Who are the Rats in The Witcher?
In the world of The Witcher, the Rats are a group of teenagers who have been victims of Nilfgaard’s war to conquer the Continent. Their traumatic experiences have numbed their empathy, and they now roam free, stealing and killing to their hearts’ desire. But who are these young outlaws, and what drives them to such a life of crime?
Origins of the Rats
The Rats are a gang of former child soldiers who were orphaned or abandoned during the war. They were taken in by a local gang, where they were trained to fight and survive. Giselher, the leader of the Rats, is a deserter from an unknown army who joined the gang and rose to power. Ciri, the protagonist of the story, is the youngest member of the group, who was forced to flee her home and join the Rats at the age of 14.
Life as a Rat
As a member of the Rats, life is brutal and unforgiving. They live by their own rules, with no authority to answer to. They steal, rob, and kill to survive, and their morals are skewed by their experiences. Ciri, for example, has no qualms about killing or harming others to get what she wants. The Rats are a law unto themselves, and their actions are guided by their own sense of survival and self-preservation.
Why the Name "Rats"
The name "Rats" is a reflection of the group’s behavior and reputation. They are seen as scavengers, scavenging for food and resources wherever they can find them. They are also known for their cunning and ability to survive in the harshest of conditions. Giselher, the leader, has a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, and his nickname "The Rat" reflects his ability to think on his feet and outmaneuver his enemies.
Ciri’s Role in the Rats
Ciri is the youngest and most vulnerable member of the Rats. She is forced to rely on her wits and cunning to survive, and her actions are often driven by her desire to protect herself and her fellow Rats. Despite her youth, Ciri is a skilled fighter and strategist, and her experiences with the Rats have hardened her to the harsh realities of the world.
The Rats in the Larger World
The Rats are a significant part of the larger world of The Witcher. They are a symptom of the war and its aftermath, and their actions have far-reaching consequences. Giselher, the leader, is a key player in the world of politics and war, and his actions have a significant impact on the fate of the Continent. Ciri, meanwhile, is a symbol of the trauma and suffering caused by the war, and her story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict.
Conclusion
The Rats in The Witcher are a complex and multifaceted group, driven by their experiences and circumstances. They are a reflection of the war and its aftermath, and their actions have far-reaching consequences. Ciri, the protagonist, is a symbol of the trauma and suffering caused by the war, and her story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict.