During season 1 of The Witcher, there were many mysterious elements surrounding the events of the Continent. Princess Cirilla did not understand what her immense power meant. Geralt had a connection to Ciri that would only be realized at the end of the season. But most mysterious was the war that Nilfgaard was brewing with the North.

The only Nilfgaardian perspective came from Fringilla, a sorceress who Yennefer got to know at Aretuza. She was mage to Nilfgaard’s emperor and led Nilfgaard in the attack on Sodden Hill. But as season 2 aired, the audience got to know Nilfgaard better and what they had in store for the Continent. There were a few surprising revelations about Nilfgaard that came to light.

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Ciri’s Father Is The Emperor Of Nilfgaard

Ciri had lived her life under the impression that both of her parents had died at sea. Ciri was raised by her grandmother for as long as she was living. Geralt’s past made him resist his Child Surprise, but once he accepted her, Ciri had all the protection she would ever need. But at the end of season 2, it was revealed that Ciri’s father was alive. Not only alive, but he happened to be the emperor of Nilfgaard, Emhyr.

Though wrapped in mystery, Emhyr has plans for his daughter. It isn’t evident what his motivations are, but his next move will be to get his daughter back.

Cahir Wasn’t As Bad As We Thought

Cahir first appeared as the Black Knight intent on stealing Ciri from Cintra. He leads Nilfgaardian forces as they invade the city, following orders from their emperor. Cahir is a fanatic, doing whatever The White Flame tells him. This drives him to extreme lengths to get Ciri.

But in season 2, the audience sees another side to him. He and Yennefer are forced to band together so they can escape Aretuza with their lives. This bond shows a softer side of Cahir and gives context to his perspective of a Nilfgaardian. Like most characters, he cares about his country and will do anything to protect it.

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Fringilla Becomes A Main Character

Fringilla is another character who had minimal screen time in the first season, but came into her own quickly. As a mage for Nilfgaard, she also had fanatical tendencies in following The White Flame. She helped wage war against the North and led the charge of the battle of Sodden Hill.

Season 2 gives an alternative perspective to her character. She cares deeply for the future of Nilfgaard. Her friendship with Francesca is a surprising turn after all the blood she has shed in the name of The White Flame. Her alliance with the elves shows a side of her that the audience has not seen before.

Cahir Is Pro-Elf Relations

Only briefly mentioned in season 1, the elven genocide is blown wide open in season 2. Elves were part of the Continent long before humans arrived. In a tale as old as time, humans destroyed the elven race because they looked different from them. This is explored in season 2.

In a bid to reclaim what she has lost, Francesca aligns her elven kin with Nilfgaard. Elves race to find refuge with their allies who have given them a haven to turn to. Cahir mostly only cares about his people, but he accepts this alliance. He acknowledges the abuses done to the elves are monstrous and does not support these policies.

Fringilla Has Lived Through Three Leaders Of Nilfgaard

Fringilla’s backstory is further expanded on in season 2. Being one of the strongest mages in The Witcher, Fringilla was supposed to be a sorceress for Aedirn. But because of Yennefer, she was given to Nilfgaard instead. At first, she led the rightful ruler, but an unknown usurper overthrew them. Fringilla was imprisoned until Emhyr rescued her.

As an immortal, Fringilla could have lived for hundreds of years in prison. But this leader shakeup happened in relatively close succession. This demonstrates how unstable Nilfgaard is and why its people seek war with the North.

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Nilfgaard Isn’t The Only Country Vying For Power

Nilfgaard is posed as the prominent threat. But they aren’t the only ones who are looking to destabilize the Continent. Relatively silent until season 2, Redania rises to take control of the chaos that Nilfgaard has created. Dijkstra is the spymaster for Redania and concludes that the bedlam that Nilfgaard instilled is good for them.

Though they schemed with the best of them, Redania is put in a difficult position at the end of the season. They have lost their leverage as Francesca leads her forces against them. Even so, Dijkstra’s scrupulous plans may be a large obstacle in season 3.

Fringilla’s Faith Is Based In Trauma

Fringilla’s character is given further context as she and Yennefer journey to Voleth Meir’s hut. After realizing that she and Yennefer have shared similar dreams, Fringilla expands on her past experiences. When she first served Nilfgaard, it was for the original emperor of Nilfgaard. But after the usurper overthrew the emperor, Fringilla was imprisoned among many mages like her.

She spent years in the Playhouse, a prison where she was tormented. This trauma further explains Fringilla’s fanaticism and why she supports a war-mongering country after her rescue.

Fringilla Was Rescued By Emhyr

It is not explained why Fringilla is so loyal to Emhyr at first. But this is solved after Yennefer and Fringilla join forces to escape the imprisonment of the elves. Fringilla admits why she turns to Emhyr’s leadership. He was the one to rescue her from the Playhouse.

Emhyr returned to take back his ancestral throne. After years of torture, Emhyr saved her, ensuring that Fringilla would continue in her post as a mage to Nilfgaard. His honor was not misplaced. Fringilla has done unspeakable acts in the name of the Nilfgaardian throne.

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Fringilla Becomes The Only Mage With A High Class

Mages are usually considered servants of the throne. They are there to advise, but crowned leaders can either accept counsel or not. Being one of the most powerful characters in The Witcher, Yennefer expresses frustration that the leader she served never listens to her. Fringilla has obtained what Yennefer never could.

Fringilla becomes the right hand of Emhyr, alongside Cahir. She ensures the alliance with the elves, strengthening Nilfgaard’s forces. Many look down on her because mages should not be in any leadership positions. However, Fringilla has proven herself to be an adept leader. She and Cahir share the responsibilities of keeping Nilfgaard safe while Emhyr is away.

Emhyr Is Worse Than Anyone Imagined

It should not come as a surprise that the emperor of Nilfgaard will commit terrible crimes to get what he wants. But what is surprising is just how bad he turns out to be. Fringilla could not have killed the elven baby she helped deliver but accepts credit once the child is murdered.

In the final scene, Emhyr reveals that he was the one to kill the child. It was the only way to coerce the elves into taking action against their enemy Redania. Emhyr has no scruples about this decision and dispenses Fringilla and Cahir when he knows that they have failed him.

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About The Author


Carolyn Jenkins
(109 Articles Published)

Carolyn Jenkins is a voracious consumer of film and television. She graduated from Long Island University with an MFA in Screenwriting and Producing where she learned the art of character, plot, and structure. The best teacher is absorbing media and she spends her time reading about different worlds from teen angst to the universe of Stephen King.

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