The Last Wish (The Witcher, #1) Summary & Key Insights

'The Last Wish', the introductory collection of short stories to Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher saga, follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he navigates a world steeped in magic, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. The stories, while independent, are woven together by recurring characters and overarching themes, establishing the world and Geralt's cynical yet ultimately compassionate nature.

The collection begins with "The Witcher," introducing Geralt and his unique abilities, forged through rigorous training at Kaer Morhen. He's hired to slay a Striga, a monstrous curse affecting a princess, revealing his pragmatic approach to slaying monsters and his disdain for the often-hypocritical humans he protects. This story establishes the central conflict of the Witcher's role: they are feared and misunderstood, yet essential to the safety of the human world.

"A Question of Price" details Geralt's encounter with the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful and independent woman who becomes a pivotal figure in his life. Their relationship, complex and often fraught with tension, forms a recurring thread throughout the series. This story highlights the power dynamics between Witchers and mages, as well as the ambiguous morality of their profession.

"The Lesser Evil" sees Geralt caught in a political conflict between warring factions, forcing him to choose the "lesser evil" amongst competing interests. This exemplifies the overarching theme of moral grey areas; there are no easy answers, and Geralt's choices are often difficult and have unforeseen consequences.

Other stories introduce key figures like Dandelion, Geralt's jovial bard companion, and showcase Geralt's interactions with various magical beings and the unpredictable consequences of their actions. "A Grain of Truth" explores the curse of a Djinn and the complex wish it grants, further highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the unintended consequences of magical power. "The Edge of the World" reveals a tale of the monstrous and the human and the blurring lines between them.

"The Last Wish," the title story, frames the entire collection. Geralt grants a dying king a wish, inadvertently placing himself in a perilous position that underscores the book's central theme of fate versus free will. Geralt's encounters repeatedly show that fate, destiny, and the whims of powerful entities – both human and supernatural – frequently influence his life, despite his attempts to maintain a degree of control.

Throughout the collection, Sapkowski constructs a richly detailed world filled with both fascinating creatures and morally flawed humans. The stories explore themes of prejudice, the ethical complexities of power, and the struggle for survival in a world brimming with magic and monsters. 'The Last Wish' serves as an exceptional introduction to Geralt and the rich, dark tapestry of the Witcher universe, leaving the reader wanting more.