Anna Daniels
Why, exactly, did Nilfgaard invade the north, raze Cintra, and turn Sodden into a massacre? It’s after more than just Ciri. If you track Nilfgaard’s history over The Witcher‘s three timelines, you’ll actually see the story of a humiliated nation that rises from the ashes in order to restore its lost glory, albeit in the most violent way possible.
Early on, before Yennefer’s ascension, Nilfgaard is a joke. Its king, Fergus, wastes the kingdom’s money on girls and other frivolous pursuits. The Brotherhood of Sorcerers hope that a court mage can help bring Fergus under control. Instead, sometime around Geralt’s story in episode three, someone known as the Usurper organizes a rebellion, overthrown Fergus, and takes the crown.
The Usurper’s reign doesn’t bring much honor to Nilfgaard. When a Nilfgaardian lord asks to marry princess Parvetta in episode four, Queen Calanthe makes fun of him and dismisses him out-of-hand. 12 years later, Nilfgaard gets its revenge. Sometime between episodes four and seven, Geralt time, Fergus’ son Emhyr reclaims the Nilfgaardian throne and sends his army out to conquer the north. That’s when Cintra burns, and how Sodden becomes the site of the mages’ last stand.
Written by: Looper
