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10 traits that make Geralt of Rivia awesome!

Part 1, Ethical Traits

Oh man, you feel that?? That’s quarantine fatigue settin’ in, that is. Yes, if you’re reading this in the future, i.e. past 2020, it’s currently the inaugural Corona virus season/enforced home staycation. And if you’re like a lot of people present-day, you’ve been passing at least some of the time at home by binge watching Netflix shows and movies.

Nothing against high-quality entertainment! But if all that Netflix n’ chill has got you feeling lethargic and unmotivated, it’s time to get inspired by one of pop culture’s newest heroes. I’m talking about Geralt of Rivia from the hit Netflix series, The Witcher! I mean, why not take this opportunity to not only watch an on-screen bad ass in action, but emulate him, and take your own training, goals, and attributes to the next level? This is the first of a two part series which will focus on Geralt’s ethics and personality traits. The second part will shine a light on his physical attributes. If that all sounds good, then read on to find out just why Geralt of Rivia is awesome!

CAUTION: Spoilers for Season 1 ahead….

Who he is

1. In the world of Netflix’s The Witcher, witchers are mutants, transformed physically through a rigorous training process that makes them highly skilled warriors and monster hunters. Tangent- The trial that would be witchers go through is called the Trial of Grasses. Few survive it, but because Geralt responded exceptionally well to his treatments he was chosen for more “complicated” experiments. He alone survived. This is what gave him his white hair. But I digress…

Because witchers are rare, mysterious, and known to be dangerous, they are thought of as treacherous, evil killers. It’s even widely thought that they are completely devoid of all emotion. However, we quickly see that behind the weathered, grumpy exterior, Geralt is one of the most compassionate characters on the show.

In his mission against the Striga, a hideously powerful creature that rises from its coffin at night, Geralt must fight the beast, knowing it has already killed another witcher. Additionally, he makes the admirable decision to battle her with the intent of curing her, not killing her, a proposition that makes his survival all the more precarious as he leaves his two swords aside (in the books he carries one silver sword, one iron sword).

Geralt’s choice to show mercy even extends to those who maybe don’t deserve it as much, like those in town who curse him or constantly try to pick fights with him, simply for being different. Although we see that Geralt will certainly fight and kill when necessary, he more often makes the choice to not slay those who treat him poorly because in his words, if he did, “then I am what they say I am”.

Lesson- Take the high road and demonstrate respect and empathy for those less powerful than yourself.

2. “Allows” Yennefer her power (to be much more powerful than he), without having hang ups about it. Early on in the season we meet Yennefer, a hunch-backed outcast who eventually transforms into a mesmerizing and impressive sorceress. I place “allows” in quotations because Yennefer is so BA she doesn’t need permission, and yet in so many shows the typical male counterpart to a powerful female is constantly trying to demonstrate and assert his own power, as if there isn’t room for both. Geralt simply accepts Yennefer’s strength without being threatened by it. He doesn’t try to seem more than he is or otherwise try to impress her.

At the same time, Yennefer’s greatness does not lessen his own power. He’s still muther f’n Geralt of Rivia, consummate monster slayer, and that exists independently of Yennefer. He does care deeply for Yennefer and tries to save her from some of her self-destructive ways, but these motivations aren’t driven by ego or a need to outdo her. How does any of this apply to us?

Lesson- It’s not about you! Whether at work, home, or school, give others space and support to grow, succeed, and be the best versions of themselves. Distance your ego. A more mature and bigger person will realize that this does not threaten your success in any way (and there’s plenty of success to go around!)

3. Geralt has a great distaste for politics, machinations, show, and pomp. He dislikes being at Cintra for the ball, wearing the ridiculous outfit. Early on in the first episode he says “Wizards are all the same. You talk nonsense while making wise and meaningful faces.”

Generally speaking, Geralt is skeptical but fair in his assessments, and willing to call people on their bullshit. He refuses to play in the gray, or to be used as a tool for others’ plans/ambitions. We see this in the first episode, as each Stregobor and Renfri attempt to play Geralt against the other. Each claims Geralt needs to choose “the lesser evil”. Geralt refuses to play this game and chooses neither side. He gives Renfri the advice she needs to hear, not the advice she wants to hear.

Lesson- don’t participate in drama and don’t be easily influenced by people and their agendas (hidden or otherwise). People have a way of justifying playing in gray areas. I’ve found this to be just as true in professional work environments as it is in grade school. Don’t let them draw you in.

4. Geralt likes Roach. The horse that is! He’s comfortable being alone, or just with his horse. She (yes, Roach is a she) gives him a companion to care about without the complications of people and their intentions/agendas. Now I’m not suggesting that you need to be a hermit and stay away from all people, although we’re certainly getting our fill of that right now with #quarantinelife. However, solitude, at least some of the time, can be a powerful and positive thing.

Lesson- If you like being around people, cool! But learn to appreciate time apart, being reflective, alone and engaging with your own thoughts and feelings, confronting them. When we slow down, we get to know ourselves better. This can be difficult stuff. One tool I like to use is a meditation app. I use Headspace, but there are several good ones out there. Having an app that guides me through allows me to focus on staying calm, clear, and in the moment without the stress of having to figure it all out myself. Many apps offer free 7-day trials you can use to see if this would benefit you. Give it a shot!

5. “I have learned to live with them. So that I may live.” This is a quote from a scene where Geralt is explaining to the Elven king Filavandrel, that he should move on with his life, instead of remaining bitter and consumed with the past (they’ve both had less than positive interactions w/ humans). Similar to #2, Geralt tends to go with the flow and allow people to be who they are. Whereas in Yennefer’s case we’re talking about having an abundance mindset when it comes to success, here we’re talking about Geralt’s “haters”. He doesn’t try to change everyone’s mind if they’re not open to seeing him as more than a monster. In other words, he accepts reality but deftly navigates it, so that he may live his life as well.

Lesson- Pick your battles and don’t let negative people, i.e. “haters”, drain your energy, ruin your mood, or sabotage your weekend. Not everything is worth getting worked up over and some people just choose to be negative. Don’t let ‘em get you down. And know your own worth. As is often said, “people criticizing you is a sign of your success.”

And there you have it! Have you enjoyed The Witcher as much as I have? I think it’s a terrific show and Henry Cavil does a great job playing the title character. If you didn’t know, he’s a big fan of both The Witcher books as well as the video games. While this article was all about the character elements of Geralt of Rivia, the next part will feature more physical and real world applications of some of Geralt’s best traits. Stay tuned!

All images owned by Netflix