The Witcher universe stretches across thousands of years of history, blending myth, politics, war, and prophecy. Whether you’re coming in from the books, games, or Netflix series, the timeline can be confusing. Here’s a structured look at the key events that shaped the Continent, from the primordial cataclysms to the brutal conflicts that define Geralt of Rivia’s era.
The Conjunction of the Spheres (~1,500 years before Geralt)
Before humans and monsters roamed the Continent, it was largely home to elves and dwarves. The Conjunction of the Spheres, a cataclysmic event, merged several dimensions and brought humans, monsters, and magic into a world where they had not existed before. No one truly understands the cause of the Conjunction, but its aftermath changed everything. Magic, or “Chaos,” began to flow through the world, leading to the development of sorcery and the eventual rise of powerful mages.
The Arrival of Humans and Early Settlements (~1,000–500 years before Geralt)
Humans were latecomers, but they spread quickly. Their arrival led to violent conflicts with the elder races—particularly the elves—who had already established sophisticated societies. Human kingdoms like Redania, Temeria, and Cintra began to emerge, often through conquest. This period also saw the marginalisation of the elder races and the beginning of the systemic inequality that defines much of the world in Geralt’s time.
The Rise of Magic and the Creation of Witchers (~500 years before Geralt)
As monsters ravaged the lands, humans began to experiment with ways to defend themselves. Witchers were created through alchemical mutation and brutal training, designed to combat the unnatural creatures spawned by the Conjunction. They were not welcomed but were necessary, especially in the lawless outer regions. Around the same time, the Brotherhood of Sorcerers was founded to regulate magic and maintain political influence over the human kingdoms.
The Age of Prophecy and the Elder Blood Lineage (~300 years before Geralt to present)
Lara Dorren, an elven sorceress, bore a child with a human mage. This child, and her descendants, carried the Elder Blood—powerful magical genes tied to ancient elven prophecy. The prophecy foretells a child who will bring either salvation or destruction to the world. This bloodline would eventually lead to Ciri, one of the central figures in the saga.
The Nilfgaardian Rise and Northern Wars (~50 years before Geralt to present)
Nilfgaard, once a backwater province, transformed into a militant and expansionist empire. Under Emperor Emhyr var Emreis, it launched a series of invasions into the Northern Kingdoms, sparking major wars. These conflicts form the political backdrop of The Witcher series. The Battle of Sodden Hill marked a key moment, where mages held back Nilfgaard’s first major assault, but at great cost.
Geralt’s Era and the Fall of Old Orders (The Witcher Timeline)
Geralt of Rivia operates during a time of decline for many traditional institutions. Witchers are seen as relics. Monarchies are unstable. Magic is heavily politicised. Geralt’s life intersects with pivotal events: the fall of Cintra, the rise of Ciri as a prophesied child, and the second Nilfgaardian war. Throughout, themes of fate, moral ambiguity, and power dominate.
Ciri and the Collapse of Boundaries
Ciri’s ability to manipulate space and time makes her a direct link back to the Conjunction. Her story ties the whole timeline together, suggesting a cyclical nature to the Continent’s history. She travels through dimensions, eludes powerful pursuers, and ultimately must confront her role in the fate of the world.
Seven Swords takeaway
Understanding the Witcher timeline means recognising its layers: myth, mutation, empire, and identity. What began with cosmic disorder has filtered down into fractured politics and fractured people. Geralt is not a chosen hero but a by-product of a world built on chaos, and Ciri represents both the hope and danger of what may come next.
Watch the video:
