In The Witcher, the world of sorcery consists not only of the tell-all wizardry but also of enticing plotlines, intricate character build-up, reflective storytelling, and a jam-packed ordeal of mystique genius. Throughout its 3 installments from its initial run, the makers have specifically given attention to limiting and lessening the procreation of threadbare character lineups. In fact, character development has been one of the core concerns of the creators to keep intact relatability. Hence, in an attempt to offer a stitched and interwoven tale, many characters helmed the saga of The Witcher, including Istredd. 

As a sorcerer, Istredd was vital, but even more than that his role was crucial for the romantic starship of Geralt and Yennefer. And since that tale is finally moving towards its fourth grant, let’s get to know Istredd better.

Who is Istredd in The Witcher?

The Witcher is anything but disjointed. Wrapped in the colossal intermingling of otherworldly demeanor, the Witcher’s world often teems with connections to encash a dotting narrative. While the makers might be unfaithful to the extent of being picky about what they bring from the pages of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, it is their attention to characters that compensate for these misgivings.

Very much in the same way for Istredd as well, the presentation was crucial in preventing the free fall of character evolution. Istredd is a sorcerer portrayed by Royce Pierreson whose romantic liaison goes with Yennefer well before her entanglement with Geralt. His participation in the sorcerer’s land has been of a two-fold purpose, firstly because of his love for Yennefer and secondly because of his focus on the mysterious monoliths surrounding the Continent. Furthermore, in the second season, he and Geralt helped link these monoliths to Ciri’s enchanted skills.

While Istredd’s contribution to The Witcher has been eminent throughout, his initiation in the third season requires special mention.

Istredd in The Witcher 3

In a world brimming with personalities sharing ethereal abilities, Istredd’s depiction in the third season was of specific importance. Season 3 of The Witcher module brought to focus Istredd’s growing camaraderie with the red-haired sorceress, Triss Merigold. The pair went to great lengths to find and shield the Book of Monoliths, which contains information regarding access to other spheres. While the duo riled up every corner of the Aretuza library to search for the book, it ultimately came to light that the book had been let slip.

Even though the first volume of the season left Stregobor with the impression of a looter, by the end of that part, one had to acknowledge Vilgefortz’s active role in the notoriety. The story of Istredd, however, did not end there. Enter the second volume of the third installment and begin the rebellious insurrection of the Thanedd Coup. The second part sneaked in with the tense sequence of Merigold, sending off Istredd to secure the book leading to Vilgefortz and Istredd crossing paths. However, it is before Istredd can make a move that Vilgefortz sends him off with the book to one of the mysterious portals. 

Where does Istredd end up in The Witcher 3?

One of the biggest tenterhooks of The Witcher’s last installment concerned Istredd’s whereabouts. Though there is no doubt that Vilgefortz has successfully sent him off to one of the unknown spheres, the exact location is yet to be known. Earlier in the season, Yennefer too fell victim to one of the sphere traps of Vilgefortz where an illusionary Geralt was on the move to assassinate her. The probability is that Istredd is also caught in such a loop.

In fact, two possibilities take the most bids. Firstly Vilgefortz could have sent Istredd to a far-off land to hold him off till his business was finished in Aretuza. Secondly, Vilgefortz could have likely sent Istredd straight to Nilfgaard for further imprisonment. The second objective takes more credibility since Vilgefortz was later standing by Emhyr’s side in the court towards the end.

In any way, however alien the situation, one possibility that definitely seems like a no-no is Istredd’s chances of being dead. Should one consider him alive, his role in The Witcher 4 could be a critical force.

What to expect from Istredd in The Witcher 4?

The Witcher 3 did the best they could to shroud the mystery of Istredd and his apparent whereabouts. However, if one traces the trajectory of mind mapping Vilgefortz, Istredd’s lying in a realm with seldom chances of return seems almost convincing. But since his chances of being alive make a good gamble, his screen time in the fourth season could be imperative.

Now it is only time to wait and watch if the makers’ steadfastness in ensuring a smooth transition from Henry Cavill to Liam Hemsworth will also resemble in directing Istredd’s character arc. Furthermore, the revelation of whether Istredd will serve as an effective defense against Vilgefortz, or if Triss will emerge as the penultimate redeemer will only become apparent when the fourth season kick starts.

What do you think of Istredd and his future in The Witcher 4? Let us know in the comments below!