Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
What if your fate was sealed by a wish? The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski is a spellbinding introduction to the world of Geralt of Rivia, a stoic, silver-haired monster hunter known as a Witcher. Set in a dark, medieval fantasy world teeming with mythical creatures and political intrigue, this collection of interconnected short stories forms the foundation of The Witcher series, a saga celebrated for its complex characters and moral ambiguity.
Geralt, armed with his steel sword for men and silver for monsters, navigates a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred. The stories, which take place in various locales from haunted forests to decaying castles, reveal Geraltâs encounters with creatures such as strigas, kikimoras, and cursed princesses. These tales are not mere monster hunts but deeply philosophical explorations of destiny, free will, and the cost of neutrality in a world driven by chaos.
The bookâs narrative structure, framed by "The Voice of Reason," serves as a clever storytelling device that alternates between Geraltâs present and his past exploits. As each story unfolds, we delve into the Witcherâs complex psyche, uncovering his stoic exterior to reveal a man burdened by his own code of ethics in a world that often lacks them.
Whether it's battling a monster born of human cruelty or facing the consequences of a wish made in haste, Geraltâs journey is as much about understanding humanity as it is about surviving the deadly creatures that lurk in the shadows. The Last Wish offers readers a rich, immersive experience, setting the stage for the epic saga that follows.
Date Published: 1993
Support Us: By purchasing through our Amazon link, we earn as an Amazon Associate. Thank you for your support!
Fiction
Fantasy
Dark Fantasy
Sword and Sorcery
High Fantasy
Geralt of Rivia: A stoic and morally complex Witcher, Geralt is dedicated to slaying monsters for coin, but he follows a personal code of ethics that often conflicts with the harsh realities of his world. He values neutrality yet frequently finds himself entangled in the moral dilemmas of others. In one tale, Geralt spares the life of a cursed princess, showing mercy where others would have killed.
Yennefer of Vengerberg: A powerful and ambitious sorceress, Yennefer is both a complex ally and love interest to Geralt. She values independence and power, yet her relationship with Geralt reveals a vulnerability and desire for connection. She risks her life and powers to try to save Geralt from a djinnâs curse, illustrating the depth of her feelings for him despite her outwardly cold demeanor.
Dandelion (Jaskier): A bard and Geraltâs closest friend, Dandelion is a carefree and charming troubadour who values freedom and the pursuit of pleasure. His loyalty to Geralt is unwavering, and he often provides comic relief in the darker moments of the stories. When Geralt is in need, Dandelion puts aside his frivolous nature to stand by his friend.
Nenneke: A priestess and healer, Nenneke is a motherly figure to Geralt, offering both physical healing and spiritual guidance. She values wisdom and compassion, as shown when she insists on tending to Geraltâs injuries and offers him advice, despite his resistance to her spiritual teachings.
Destiny and Free Will: The stories explore the tension between destiny and free will, questioning whether Geraltâs actions are truly his own or if they are dictated by fate. Geraltâs wish to the djinn binds him to Yennefer, raising questions about whether their relationship is a result of destiny or choice.
Morality and Neutrality: Geraltâs profession as a Witcher requires him to remain neutral, yet he constantly grapples with moral dilemmas. His decision to save a cursed princess rather than kill her exemplifies his struggle to balance his code of neutrality with his innate sense of right and wrong.
The Nature of Monsters: The book blurs the line between monsters and humans, suggesting that cruelty and monstrosity often originate from human actions. Geraltâs encounters with various creatures reveal that the true monsters are often those who are driven by greed, hatred, or fear, rather than the beasts he is hired to slay.
Power and Corruption: Through characters like Yennefer and the various rulers Geralt encounters, the book examines how the pursuit of power can lead to corruption. Yenneferâs relentless quest for power is tempered by her relationship with Geralt, showing how love and personal connections can offer redemption.
The Last Wish introduces readers to the enigmatic world of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher trained to hunt and kill monsters. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected short stories, each exploring different aspects of Geraltâs character and the morally complex world he inhabits.
The book begins with Geralt recovering from a battle, reflecting on his past adventures. These reflections form the backbone of the stories, each illustrating different facets of his life as a Witcher. In "The Witcher," Geralt is hired to lift a curse from a princess who turns into a monster at night. Rather than killing her, he finds a way to break the curse, revealing his deep sense of morality and compassion despite his outwardly cold demeanor.
In "A Grain of Truth," Geralt encounters a cursed man who lives as a beast in a remote mansion. The story delves into the theme of monstrosity, showing that sometimes the real monsters are human. Geraltâs encounter with the beast reveals his belief that monsters are not always what they seem, and that human cruelty often begets true monstrosity.
"The Lesser Evil" presents one of Geraltâs most significant moral dilemmas, where he must choose between two evils. He opts for what he perceives as the lesser evil, killing a sorceress to save a town. However, the story leaves Geralt questioning the morality of his actions and whether any true lesser evil exists.
"The Last Wish," the story that ties the collection together, introduces Yennefer, a powerful sorceress with whom Geralt shares a complicated relationship. After freeing a djinn, Geralt makes a final wish that binds his fate to Yenneferâs, creating a bond that will have lasting repercussions throughout the series. This wish not only cements their destinies but also sets the stage for the epic conflicts and emotional turmoil that define Geraltâs journey in subsequent books.
By the end of The Last Wish, readers are left with a deep understanding of Geraltâs worldâa place where monsters lurk in both the shadows and the hearts of men, and where destiny and choice are intertwined in a relentless struggle for control. This book serves as the foundation for the larger Witcher saga, introducing key characters and themes that will be explored in greater depth as the series progresses.
Our summaries are designed with you in mind, aiming to resonate with your interests and spark your curiosity. We ensure each summary is rooted in the essence of the book, focusing on major themes like destiny, morality, and power, while staying true to the original work. Through expert analysis, we distill complex narratives into concise, engaging content that maintains the integrity of the source material. Our commitment to quality ensures that every summary is both informative and an accurate reflection of the author's intent, providing a reliable and insightful resource for your reading journey.
