In The Witcher season 4, the character Vesemir meets a tragic end at the hands of Vilgefortz during episode 6, titled 'Twilight of the Wolf.' Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich discusses how this loss affects Geralt's journey and priorities. The development diverges from the books but echoes elements from the video game adaptation.
Vesemir's Demise in The Witcher Season 4
The Netflix series The Witcher delivered a major shock in its fourth season when Vesemir, Geralt's mentor and father figure, is killed by the powerful mage Vilgefortz of Roggeveen. This occurs in episode 6, 'Twilight of the Wolf,' marking one of the most significant character deaths in the show's run so far. Vesemir, portrayed by Peter Mullan—who stepped in after Kim Bodnia's initial tenure—returns after a prolonged absence only to face this fatal confrontation.
Geralt, now played by Liam Hemsworth following Henry Cavill's departure, grapples with the emotional weight of losing his mentor. In an interview, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich elaborated on the storyline's implications: 'He has lost his father now, and he is pushing to be a father to Ciri (Freya Allan), a role that he never expected to step into.' She further noted that the event prompts Geralt to reassess his ambitions, shifting from his ideal of becoming a white knight to prioritizing family reunion, especially as time grows short.
Divergence from Source Material
Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski's original book series may find this twist surprising, as Vesemir remains alive in those novels. However, it aligns more closely with the video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where Vesemir perishes heroically in the Battle of Kaer Morhen against the Wild Hunt. This adaptation choice highlights the series' blend of book and game elements while advancing its unique narrative arc.
The death underscores the escalating threats in the Continent, influencing Geralt's protective role toward Ciri and reshaping his path forward.