ciri (Freya Allan), a princess with the power to save or destroy everything; and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), a sorceress grappling with her desires for power and love. What started as a story about surviving in a harsh, war-ridden land grew into a more personal tale—a saga about the families we choose, the power of destiny, and the sacrifices we make to become ourselves.

By the end of Season 4, with the finale “Baptism of Fire,” everything really comes to a head. It hit me hard seeing Geralt finally achieve what he always wanted, only to feel…empty. And Ciri? She truly loses her innocence in those final episodes. As for Yennefer, witnessing the aftermath at Montecalvo was devastating, but seeing her rebuild and then bravely confront the person responsible? That was powerful stuff. It felt like a real turning point for all of them.

No one emerges as a winner. But the point of this struggle isn’t about winning—it’s about the changes the characters undergo after facing hardship. The final episode acts as a transition, leading these characters into the last part of The Witcher’s story.

As a huge fan, I was fascinated to learn how the showrunners approached seasons 4 and 5. Creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich explained to TIME that writing both back-to-back was a real puzzle. They wanted each season to feel complete and satisfying, but also leave us wanting more! What really struck me is that they weren’t afraid to show our characters at their lowest points – letting them struggle instead of always winning. She said they’re all dealing with intense trauma, and in some cases, we’re seeing them in darker places than ever before. It’s a bold move, but I think it’s going to make for a really compelling story.

The ending isn’t about things being neatly resolved; it’s about what’s left after everything you know is destroyed, and the difficult process of starting over from the ruins.

The architect of what remains

Standing amidst the smoky wreckage of Montecalvo, Yennefer mourns the losses of Istredd, Margarita, and Vesemir. The victory feels empty, and she admits to Philippa that she now regrets urging the sorceresses to fight Vilgefortz. She realizes her belief that sorceresses needed to become soldiers was a mistake, and she’s been missing the obvious solution all along.

She starts over, creating a new sanctuary called the Lodge of Sorceresses. This marks a change in her abilities and goals. Yennefer explains that magic itself is still in danger, and while they’ll eventually locate Ciri, their immediate priority is establishing a safe haven for her to come home to.

According to showrunner Lauren Hissrich, Yennefer undergoes a significant shift this season. She’s moved beyond simply wanting power and is now focused on protecting The Continent, her fellow mages, and most importantly, Ciri, Geralt, and their found family. Her goal is to create a safe environment for everyone.

Now that Ciri is missing and Vilgefortz remains a threat, Yennefer becomes even more determined. Before setting off to find Vilgefortz, she puts Triss (Anna Shaffer) in charge of the Lodge, showing both her trust and Triss’s capabilities as a leader.

Ciri has always been running—from the destruction of Cintra, from those hunting her, and from a destiny she didn’t choose. By Season 4, she’s worn out and, calling herself Falka, she finds refuge with a group of young thieves called the Rats, who only ask for her companionship and trust.

At first, life with the Rats is good. They live boldly, stealing from the wealthy and powerful, and for the first time, the princess finds genuine friends her age. These friends see her as just one of them, not a princess or a tool to be used. “That’s why losing them is so painful,” explains Hissrich. “It’s taking away the last piece of her connection to normal life.”

The slaughter feels like a never-ending horror. Leo Bonhart, the bounty hunter tasked with eliminating the Rats, tricks them into gathering at an inn. As he walks down the stairs, he moves with the chilling composure of someone experienced in killing, precisely timing each fatal blow. The Rats are completely defenseless. Only Mistle survives the initial attack, but Ciri is forced to watch as Bonhart ultimately kills her.

The deaths of the Rats are a harsh wake-up call for Ciri, signaling the end of her innocence. However, as showrunner Lauren Hissrich points out, the Rats weren’t exactly innocent themselves, which makes them fitting characters for The Witcher. Ciri doesn’t lose her goodness, but rather the belief that she can avoid confronting who she truly is. By the end of the season, she’s left alone, realizing that power doesn’t simply disappear – it lies dormant until it needs to be reckoned with.

The dream that no longer fits

Since he was a child, Geralt has dreamed of becoming a knight, a desire revealed in a Season 1 flashback. Now, that long-held dream is finally coming true.

The Battle of the Bridge is a courageous last stand. Geralt and his friends, who would become known as the “hanza,” arrive by boat and immediately find themselves in the middle of a fierce fight. The action is intense and up-close as they struggle to protect a vital bridge between two armies. Swords collide, and the battle is pure chaos.

As a huge fan, I was really impressed with how they shot that sequence. They filmed on location in Wales, but also built a whole parking lot set to expand the possibilities. What’s cool is how they blended real stunts with visual effects to create this feeling of total mayhem – like everyone who shows up just has to get involved in the fight. It really puts Geralt in a no-win situation, and honestly, I think we see him at his absolute best when he’s forced to react. It’s a thrilling moment for his character.

Following the battle, Geralt receives a knighthood as recognition for his courage, something he’s always wanted. However, this achievement isn’t as satisfying as he expected. As a result, he privately expresses his disappointment. According to showrunner Lauren Hissrich, Geralt’s priorities have shifted. While knighthood once seemed like the ultimate goal, he now realizes that being with his found family is what truly matters.

Throughout the season, Geralt built strong bonds with a group who became like family: his loyal friend Jaskier, the skilled archer Milva who was grieving for her lost home, the warrior Cahir searching for forgiveness, and the wise vampire healer Regis, who showed that everyone needs connection. According to showrunner Lauren Hissrich, the idea of ‘found family’ has been central to the series from the start. She says that at its heart, the show is about finding the people who become your family in a difficult world.

The Witcher, reborn

After Henry Cavill departed the show following season three, many questioned who could convincingly take on the role he’d become known for. However, showrunner Hissrich says she quickly realized Liam Hemsworth was bringing his own unique take to the character of Geralt. In fact, the very first scene he filmed was the opening scene for season four.

She remembers him arriving and immediately stepping into the role, needing no preparation. It felt like he’d always been part of the team. What struck her most was his ability to respect what the previous actor had established while confidently making the character his own. He understood how to honor the character’s origins and also add his unique touch, she explains. The existing cast and crew quickly welcomed Hemsworth, and by the end of the first day, everyone felt confident they had found the right person for the part.

Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of Geralt feels as burdened as Henry Cavill’s, but his weariness is more subdued. This version of Geralt understands that fate doesn’t consider his desires, and that even the most powerful individuals can be vulnerable to the complexities of love.

What’s left after the fire

As a total cinema lover, I’ve always felt that the best stories use symbolism powerfully, and ‘Baptism of Fire’ really delivers on that. To me, ‘baptism’ suggests a complete immersion – a trial by water, fire, or even something as harsh as loss. And that’s exactly what happens to these characters. Ciri is completely broken down, losing everything she held dear. Yennefer walks headfirst into chaos, burdened by her commitments and haunted by the past. And Geralt? He’s stuck with a responsibility he never asked for, desperately trying to protect the people he cares about. It’s a setup that feels truly transformative for all of them.

Everyone involved feels different after the struggles they’ve faced. According to Hissrich, while the season’s ending is sad, they aimed to create a feeling of hope for the future.

Season 4 doesn’t end with clear answers, but with a troubling sign of things to come. Emhyr (Bart Edwards) secretly sends a creature after Geralt, setting in motion the events of the final season of The Witcher. The future holds either salvation or destruction, but even in the midst of chaos, a small glimmer of hope remains.

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2025-10-30 15:08