Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer might be the protagonists of Netflix’sThe Witcher, but it’s the numerous colorful side characters that make the depicted world so compelling and the show so unique and often relatable. The most beloved and, perhaps, the most popular of those characters isJaskier, Geralt’s goofy and relentless bard companion— so much so that some fans are cheering for a spinoff dedicated to the bard’s no doubt hilarious adventures.
The popular Netflix showThe Witcher, based on the books by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, has been so positively received by critics and fans alike that it has already spawned two spinoffs —The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolfthatexplored the adventures of young Vesemir, the head of the witchers in Geralt’s time; andThe Witcher: Blood Originsthat will tell the story of the very first witcher and the events that led to the conjunction of the spheres. Jaskier (Joey Batey), with all his silliness, frivolous and womanizing behavior, and a tendency to find trouble wherever he goes, would make an excellent candidate for his own spinoff, and here’s why.
RELATED:The Witcher: Why So Many People Love Jaskier
Jaskier (known as ‘Dandelion’ to the fans of the original books and games) is a charming and wittytroubadour that considers Geralt his closest friend— the decision that, according to the witcher, Geralt had no say in — and travels the world with him, while composing often embellished ballads about their adventures. Despite Geralt’s consistent complaints and often hurtful comments toward the bard, Jaskier always stands by him and occasionally gets him out of trouble — even if, in all likelihood, he was the one that got the witcher into it in the first place.
Aside from composing possibly one ofthe catchiest tunes in recent years, Jaskier also provides much-needed comic relief to the show’s otherwise dark main storyline. Between Geralt’s lonely and often persecuted path, Yennefer’s painful transformation into a powerful sorceress, and Ciri’s scary and hunted journey after Cintra’s tragic events, Netflix’s show doesn’t have many lighthearted moments — and that’s why Jaskier’s lively and humorous presence becomes so essential.
Unlike many other characters on the show, Jaskier doesn’t have a gruesome backstory, doesn’t seem to be haunted by his past (not counting the numerous cheated husbands and wronged lovers, of course), anddoesn’t have a heroic destinyor special powers aside from singing and annoying Geralt. He’s just a human who wonders the dark world of the Continent with child-like wonder and is trying to make the best of it, and that’s what makes him so relatable.
In addition to that, Jaskier plays another vital role. He is Geralt’s best friend and relentlessly loyal companion, without whom — even if the witcher would never admit it — he would likely succumb to his dark thoughts and lose a big part of his humanity. Jaskier is there to remind Geralt that the world is not that bad after all, people are worth saving, and the witcher himself isworthy of both redemption and love.
While Netflix’sThe Witcherhasn’t shown much of Jaskier’s backstory so far, Sapkowski’s books and the game series provide enough material to spawn a dedicated spinoff that explores the bard’s life and adventures before meeting Geralt. His origins are fascinating in their own right.
In the books, Jaskier’s real name is Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove — the name so ridiculous that his friends had a hard time believing it to be real — so his decision to take a pseudonym (even as comical as Dandelion) made complete sense. He is, indeed, a nobleman, though his childhood was far from being worry-free. He received his early education in a temple school that, when it came to its methods, believed in the carrot-and-stick principle — just using a cane instead of a stick and skipping the carrot altogether. It would be interesting to see how such a challenging environment shaped Jaskier’s carefree character.
Continuing his education, Jaskier studied Liberal Arts for four years at Oxenfurt Academy and even taught as a professor there later on. Though the academic career didn’t hold him for long, and after a year, Jaskier went on to travel the world, with an occasional exception of a guest lecture. A glimpse into Jaskier’s no doubt romance-filled student years (with a threat or two of expulsion) can be something to explore in the spinoff.
Interestingly enough,Jaskier hasn’t always been a poet. In fact, it wasn’t until he was 19 and fell hopelessly in love with Countess de Stael that Jaskier picked up a lute and soon later left the court to become a bard. The Countess has already been mentioned in the “Bottled Appetites” episode ofThe Witcher’sfirst season, highlighting her rather complicated relationship with Jaskier, and fans are hoping to see her in season 2 and after. A Jaskier spinoff could provide an insight into their tangled romantic story.
WhileJaskier is known for his womanizing abilities(and the consequent troubles they get him into), there was one very special woman in his life whom he never tried to seduce and treated as a little sister. Essi “Little Eye” Daven, nicknamed so as only one of her stunning dark blue eyes could be seen under the unruly hair, was a fellow bard and Jaskier’s close friend, whose character inspired Priscilla inThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The emotional and heartbreaking short story “A Little Sacrifice” shows Essi falling in love with Geralt, but their relationship never gets a chance to develop. They part ways and never meet again, and Jaskier composes a beautiful love ballad about them but never performs it due to Essi’s unexpected and tragic death. While the story’s events take place after Jaskier joins Geralt on his travels, the spinoff could explore how he and Essie got to know each other, became professional rivals, and then, inevitably, close friends.
The world ofThe Witcheris full of intriguing and memorableside characters that are often as compellingas Geralt, Ciri, or Yennefer. And while many of them are used to offset the protagonists' stories and showcase their character development and motivations, their own tales can be just as fascinating. It is most certainly the case with Jaskier, and many fans would be excited to see more of the charming bard and his separate adventures, so here’s hoping to the streaming giant taking notice and launching a well-deserved spinoff.
MORE:Toss A Coin To This Incredible Jaskier Cosplay From The Witcher
