Fans of The Witcher 3 video game will be familiar with the Wild Hunt. Those who have only ever watched the Netflix tv show, however, might be a bit more confused following the ending of Season 2. While an entertaining and highly anticipated addition to the beloved show, the second season might have been a bit confusing for those who hadn't recently rewatched season 1. Moreover, a few elements were introduced rather abruptly, as a build-up for The Witcher Season 3, and the Wild Hunt is one such case. So, what is the Wild Hunt, and what is its importance in The Witcher?
To begin with, we should note that the Wild Hunt isn't a Witcher-specific concept. Rather, it's an element of folklore, usually found in northern European cultures. Wild Hunts are usually led by a mythological figure, and they comprise a group of ghostly hunters. They're often associated with distraction, with the underworld, or with the world of the fae.
In The Witcher, the Wild Hunt is also known as the Wraiths of Mörhogg. They're described as ghostly beings, galloping in the skies on the back of undead horses. If you don't mind spoilers, read on. Below, we provide some additional information about the Wild Hunt in the world of The Witcher.
As it turns out, they're a group of Aen Elle elves that is, otherworldly elves, different from the ones we've met so far in the Netflix show, the Aen Seidhe, who still inhabit the Continent. They call themselves Red Riders, and their leader is Eredin Bréacc Glas, also known as The King of the Wild Hunt.
The members of the Wild Hunt had so far focused their pursuit on the acquisition of slaves from other worlds. Their plans, however, have now changed.
Related: Why Did Eskel Die in The Witcher Season 2?
While fighting the Deathless Mother, Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer, are briefly transported in the dimension where the Wild Hunt roams. Due to Ciri's Elder Blood and the unique powers that come with it, the Wild Hunt is now interested in pursuing her. And they aren't the only ones!
The brief introduction of the Wild Hunt in the second season of The Witcher was not by chance. The riders play a major role in the video game, and we expect this to be the case for the tv show as well. Ciri is wanted by pretty much everyone on the Continent, and we doubt Season 3 will have enough room to cover everyone's pursuit of her. Still, we expect the Wild Hunt to play a key role, adding yet another creepy supernatural element for her to navigate.