*Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Witcher season four*.
The fantasy series, The Witcher, has launched its fourth season on Netflix, introducing new characters and intricate relationships.
Ciri, a character far removed from her Royal beginnings, is no longer recognised as a Princess and finds herself aligning with a band of outlaws known as The Rats. While some members of the group grapple with accepting her, she forms a close bond with one member in particular.
Before long, she embarks on a romantic and sexual relationship with Mistle (portrayed by Christelle Elwin). This development has sparked curiosity among fans about the character’s sexuality, particularly whether it aligns with the original books penned by Andrzej Sapkowski.
So, what exactly is Ciri’s sexuality? Is she gay in the books and how does her relationship with Mistle compare to the novels? Here’s everything you need to know.
The topic of Ciri’s sexuality has been a point of discussion among book fans since their publication. Many suggest that the character is bisexual, reports the Mirror.
This is based on instances in the novels where Ciri is depicted as finding male characters attractive, while also entering into a relationship with a female character, Mistle.
The author Sapkowski has confessed that he always intended for the characters to develop romantic feelings for each other. However, he indicated that when his work was being translated into other languages, some translators attempted to alter the character’s gender as the “lesbian elements were considered extremely dirty”.
Sapkowski has also hinted in several of his interviews that his portrayal of some female characters was designed to challenge the stereotype prevalent in the fantasy genre. Notably, the frequent use of scantily clad female characters as a means of “giving rest to the warrior”.
Some fans speculate that the author employed a bait and switch tactic. Readers might initially expect a princess character to be wooed by a male knight, but instead she enters a same-sex relationship with a criminal or rogue type.
The author has never provided a definitive answer regarding Ciri’s sexuality. Instead, it appears he has portrayed it as fluid in his work and open to interpretation.
One fan theory suggests that Ciri avoids entering a heterosexual relationship due to fear that Ithlinne’s prophecy would come true, which predicts her child would herald the end of the world.
Mistle is the first member of the Rats to show interest in Ciri. In the books, Mistle intervenes to stop Kayleigh from assaulting Ciri in her bed.
However, some dispute Ciri’s bisexuality or homosexuality, as her initial relationship with Mistle in the books is non-consensual.
Initially, Ciri expresses a desire to be with Mistle simply because she doesn’t want to be alone, and she remains emotionally distant. This contrasts sharply with the portrayal of their relationship in the Netflix series, which is depicted as far more romantic.
In the novel, their relationship evolves into a more mutual one. Before parting ways with the Rats, Ciri gets a tattoo in honour of Mistle and vows to return for her. They also confess their love for each other.
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