Why did Yennefer invite Philippa to the conclave?
As fans of "The Witcher" know, the show is rife with political intrigue and power plays, creating a labyrinthine plot that keeps viewers on their toes. Season 3, Episode 4, titled "Of Banquets, Bastards, and Burials," significantly advanced the plot while leaving us with a series of intriguing questions. One of the most puzzling of these questions pertains to Yennefer of Vengerberg, a formidable sorceress and an important character in the series: What are Yennefer's true motives behind inviting Philippa Eilhart, the powerful advisor and sorceress, to the conclave?
To understand this, we need to go back to the main events of the episode, specifically Yennefer's ambitious plan. Yennefer proposes a conclave that will create a strong, united front among the Northern Kingdoms against Nilfgaard. While this move initially meets with skepticism and resistance, especially from Stregobor, a fellow member of the Brotherhood, she eventually secures the support of the rest of the mages.
But why does she extend an invitation to Philippa Eilhart? On the surface, it seems Yennefer is merely looking to secure as much support as possible for her plan, with Philippa's influence in Redania making her a valuable ally. However, given the complex and often murky motives of the characters on the show, there's likely much more to it than that.
One possibility is that Yennefer sees Philippa as a counterbalance to the other mages. Remember, Philippa is renowned for her independence and ambition, qualities that have led her to clash with the rest of the Brotherhood in the past. If Philippa throws her support behind the conclave, she may act as a check on any mages who are still loyal to Nilfgaard or are simply looking to exploit the situation for personal gain.
At the same time, Yennefer may also see Philippa as a potential ally for herself. In the world of "The Witcher," allegiances are ever-shifting, and it's always helpful to have powerful friends. Yennefer may hope that by extending this olive branch, she can secure Philippa's support for her own goals and ambitions, whatever they may be.
Yet another angle is the broader political strategy. Yennefer's invitation effectively forces Philippa, Dijkstra, and Radovid to attend the conclave. This could be a calculated move aimed at consolidating the Northern Kingdoms' power and presenting a united front to Nilfgaard. This would not only reinforce the Brotherhood's position but also potentially draw Redania further into the anti-Nilfgaard alliance.
Furthermore, it is important to note Yennefer's personal journey. Having lost her magical abilities and then regained them, Yennefer is now seemingly pursuing a new path. Her desire for political unity against Nilfgaard hints at a potential shift in her character from individualistic and sometimes self-serving to a more community-minded and strategic leader. By inviting Philippa, Yennefer can solidify this transition by securing the cooperation of one of the most influential political actors in the Northern Kingdoms.
However, these theories are largely speculative. "The Witcher" excels at surprising its viewers, and there may be further twists and turns in store for us. For now, all we can do is eagerly await the next episode to find out what Yennefer's true motives are and how they will affect the game of power in the Continent.
