Mage

Istredd, a human mage in The Hexer TV series (played by Bronisław Wrocławski)

Mages are people skilled and educated in the use of magic. Female mages are often called sorceresses, while male mages are called sorcerers. Only rare individuals have the potential to become mages and many of those with this potential are doomed to madness. Unless the individual in question — also known as a Source — learns to control their power quickly, he or she may end up a half-insane, slobbering oracle. That is why schools of sorcery were created, where talented children study for many years, acquiring knowledge and mastering magical skills. Because of their powers, mages age more slowly than ordinary people. They can extract magical energy from the four elements, transport themselves long distances and heal, as well as kill, in the blink of an eye. They have extensive scientific and political knowledge; in the latter respect, many mages are the equals of rulers.

The words "mage", "sorcerer" and "sorceress" are used mostly to refer to people trained in magical academies like Aretuza or Ban Ard and is rarely used to refer to magic-wielding druids or priests (especially the latter, since they claim to be given their powers by the gods).

In the Witcher saga, mages are also heavily involved in politics and are well organized. In the beginning there was the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, which was later replaced by the Lodge of Sorceresses.

Quick Answers

What is the role of a mage in the Witcher universe?

In the Witcher universe, a mage, also known as a wizard, sorcerer, or sorceress, plays a significant role. They are individuals skilled and educated in the use of magic, harnessing the power of Chaos. Mages are not only born with the potential to wield this incredible power, known as Sources, but they also undergo rigorous training to master this potential. Without proper control, this power can lead to madness. Therefore, schools of sorcery exist to educate and train these talented individuals. Mages are often seen using their magic in various ways, from casting spells to imbuing items and places with magical qualities. They are integral to the magical ecosystem of the Witcher universe, alongside witchers, priests, druids, and other magical creatures.

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How does one become a mage in the Witcher series?

In the Witcher series, becoming a mage is a process that requires both innate talent and extensive education. Only rare individuals have the potential to become mages, and many of those with this potential are at risk of madness unless they learn to control their power quickly. This is why schools of sorcery were created, where talented children study for many years to hone their skills. Mages usually have a natural affinity for a particular branch of magic, which they study more extensively, although they can also have skills in other areas. After their studies, they must pass an exam to verify their abilities and earn the title of Mistress or Master of Magic.

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What is the difference between a mage and a sorceress in the Witcher?

In the Witcher universe, both mages and sorceresses are individuals skilled and educated in the use of magic. However, the term 'mage' is a more general term that can refer to any person, regardless of gender, who has the potential to use magic. This potential is rare and can lead to madness if not controlled. On the other hand, a 'sorceress' specifically refers to a female mage. Sorceresses are known to study from four schools of magic: black (Earth Magic), white (Magic Light), alive (Magic - Life), and space (Special Dimensional Magic).

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Who are some notable mages in the Witcher series?

In the Witcher series, there are many notable mages. Some of them include Alzur, Artaud Terranova, Artorius Vigo, Assire var Anahid, Cregennan of Lod, Dethmold, Eltibald, Francesca Findabair, Fringilla Vigo, Istredd, Jan Bekker, Keira Metz, Lara Dorren, Leticia Charbonneau, Lydia van Bredevoort, Lytta Neyd, Margarita Laux-Antille, Marti Sodergren, Ortolan, Philippa Eilhart, Raffard the White, Rience, Sabrina Glevissig, Sheala de Tancarville, Sorel Degerlund, Stregobor, Tissaia de Vries, Triss Merigold, Vilgefortz, Visenna, Xarthisius, and Yennefer. These mages are heavily involved in politics and are well organized, often playing key roles in the events of the Witcher saga.

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What happens to a mage in the Witcher series if they don't learn to control their power?

In the Witcher series, a mage's power is often described as chaos. If a mage doesn't learn to control their power, this chaos can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes. The power they command can be a curse or a blessing, depending on how it's used. It's important to note that the control and use of magic in the Witcher series is not just about raw power, but also about understanding and discipline. Without these, a mage's power can become a threat to themselves and others.

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Notable mages

Sorcerers

Adalbert Albrich Alzur Artorius Vigo Atlan Kerk Axel Raby Carduin of Lan Exeter Cregennan of Lod Dagobert Dethmold Dorregaray Drithelm Eltibald Fercart

Geoffrey Monck Giambattista Gorazd Hen Gedymdeith Herbert Stammelford Immanuel Benavent Irion Istredd Ivo Richert Jan Bekker Lawdbor of Murivel Marquard Radcliffe

Radmir of Tor Carnedd Raffard the White Ransant Alvaro Rejean Rience Roedskilde Stregobor Artaud Terranova Tugdual Vilgefortz Xarthisius Yoël Grethen of Carreras Zangenis Zavist

Sorceresses

Agnes of Glanville April Wenhaver Assire var Anahid Augusta Wagner Aurora Henson Bianca d'Este Carla Demetia Crest Francesca Findabair Fringilla Vigo Ilona Laux-Antille

Jade Glevissig Keira Metz Klara Larissa Winter Leticia Charbonneau Lydia van Bredevoort Lytta Neyd Margarita Laux-Antille Marti Sodergren Millegarda Nina Fioravanti Nora Wagner

Philippa Eilhart Sabrina Glevissig Sheala de Tancarville Tissaia de Vries Triss Merigold Vanielle of Brugge Violenta Suarez Visenna Yanna of Murivel Yennefer of Vengerberg

The Witcher

Glossary Entry

Mages Only rare individuals have the potential to become mages and many of those with this potential are doomed to madness. Unless the individual in question — known as a Source — learns to control their power quickly, he or she may end up a half-insane, slobbering oracle. That is why schools of sorcery were created, where talented children study for many years, acquiring knowledge and mastering magical skills. Because of their powers, mages age more slowly than ordinary people. They can extract magical energy from the four elements, transport themselves long distances and heal, as well as kill, in the blink of an eye. They have extensive scientific and political knowledge; in the latter respect, many mages are the equals of rulers. The early days of the war with Nilfgaard saw the end of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, an organization which grouped mages and closely controlled the practice of magic. During the Brotherhood's last assembly, a rebellion broke out on Thanedd Island; some of the mages were accused of high treason, that is, working for Nilfgaard, and were either arrested or killed. The remaining sorcerers won independence and set up smaller associations. In the wake of the rebellion, the mages retained their influence. Many of them remained royal advisors, sometimes even ruling countries from behind the scenes. Philippa Eilhart strengthened her position as eminence grise of Redania, whereas the elf Francesca Findabair, the queen of Dol Blathanna, took greater interest in the affairs of humans and became ruler of elven lands in general. Triss Merigold, one of the youngest sorceresses and a representative of King Foltest, also joined in creating the new order. Simple folk fail to differentiate between witches, sorcerers and witchers. Anyone who wields magic is regarded as suspicious and godless. But the better educated, and those who dwell in large cities, know to treat mages with due respect.

• Anabelle Radfind (mentioned only)
• Azar Javed
• Petri (mentioned only)
• Savolla

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Mages in The Witcher 2 include:

Triss Merigold Síle de Tansarville Philippa Eilhart Felicia Cori Carduin of Lan Exeter Cynthia Adalbert Dethmold

Vanhemar Assire var Anahid (only in a cutscene) Bras of Ban Ard Francesca Findabair (only mentioned) Sabrina Glevissig (only in a cutscene) Yennefer (only in flashbacks)

Journal Entry

'Sorcerer' is the name customarily applied to male persons capable of commanding the Power, though it is but one of the many terms or phrases, most of them highly unflattering, to have been used over the ages. These terms have ranged from the rather respectful title of "Wise One" to the somewhat less specific "bloody son of a bitch – the plague take'im." As for women of this persuasion – that is, sorceresses – they have been called everything from "archmistress" to a colloquial expression I will not repeat out of regard for the language and respect for the female gender. The command of the Power these mages possess sets them above mere mortals – which can be good or bad. From the dawn of time, history remembers mages either as pure-intentioned and courageous heroes or as rogues bereft of reverence and faith. Human memory tends to remember the latter for longer, which may be why common folk mostly hold people of this profession in contempt.

Notes

• The Sorceress is also the name of a character class in The Witcher: Versus.
• The Price of Neutrality premium module, an elven scout, Reim says that the only true mages are elven, but does not elaborate further.
• In Danusia Stok 's translations, the preferred term for female mage is enchantress.

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