Although there are quite a few differences between the Netflix series and the video game series, the two adaptations of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novel series’ The Witcher also have a lot in common, as they should. One of these is the location of Kaer Morhen, which while it has yet to be fully shown in the Netflix series, its existence in the show has been confirmed by comments made by Geralt (portrayed by Henry Cavill). It also plays a solid role throughout the video game series, but despite it being such a major location, many may not know a lot about Kaer Morhen.
Whether it’s The Witcher Netflix series, the game, or the novels, Kaer Morhen itself can remain mostly shrouded in mystery. And while every detail about Kaer Morhen has not been revealed, here’s what we know about the Witcher stronghold and its history so far. NOTE: This history is contrived from the video game canon, meaning the novel’s history and its eventual introduction in the Netflix series may, at times, contradict due to the nature of the adaptations.
The name, Kaer Morhen, is derived from Caer a’Muirehen, Elder speech meaning “Keep of the Elder Sea.” It served as a the main home, stronghold, and training ground, even after the location was sacked after its construction was completed in the 11th century (the games take place in the 13th, meaning its roughly 200 or so years old). This is where Witchers like Geralt would be raised, undergoing their various mutations at Kaer Morhen as well. That was, of course, until the Witchers were attacked by people who thought them to be abominations.
This attack resulted in the deaths of most of the teachers and students at the time, which total at 23 Witchers and 40 students, according to the sorceress Yennefer. Now, Vesemir is said to be the last known Witcher to live in the keep, having survived the aforementioned assault, but incapable of continuing the Witcher tradition as he was just a fencing instructor. As such, he did not possess the knowledge to create more mutagens for Witchers.
Interestingly enough, it is never elaborated upon as to who is exactly responsible for this attack, saying only that propaganda stirred nearby townships into a frenzy alongside a handful of mages as well. Considering that the path up to Kaer Morhen is known as the Witcher’s Trail and is nicknamed “The Killer” by young Witchers, it doesn’t seem likely it was just a simple case of mob rule. Nonetheless, the history it had contained up until this point was now lost.
There are a few notable events in recent memory, though. In 1232, Deidre Ademeyn attempts to take shelter at Kaer Morhen in The Witcher game’s Price of Neutrality DLC, as she is attempting to escape those hunting her for being a woman born under an eclipse. In 1270, Geralt was found unconscious outside the fortress just before an attack that stole the herbs needed for the Trials of the Grasses. And in 1272, the Witchers met at Kaer Morhen upon learning that Ciri was in danger from the Wild Hunt. The Battle of Kaer Morhen happened shortly after, in which Vesemir was killed.
Vesemir receives a pyre funeral at Kaer Morhen after this, with it being heavily implied that Kaer Morhen’s history with the Witchers was coming to an end. During its time, it (and Vesemir, at times) saw to the training and protection of Adon of Carreras, Aubry, Barmin, Berengar, Clovis, Dermot Marranga, Elgar, Eskel, Frank, Gardis, Gascaden, Geralt of Rivia, Gweld, Gwen, Gwidon, Hemminks, Klef, Lambert, Osbert, Rennes, Sorel, Thornwald, Tjold, Varin, and Voltehre. Yet, through all the Witchers that have occupied it in its 200+ year history, it’s fitting that it’s figurative end comes at the literal end of Vesemir in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The Witcher season 2 is in development.
