How Did Yennefer Lose And Regain Her Magic In The Witcher Season 2

The Witcher Season 2 brought back fan-favorite characters Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer in a series of thrilling adventures. In the new chapter, Yennefer’s individual story saw deviations from the source material as she was devoid of her magic throughout most of the season. But, how did the sorceress lose her powers? More importantly, how did she regain them?

The fantasy genre has seen a new rise in captivating visual experiences because of The Witcher. What once was a series of novels and short stories created by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, is now a sensational franchise on Netflix. The Witcher first gained popularity when it was adapted into a video game series. Following that, Netflix created an English adaptation of the mystical universe. Shortly after its debut, The Witcher became Netflix’s most treasured property.

Season 1 of The Witcher proceeded with Sapkowski’s stories in its own way. The show followed a non-linear timeline to tell the story of its three main characters separately. And as the season drew towards its conclusion, the characters crossed paths with each other.

The main characters of both Season 1 and 2 are Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan). While the Netflix series takes massive inspiration from Sapkowski’s books, the second season paved an entirely unique path for Yennefer. Unfortunately, these changes were not in harmony with the overall narrative.

Yennefer at the school of magic

Yennefer has seen her share of hardships growing up. Being a quarter-elf, she was born with physical deformities. And to pass the initiation process required to become a mage and get prettier, Yennefer sacrifices her ability to have children. Yennefer’s story after this event took an astounding turn. She became so powerful as to access the depths of her chaos during the Battle of Sodden Hill to defeat the Nilfgaardian forces. However, fire magic is forbidden for a cause.

After her sudden disappearance in Season 1, The Witcher’s next chapter revealed that Yennefer had lost her magic after Sodden Hill. Using fire magic comes with a price, and we see Yennefer desperately trying to get her powers back in Season 2. Her pain was so pronounced, it drew attention from some of the show’s most evil demons.

Yennefer defending herself in The Witcher

The Witcher Season 2 began with Yennefer in the captivity of Fringilla (Mimî M. Khayisa) and party. The two mages were then abducted by the elves and summoned by Francesca Findabair (Mecia Simson). Later, Voleth Meir fed on the three women’s desperation in separate ways. The Deathless Mother recognized their deepest fears and offered them exactly what they wanted. As for Yennefer, it was obvious that she was nothing without her magic. And in exchange for her powers, Voleth Meir asked Yennefer to get Ciri delivered to Cintra.

But, at the very last moment, Yennefer had a change of heart and she decided to protect Ciri instead. She traveled to Kaer Morhen with Geralt, where a now-possessed Ciri was brutally killing fellow Witchers. To save Ciri from the Deathless Mother, Yennefer offers herself to the demon. Together, Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt teleport to Voleth Meir’s sphere of existence, where the Deathless Mother releases herself and allies with the Wild Hunt. When the three of them returned to the Continent, Yennefer had regained her magic.

Also Read : The Witcher Uses Precise Tricks To Depict Yennefer’s Vulnerabilities

Yennefer, distraught at Aretuza while speaking to Tissaia

In the books, the only price Yennefer pays for channeling forbidden fire magic is the fleeting loss of sight. The Witcher Season 2 gave its main characters a sense of purpose. While Ciri trains herself in combat, Yennefer’s greedy actions only drive her character to ultimately join forces with Geralt and Ciri.

The upcoming season will display a deeper bond between Yennefer and Ciri. Yennefer has lived a life full of struggles. Her magic made her feel invincible. So when she lost her powers, so was forced to seek her purpose and overcome her vulnerabilities. Not only that, Yennefer’s arc also supported the stories of Fringilla and Francesca, as the two women also fell prey to the cruel intentions of Voleth Meir. Thus, they explained how nothing good ever comes easy.