Image of the Father in Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy fiction "The Witcher Saga"

Abstract

The article presents the image of the father in fantasy literature, which has the potential to amplify various social issues through the prism of fantasy, on the example of The Witcher Saga by Andrzej Sapkowski. The characters of Geralt of Rivia and Emhyr var Emreis are analysed, along with their behaviour, motivations, own experiences with respective fathers and their attitude towards parenthood as well as their relationship with Cirilla, who is a daughter to both of them. The Witcher, despite his inhuman mutations and prejudice society grants him, turns out to be a good man and a caring father. In contrast to him stands Emhyr, the Emperor of Nilfgaard, for whom blood ties in the face of ambition and power have no meaning. Destiny also plays an important role in the relationship between all three of them, which none of them can oppose, only submit to. By making the Witcher the best and the Emperor the least of men, the author also draws attention to the essence of humanity and the fact that it is actions that testify to a man and to a father.