Why didn’t Geralt fight back during the invasion of Aretuza?
In the climactic sixth episode of The Witcher's third season, Geralt of Rivia makes a controversial decision. When the fortress of Aretuza comes under siege by warring factions, Geralt chooses not to get involved in the fight. This seems out of character for our altruistic hero, known for protecting the innocent and standing up for what's right. However, Geralt's choice echoes a classic Western motif - the lone cowboy who plays by his own rules.
As Redania and Nilfgaard battle for control of the magical stronghold, Geralt remains a stoic bystander, willing to "let the cards fall where they may." This antihero attitude evokes Eastwood's Man with No Name or Mifune's Yojimbo - detached ronin whose personal code transcends political divides. Geralt's neutrality amidst the power struggle also calls to mind the Western genre's exploration of moral ambiguity in times of conflict.
Yet this comparisons reveals key differences. The Man with No Name's indifference comes from apathy, whereas Geralt makes a deliberate choice. He recognizes both sides have committed atrocities in this war, so noninterference allows their rotten cores to be exposed. Geralt seems to follow the Witcher's creed: "Evil is evil. Lesser, greater, middling...makes no difference." Without picking a side, his goal is not self-interest, but protecting Ciri.
Still, Geralt's aloofness when mages and elves alike face oppression reads like disillusionment with society's ills. This echos the Western antihero myth - the lone man stands apart from civilization's petty wars. But in true Witcher fashion, the story defies tropes. Geralt's neutrality ultimately gives way to action as his compassion triumphs. When the tides turn, he throws himself into the fray to rescue Ciri.
In the end, Geralt realizes nonintervention only enables oppression. To create real change, personal codes aren't enough - even witchers must get involved. Just as the Western evolved to question its rogue cowboy myth, The Witcher deconstructs the idea of detached neutrality in the face of injustice. Our heroes, like our societies, must take a stand. Geralt chooses a side not because it's law, but because protecting the innocent is right.
