‘The Witcher’: Did Emhyr Kill Pavetta? Book Explanation Ahead of Season 3
The mystery behind Emhyr, the White Flame, was revealed at the end of The Witcher Season 2. Fans soon learn that Emhyr was hellbent on finding Ciri because his real identity is Duny, her father. With fans knowing his identity, it begs the question of his backstory in the books. Also, if Emhyr is behind the death of his wife Pavetta, and it was not a simple accident at sea.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Witcher books]
The most feared person across the Continent, Emhyr, is Ciri’s father in ‘The Witcher’ series
Throughout both seasons of The Witcher, fans never saw Emhyr, the White Flame. His reign was often discussed as his thirst for power and control. In the first season, Nilgaardian armies take over Cintra, and the empire becomes the most powerful in the land. While fans knew of its biggest enforcers like Cahir and Fringilla, its ruler remained a mystery.
The only aspect fans knew is that Emhyr was on the hunt to make Ciri his, but for reasons unknown. The Witcher Season 2 dropped the bomb during its finale as to how Emhyr knew of Ciri’s lineage and immense Elven powers before anyone else did. The last scene of the season revealed Cahir and Fringilla meeting with the White Flame in person.
He turns to reveal his identity, and it is Duny, Ciri’s father. The reveal came as a shock. In the first season, Duny was cursed to look like a porcupine but gained the Law of Suprise after saving the king of Cintra. Years later, he fell in love with Princess Pavetta. Duny invokes the Law of Surprise at her banquet, and fans learn of Pavetta’s own powers. Their love and Queen Calanthe’s acceptance break the curse. Sometime later, Pavetta ad Duny is said to have been killed at sea.
Emhyr might have killed Pavetta to fulfill his evil plan in ‘The Witcher’ books
In The Witcher Season 2, fans learn more about why Pavetta and Duny/Emhyr tried to escape Cintra. Triss dives into Ciri’s subconscious in episode five. She sees Pavetta and Duny with Ciri as a child. They discuss the prophecy and plan to escape Cintra. So far, fans and the rest of the characters believe Duny/Emhyr died at sea. Knowing he is the one after Ciri, did he kill Pavetta?
According to Polygon, Emhyr’s story is much darker. The series never revealed that Emhyr is the son of the former Nilfgaardian King Fergus. He took on the name Duny after his father was dethroned, and he was given the curse. The Witcher follows his story of the Law of Surprise like the books.
But the series has yet to reveal the truth of Pavetta and Duny’s supposed deaths. Emhyr was influenced by Vilgefortz of a greater destiny in the books, already knowing of the prophecy. He lies to Pavetta about keeping Ciri safe and instead plans for the three of them to escape to Nilgaard. Also, to fake their deaths.
Pavetta correctly assumes her husband’s ulterior motives in the books and sneaks Ciri to safety in Cintra. On the boat, Emhyr learns the truth of what she did, and they fight. It leads to Pavetta falling overboard. In return, Emhyr travels back to Nilfgaard to resume his power.
Will ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 follow the same heinous motives of why Emhyr wants Ciri?
The third season of the Netflix series is currently in production. Its storyline explains the three main characters will travel to Aretuza but find themselves in the middle of political upheaval. Few details have been revealed, but fans wonder if the series will reveal why Emhyr wants his daughter.
Fans of the series can speculate why Emhyr wants Ciri, but the books reveal a more shocking truth. Polygon explains that Emhyr is not after his daughter over fatherly love or concern. Instead, he plans to find her, marry her, and impregnate her. Under Vilgefortz manipulation, Emhyr is led to believe the child he fathers with Ciri will help him rule the world.
