If you don’t want to read through this article the short answer is that he does have two swords in the Netflix series, he just doesn’t put them both on his back like in the games.
The Netflix series “The Witcher” has recently launched and many fans of the Witcher games and books are wondering where his second sword is? It should be on his back, just like the games right? As you know, he does have two that he carries, they are both not on him at all times.
In the world of The Witcher, created by Andrzej Sapkowski, the main character Geralt of Rivia finds himself in a land of monsters and magic, Of danger and heroism. In the world of an unnamed Continent, it is in this dynamic and dangerous world that Geralt finds himself in.
The Witcher, at the time of the writing of this article, first came out as a collection of short stories, with a further saga and standalone novel being published later on. From its native Poland, these books spread quickly and were translated into many languages including English. The success of these stories spurred the creation of graphic novels, spins offs, video games, and now even a Netflix Original tv show.
As you watch The Witcher take form over the years, it has acquired a cult-like following around the world, with many people getting involved in the spreading of its tale. But sometimes, as one thing passes to another generation, or into another format things change. That’s not necessarily bad, but it might be leaving some people wondering why.
One of the most notable, and easy to identify changes between The Witchers previous incarnations with the new Netflix TV show, is that Geralt, our glorious hero, carries but a single sword into battle, whereas in other renditions such as the video games, he is known to have two. Why is this and does it make a difference?
One Sword vs. Two In The Witcher
When it comes to the show, there are varying differences between it and the video games. One of the most standout differences in the weaponry that Geralt carries. In the written works as well as the video game he has two swords, but when we find ourselves watching the show, he only has one that he carries on his back.
Now, it is important to note it is mentioned once briefly in the show that he has two swords, and it can be seen in one scene, but we never see or hear of it again. But why make this creative change? Was there a reason or was it just easier?
To understand the differences you’ll have to delve a little deeper into what this difference actually means and why it is important to the overall story and plot.
Why Would A Witcher Hold Two Swords?
So you might be asking yourself, why would someone carry two swords at all times anyway? Is that not redundant? Well, when you live on the Continent there is a good reason. In this world, there are some beings or monsters that cannot be killed by normal weapons. No, they are too powerful.
Some beings can only be killed by silver weapons, like werewolves in common folklore. This makes a huge difference in the books and the game. This creates a place for witchers or special monster hunters within this world.
The silver sword for certain and special monsters, normal sword for humans and other more ordinary monsters. Make sense? So now that it’s known why he typically has two swords in his portrayals why does he not in the Netflix show? There are a few potential reasons for this so you’ll need to know more about the show to fully understand.
Why Geralt Only Holds One Sword in the Books and Netflix Series
So now that you know why he has two swords in the video game and in the books, you might be wondering what the difference is between these swords, and why it makes important plot changes in the book if he does not have both.
Silver is not a tough metal, making a weapon out of it is very impractical, a good iron or steel is what you’re looking for in a reliable weapon. Not silver. So why carry a silver sword, or rather why not carry one? What’s the difference between his two swords in this world?
In order to do his job as a witcher, Geralt must carry both of these weapons. Otherwise, he would be in even more frequent tough situations than he already is in. Having both swords gives him the strength to defeat his toughest foes, and keep himself, and Roach his loyal horse and best friend safe.
Without his silver sword, Geralt would be much less capable than he is. So why does Netflix strip him of this great power and present him with only one sword throughout season one?
Where in the Netflix Series Was the Second Sword Shown
So if Geralt’s second sword is so important, and it’s crucial to his monster-slaying capabilities why does Netflix take it away from him? Well, do they actually? If you rewind and go backward, you will remember that the show actually does demonstrate that he has two swords, even if it were the briefest of moments. So where did his sword go then? Why does it not make any appearances in season one outside of this scene?
Well, we have to remember that The Witcher TV show is actually not based on the video games, as much as you wish, or are glad that they are not. It is based rather on the books, and in the books, while he does carry two swords he doesn’t carry them both on him. Rather he keeps the silver one with his trusty steed and best friend Roach.
So the difference is not really whether or not he has two swords, because he actually has both in all adaptations, but rather where he keeps it, but why does that matter?
You Don’t Need a Silver Sword in The Netflix Series to Slay Monsters (So Far)
So why does any of this matter? One sword, two swords, who cares! Well not exactly, its a little more complicated than that and affects the plot in different ways If Geralt has no silver sword, how is he to kill monsters? Well, the clear answer is that you do not need silver to slay these creatures, changing an important part of the game, and books.
If they can change that, what else could they change about the base lore? This is important for fans for it takes away a sense of security in which they may have known.
Not needing a silver sword makes it so Geralt’s situations are simpler and in some cases less dangerous since there is not this specific weapon requirement. This, of course, makes things easier on the show writers but just makes things more simple all the way around.
Conclusions:
So, you have learned a lot about Geralt of Rivia and his swords today, as well as the world in which The Witcher takes place. Creative differences can be made for so many reasons, some good, some not so good, and some just for no reason at all. But in many cases, it is just to make things easier for the cast and crew.
Perhaps you, as the viewer, just have not seen the silver sword yet, and that later on in the show it will be shown if not talked about more, but for now in season one you only have Geralt’s regular sword in action.
There are a proposed seven seasons of The Witcher coming up, there is a good chance his second sword will make an appearance in one of the future seasons. But of course, only time will tell.
Whether or not you like the way in which the show writers decided to go, you have to give it to them, it sure worked out for there show and you would not know the difference had you not come straight from the video game. It works, and it works out well.
Depending on what your favorite adaptation is, it will change what you think of the show, but if you’re a fan of the franchise and are open-minded this is surely nothing to stop you from watching this exciting new fantasy series.
One sword or two, Geralt is still an extremely tough monster slayer and you have to love him for it. If the difference in swords hasn’t affected his character yet, then you may have to allow Netflix to run the show how they wish, because so far, they seem to know what they are doing.
There is just so much more to learn and explore in the world of The Witcher, be sure to stay tuned in for the next season and more awesome articles like this one If you have not had any experience with this world, stop what you’re doing right now and go pick up a copy of these books, video games or get ready for some Netflix, for you do not want to miss this bandwagon. Get ready for a lot more Witcher.