The Witcher Season 1, Episode 6 recap: Rare Species

In episode 6 of Netflix series The Witcher, Geralt, Yennefer, and others quest for a green dragon. Also, Ciri is still not safe.

Previously on The Witcher, Geralt (Henry Cavill ) met Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and in a clothing-optional style. Also, Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) was still in danger.

This episode begins with Geralt (AKA The Witcher) meeting Borch Three Jackdaw (Ron Cook), trying to interest him in a mission to locate a green dragon in King Niedamir’s mountains. Borch has already assembled a sizable team, and two of them — Téa (Adele Oni) and Véa (Colette Dalal Tchantcho) — even defend Geralt’s horse by killing a man!

Geralt initially declines to join the mission but instantly changes his mind when Yennefer of Vengerberg shows up as part of the entourage, herself accompanied by a knight named Sir Eyck of Denesle (Jordan Renzo). Geralt leaves his horse, Roach, behind.

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It doesn’t take long for surprises to occur. While looking for berries, Jaskier the bard (Joey Batey) sees what he thinks is a cute little animal. However, he is shocked and dismayed to see it’s a more monstrous creature called a Hirikka.

Before it can devour Jaskier, Sir Eyck of Denesle hacks it up with his sword, declaring it as occurring “For kingdom and glory” (those words end up becoming somewhat of a running joke through the episode).

Geralt seems embarrassed that Yennefer is now his mage, especially when he gets diarrhea after eating some Hirikka meat.

A few more details come out: There’s some controversy over whether or not golden dragons exist, with Geralt thinking them extinct. Also, we learn that Boholt (Steve Wall) is a jerk.

On their merry way?

Like every other episode of The Witcher thus far, episode 6 has a little treachery afoot. Someone slit Sir Eyck of Denesle’s throat as he took care of business in private. Yennefer swiftly blames the Reavers for the death, establishing tensions between those on the expedition. Geralt and Yennefer also speak in private, noting that neither are fertile.

Geralt questions her intentions of wanting the dragon heart for fertility, assuring her it’s a myth. However, when he reveals his “child of surprise” (Princess Cirilla), which he earned from Duny, the cursed hedgehog man (Bart Edwards). This leads to Yennefer accusing him of hypocrisy, as he has a child due to that (supposedly) ironclad fateful law of surprise.

After traveling a bit, the group encounters a very iffy bridge alongside the mountain. The planks are so narrow as to test even the bravest man’s courage. However, Yarpen (Jeremy Crawford) wants them to cross. Jaskier almost falls but makes it unscathed. Borch, on the other hand, is not so lucky. Some planks break beneath his feet. Although Geralt tries to save him, Borch lets go and apparently falls to his death. Of course, this doesn’t stop Geralt and Yennefer from getting it on later that night.

Battle royale

After an undetermined amount of time, The Witcher and the rest reach what must be the dragon’s lair. Yennefer magically freezes the dwarves, apparently not trusting their judgment upon approaching. Yennefer and Geralt are surprised to find the green dragon deceased.

However, it’s even more surprising when a golden dragon shows up, and that it changes into Borch. It turns out Borch arranged the trip so that Geralt and Yennefer can help him defend his egg from his known human enemies. A battle royale occurs, during which Yennefer saves Geralt.

After they defeat the would-be dragon slayers, Borch offers the now unfrozen dwarves dragon teeth as payment so no one else seeks the green dragon. Borch also says the king will receive the actual body of the dragon if they play ball. They agree with little fuss.

The tension between Geralt and Yennefer escalates a bit, though. Yennefer believes that their relationship might be the product of a wish he made to the Djinn. She leaves, feeling hurt and foolish. Also, and in so many words, The Witcher tells Jaskier that he’s a harbinger of bad luck, prompting him to leave as well.

Changing forms

The Witcher also gets back to Princess Ciri, Dara (Wilson Radjou-Pujalte), and the doppelganger of Mousesack (Adam Levy). Of course, neither Ciri or Dara know for sure he is an imposer. However, they grow increasingly suspicious. When asked why he abandoned the kingdom of Cintra, the doppler Mousesack says he was pulled through a portal. To reassure her of his good intentions, he offers Ciri her grandmother’s sash. Ciri catches him in a lie, however, and the doppler reveals his true form (Michael Byrch).

The doppler knocks Dara out and ties Ciri to a tree, taking her form to meet Cahir (Eamon Farren). Cahir says he’s not actually trying to kill Ciri but reveal her fate. However, the doppler ends up fighting Cahir. Cahir proves a worthy foe, and the doppler flees the scene. This all gives Ciri and Dara time to escape, but the two also go their separate ways, leaving Ciri alone.

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