Why did Emhyr tell the Scoia’Tael warriors to keep fighting?
Are you familiar with the phrase, "the ends justify the means"? These are the words that echo through the winding hallways of the Machiavellian school of thought. The doctrine, inspired by the writings of the Renaissance political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, is often used to dissect the complex, intricate world of politics and power plays as presented in popular culture. Today, we delve into the convoluted universe of 'The Witcher,' specifically focusing on Emhyr var Emreis, the stoic Emperor of Nilfgaard, to examine his Machiavellian machinations.
In the eighth episode of the third season, Emhyr declares that the Scoia’Tael warriors who are physically fit should remain in the North and carry on the conflict. The question arising from this intriguing command is: "Why is Emhyr keen on keeping the Scoia’Tael warriors active in the North?"
Machiavelli wrote in 'The Prince,' his most well-known treatise, that a wise ruler is not guided by his morals, but by the effective exercise of power. It is from this perspective that we examine Emhyr's seemingly paradoxical order. On the surface, Emhyr's decision appears to be a death sentence to his warriors. He's leaving them behind in a hostile territory, entrusting them with an ongoing conflict. But if we look closely, with the lens of Machiavellian pragmatism, the move starts to make strategic sense.
Firstly, by leaving the Scoia’Tael behind, Emhyr retains an active presence in the North. He's well aware that the North is a critical region, rich in resources and strategic locations. By leaving a fighting force behind, he ensures a constant thorn in the side of the Northern Kingdoms. The Scoia’Tael warriors are a reminder that Nilfgaard's influence still persists.
Secondly, the Scoia'Tael are not just any warriors. These are elves, part of an ancient race known for their prowess in combat and their deep connection to magic and the land itself. Elves have an innate ability to blend into the woodland, to disappear and strike unexpectedly. They are the perfect guerrilla force, capable of causing significant harm to the Northern Kingdoms' operations without needing large numbers or even substantial logistical support.
Lastly, Emhyr's decision serves to maintain a level of instability in the North. It keeps the Northern Kingdoms on their toes, constantly on guard against the Scoia’Tael, and thus less likely to mount an effective offensive against Nilfgaard. This divide-and-conquer strategy is pure Machiavellian pragmatism.
Emhyr's command, therefore, is not a mere act of military strategy but a cunning chess move. He is not sacrificing his pawns but is strategically positioning them to destabilize his opponent. Emhyr, in this instance, embodies the Machiavellian prince - cool, calculated, and ever pragmatic.
And so, in the heart of 'The Witcher,' we discover echoes of a centuries-old political theory. The Machiavellian perspective allows us a glimpse into the deceptively complicated decisions made by Emhyr, bringing depth and realism to this magical world. As we anxiously await the new episodes, one cannot help but wonder - what other Machiavellian schemes does Emhyr have up his regal sleeve?
