Witchers in The Witcher are sterile as a result of the extensive mutations they must undergo as part of their Witcher training. These mutations, which are known as the Trial of the Grasses, modify a Witcher’s physiology to give them special combat abilities.
As part of this process, the Witcher’s reproductive organs are surgically removed. Although this makes them sterile, it allows them to consume the special potions they use to enhance their performance in combat.
Without this process, Witchers would be unable to use the potions that allow them to defeat monsters. Additionally, by being sterile, Witchers are able to fulfill their contract-based work without the distraction of a normal family life or inheritance issues.
Finally, being sterile is a symbol of the sacrifices Witchers make in their quest for power and knowledge, something which ties in to the world-view and ethos of the witcher culture.
Why is The Witcher sterile?
The Witcher’s sterility is a part of his transformation process that is essential to make him what he is. It is explained in the novels and games. Upon his transformation, The Witcher undergoes a process involving a mutagen known as The Trial of Grasses, which renders him sterile.
The Trial of Grasses involves consuming a complex mixture of potion, herbs, and mutagens to enhance physical and mental abilities, allowing the Witcher to battle creatures, monsters and the forces of evil.
While this process makes The Witcher more powerful and able to fight those that stand in his way, it also renders him sterile, meaning that he is unable to father children. This is due to the intense physical and mental changes that take place, affecting the reproductive system.
While this may seem like an unfortunate side-effect, The Witcher’s sterility highlights an important point: no matter how powerful one may become, it does not change the realities of nature. In this case, The Witcher is stripped of his ability to create life, which serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of the natural world.
Why are witchers and sorceresses infertile?
Witchers and sorceresses are infertile because their chosen professions involve exposing themselves to unnatural mutations, of both the body and mind. Through mutation, a witcher gains superhuman abilities and strength but, as a result, the body no longer functions according to nature’s design.
For example, mutations interfere with hormonal balances, reduce fertility and cause sterility, which is why witchers and sorceresses do not reproduce.
In addition, the gruelling training and lifestyle witchers must endure further inhibits their fertility. The intense levels of physical and mental stress that come with the rigorous training and behaviour restrictions undergo to become a witcher can result in a lowered libido, weakened fertility and sterility in some cases.
Witcher and sorceress mutations also cause the body to age more quickly, making them infertile even if they were initially able to produce offspring.
Finally, in terms of witchers specifically, the literature surrounding The Witcher universe states that the Trial of the Grasses specifically sterilizes those who pass and become witchers. They willingly accept it as a necessary sacrifice to gain the superhuman physical and mental abilities that are required of them and it’s also intended as a safeguard to ensure witchers remain focused on their vocation and will not reproduce officially as witchers.
How are witchers Sterilised?
Witchers are sterlized by a process called mutagenesis. This process involves the use of various alchemical ingredients, such as rare herbs and minerals, to create powerful mutagens, which are then ingested by the witcher during a grueling three month trial period.
As part of the process, they are required to abstain from sexual activity, and abstain from eating meat or fish. The mutagens they ingest act to drastically alter their physiology and metabolism, causing them to become immune to disease, completely resistant to toxins, and even unable to conceive a child.
This makes them an ideal candidate for working in the dangerous trade of monster hunting. The sterlization process has been proven to be extremely effective over the centuries, with very few documented cases of witchers fathering children.
Is Ciri infertile Witcher?
No, Ciri is not infertile Witcher. Ciri is the Child of Destiny for whom the Witcher prophecy speaks of, and was born to Pavetta, the daughter of a Queen of Cintra, and Duny of the Urcheon of Erlenwald, a cursed man.
Her parents’ union brought with it a unique connection between the Witcher world, and the world of magic, allowing Ciri to have greater magical powers than most Witchers, though she lacks the same level of experience with her skills.
Ciri is also capable of conceiving and carrying a child to term, as evidenced by her pregnancy in Season 1 of the Netflix series.
