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Villentretenmerth (Common Speech: Three Black Birds) was one of only two known golden dragons in the history of the Continent. He loved living among other creatures and, being highly skilled in polymorphism, could assume many forms, allowing him to travel incognito. One of his most well-known forms was that of Borch Three Jackdaws.[1]
He first encountered Geralt when he posed as a knight, accompanied by two Zerrikanian women, Téa and Véa, whom he referred to as his "weapons." Villentretenmerth never carried conventional weapons, claiming he could not, though he never elaborated on why. He was also the father of another famous dragon, Saesenthessis.[1]
Biography[]
Early life[]
Little is known about Villentretenmerth's early years. He was a nomadic traveler, never staying in one place for too long. Throughout his journeys, he often used various forms to blend in with other creatures but was also known to occasionally travel in his true dragon form. During one such journey, he met a green dragon named Myrgtabrakke, whom he took as his mate. After spending some time together, he left her and continued his travels.[1]
Meeting with the witcher[]
Under the guise of Borch, Villentretenmerth met the famous witcher Geralt during one of his contracts. After Geralt slew a basilisk, Borch and his Zerrikanian bodyguards intervened before the villagers who had hired Geralt could steal from his saddlebags. Borch invited Geralt to a nearby inn, where they discussed the witcher's philosophy. Borch was pleased to learn that Geralt did not hunt dragons, believing they did not pose a threat to humans and that it was humans who hunted them. They debated the possible existence of a golden dragon, which Geralt dismissed, stating, "Mutants are sterile, Borch. Only legends permit what nature condemns. Only myths can ignore the limits of what's possible." The two enjoyed a long conversation and a good meal before parting ways for the night.
Soon after, news spread of a large dragon sighted near Barefield, prompting a great hunt.[1]
Hunt for a dragon[]
The group decided to join the hunt and journeyed to Barefield. Upon arrival, they found the area closed off due to the dragon hunt. Geralt discovered his long-time friend Dandelion among the hunters, who shared everything he knew about the situation. The next day, the group managed to gain entry and joined the hunting party. The party was composed of notable figures, including the famous dragon hunters, the Crinfrid Reavers, the dwarven master Yarpen Zigrin and his company, the noble knight Eyck of Denesle, and the mages Dorregaray and Yennefer of Vengerberg. The party was led by Prince Niedamir and guided by a peasant named Sheepbagger.
Borch quickly noticed the tension between Geralt and Yennefer but kept his observations to himself, just as he concealed his true reason for joining the hunt—protecting Myrgtabrakke, the dragon being hunted, and the female he had once been with. Borch played the role of an observer, watching as tensions within the group escalated over differing opinions on the dragon. Eventually, he left the group to tend to his own business. In his absence, a rockslide struck the group, sending Geralt and Yennefer off a cliff. They were saved by Eyck, who threw them a rope.
As the group's situation worsened, arguments became more frequent. During one such argument, they were interrupted by the roar of a dragon—not the green dragon they expected, but a large, golden one. Initially in awe and disbelief, the group eventually decided to press on and attempt to kill the dragon.
Before the hunt could begin, however, the dragon used telepathy to present them with two options: leave, or stay and fight in a fair duel. This challenge was eagerly accepted by the honorable Sir Eyck, who attacked the dragon without hesitation. Villentretenmerth, agile despite his size, quickly defeated the knight, sending him and his horse flying across the valley. The dragon's swift victory caused the prince to abandon the quest, while the Reavers, now determined to kill the dragon themselves, divided the group. Geralt, Dandelion, and Dorregaray opposed the killing, but they were overpowered, tied up, and left behind. Yennefer initially sided with the Reavers and Yarpen's company but soon turned against them, only to be knocked out and have her hands and fingers bound.
Villentretenmerth, growing increasingly impatient, observed the group's actions. When the Reavers and Yarpen finally attacked, the dragon charged, swiftly defeating the attackers. It became clear that the dragon had been furiously guarding a newborn hatchling—his and Myrgtabrakke's offspring.
As the dragon defeated the attackers, a local militia led by Sheepbagger arrived. Their sheer numbers overwhelmed Villentretenmerth, but Yennefer, freed by Geralt, used her magic to fend off the mob. Téa and Véa also appeared, cutting through the crowd and eventually freeing Villentretenmerth, who then killed Sheepbagger. He ordered the dwarves to attend to the wounded Reavers and forbade Véa from attacking Yennefer. When the fighting ceased, Villentretenmerth assumed his human form again, revealing himself as Borch Three Jackdaws. He thanked Geralt and Yennefer for their help and made a cryptic comment about their relationship before transforming back into his dragon form and flying off with his newborn.[1]
Later years[]
Villentretenmerth spent many years raising his daughter, Saesenthessis, teaching her to care for others, value freedom, and see all creatures as equals. Unlike him, however, she was a crossbreed between a green and a golden dragon, limiting her polymorphism abilities. Eventually, as is common among dragons, he left her to live on her own.[2]
After the Second Northern War, Borch was seemingly "captured" by a mercenary unit paid to bring him to the Queen of Zerrikania. In a tavern, he regaled them with tales of Queen Meve's deeds during the guerilla warfare.[3]
Not much is known about his activities afterward. In 1271, during the Kaedweni occupation of the Pontar Valley, Geralt encountered his daughter, Saesenthessis, under the guise of Saskia.[2]
Trivia[]
- This coat of arms is reminiscent of a real Polish coat of arms used by noble Polish and Lithuanian families (more on the subject can be found here).
- The name Borch Trzy Kawki is most likely based on the name of Polish Great Crown Chancellor who lived in XVIII century. His full name was Jan Andrzej Józef Borch and his coat of arms was Three Jackdaws.
Notes[]
- In "The Bounds of Reason" short story, Borch tells that his draconic name "Villentrentenmerth" means "Three Black Birds", thus giving a reason to the "Three Jackdaws" added to his human name.
- In The Witcher he is indirectly mentioned in the game. During Shani's party in Chapter II, Dandelion mentions that Geralt once had a vampire friend, Regis. To which Geralt derisively replies: "...and a dragon friend, too?", a humorous reference to Geralt's friendship with Borch.
- In The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings subtitles his name is spelled "Borkh". Geralt discover that Saskia, the Virgin of Aedirn, is in fact Borch's daughter and her dragon name is Saesenthessis. She however isn't a golden dragon and her shapeshifting capabilities are limited.
- in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt there is a gwent card with his likeness and is a neutral card. During the gwent tournament Geralt mentions that he once met a traveler who had two Zerrikanian women as bodyguards, referring to Borch.
- In The Hexer TV series, Borch appears in the fourth episode: "Smok" (The Dragon)
Videos[]
Gallery[]
References[]
External links[]
See the GWENT standalone game version card: Villentretenmerth
See the GWENT standalone game version card: