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*Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Witcher season four*
The fantasy series, The Witcher, has made a triumphant return with its fourth season on Netflix, introducing new characters and intricate relationships.
Ciri, a character far removed from her Royal beginnings, is no longer recognised as a Princess and finds herself aligning with a band of outlaws known as The Rats. Despite some members of the group struggling to accept her, she forms a close bond with one member in particular.
Before long, she embarks on a romantic and sexual relationship with Mistle (portrayed by Christelle Elwin), leading many fans to question the character's sexuality, particularly in relation to how it aligns with the original books penned by Andrzej Sapkowski.
So, what exactly is Ciri's sexuality? Is she gay in the books and how does her relationship with Mistle compare to the novels? Here's everything you need to know.
Is Ciri gay in The Witcher books?
The topic of Ciri's sexuality has been a point of discussion among book fans since their publication. Many believe that the character is bisexual, reports the Mirror.
This is based on instances in the novels where Ciri is depicted finding male characters attractive, while also engaging in a relationship with a female character, Mistle.
Author Sapkowski has confessed that he always intended for the characters to develop romantic feelings for one another.
Nevertheless, he revealed that when his work underwent translation in different regions, some publishers battled to alter the character's gender because the "lesbian elements were considered extremely dirty".
Sapkowski has also suggested in various interviews that his approach to writing certain female characters was designed to challenge stereotypes prevalent in the fantasy genre.
Particularly, scantily clad female characters are frequently employed for the purpose of "giving rest to the warrior".
Certain fans also suspect that the author was employing a bait and switch strategy.
Readers might enter the narrative expecting a princess character to be courted by a male knight, but instead witness her forming a same-sex relationship with a criminal or rogue archetype.
The author has never provided a conclusive statement regarding Ciri's sexuality.
Rather, he appears to have portrayed it as fluid throughout his work and left it open to reader interpretation.
One fan theory concerning why Ciri avoids entering a heterosexual relationship centres on her fear that she might fulfil Ithlinne's prophecy, which implies her offspring would herald the world's end.
What is Ciri's relationship with Mistle?
Mistle is the first among the Rats to show interest in Ciri. In the novels, Mistle intervenes to stop Kayleigh from assaulting Ciri in her bed.
However, some dispute Ciri's bisexuality or homosexuality as her initial relationship with Mistle in the books is non-consensual.
Ciri initially expresses a desire to be with Mistle simply because she doesn't want to be alone and appears emotionally detached. This portrayal starkly contrasts with the Netflix series' depiction of their relationship, which is significantly more romantic.
In the novel, their relationship evolves into a more mutual one. Before parting ways with The Rats, Ciri gets a tattoo in honour of Mistle and vows to return for her. They also confess their love for each other.
The Witcher is streaming on Netflix.