Should I Start with Last Wish or Sword of Destiny?
The Witcher series, created by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, has gained immense popularity worldwide. The series consists of several short stories, novels, and a Netflix original series. If you’re new to the series, you might be wondering where to start. Two of the most popular short story collections, The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny, are often debated among fans. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two collections and help you decide which one to start with.
Why Read the Short Story Collections?
Before we dive into the debate, it’s essential to understand why reading the short story collections is crucial to understanding the Witcher series. The short stories provide valuable background information on the characters, world-building, and politics, which are crucial to understanding the novels. They also offer a unique perspective on the characters, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level.
The Last Wish vs. Sword of Destiny: What’s the Difference?
The Last Wish is the first short story collection, published in 1993. It introduces readers to Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, and his companions, including the sorceress Yennefer and the princess Ciri. The collection includes eight stories, each exploring different themes and characters. Sword of Destiny, published in 1995, is the second collection, consisting of six stories. While both collections are essential to understanding the series, they differ in tone, style, and focus.
Why Start with The Last Wish?
Here are some reasons why you should start with The Last Wish:
- Introduction to the world: The Last Wish provides an introduction to the world of The Witcher, its politics, and its characters. It sets the stage for the rest of the series.
- Character development: The stories in The Last Wish focus on Geralt’s early adventures, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
- Unique perspective: The Last Wish offers a unique perspective on the characters, providing insight into their motivations and backstories.
Why Start with Sword of Destiny?
Here are some reasons why you should start with Sword of Destiny:
- Continuation of the story: Sword of Destiny continues the story of Geralt and his companions, exploring their relationships and adventures.
- Deeper themes: The stories in Sword of Destiny delve deeper into the themes of the series, including morality, identity, and the consequences of power.
- More complex characters: The characters in Sword of Destiny are more complex and nuanced, with deeper backstories and motivations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you start with The Last Wish or Sword of Destiny depends on your personal preference. If you’re looking for an introduction to the world and characters, The Last Wish is the better choice. If you’re interested in continuing the story of Geralt and his companions, Sword of Destiny is the way to go.
Reading Order
Here’s a suggested reading order for the short story collections and novels:
- The Last Wish (short story collection)
- Sword of Destiny (short story collection)
- Blood of Elves (novel)
- Time of Contempt (novel)
- Baptism of Fire (novel)
- Tower of the Swallow (novel)
- Lady of the Lake (novel)
- Season of Storms (novel)
Additional Tips
- Read the short stories in publication order: While it’s tempting to read the short stories in chronological order, it’s recommended to read them in publication order to maintain the original context and character development.
- Take your time: The Witcher series is complex and dense, so take your time to absorb the world and characters.
- Be prepared for mature themes: The series explores mature themes, including violence, sex, and morality, so be prepared for a thought-provoking and sometimes disturbing reading experience.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to understanding the world of The Witcher and its complex characters. Happy reading!