All Of The Female Characters From "The Witcher" Ranked By Badassery

    The real plot is driven by women.

    Andrea Reindl
    by Andrea Reindl

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Season 2 of The Witcher dropped last month, which means more magic, sword fights, and, of course, terrifying monsters.

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    And while you may have gotten into The Witcher to watch Henry Cavill stomp around the Continent while growling, let's be honest: You stayed for the female characters.

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    Yes, I love Geralt of Rivia, but he is largely a passive character who simply reacts to the actions of the women around him. The women are the ones who actually drive the plot forward.

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    Powerful mages, evil demonesses, warrior queens, and a chosen one...The Witcher knows how to write strong female characters.

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    Here are the female characters of The Witcher ranked by badassery:

    Note: These rankings are based off of the Netflix version of "The Witcher," not the books or games. 

    19. Queen Kalis of Lyria

    Queen Kalis of Lyria holding a baby in her hand while sitting down
    Katalin Vermes / Netflix

    All I really know about Queen Kalis of Lyria is that she is a spoiled brat that complains a lot. Unfortunately, she is quickly dispatched by an assassin hired by her husband, so her complaints were likely justified. 

    18. Sabrina Glevissig

    Netflix / Via tenor.com

    I don't know much about Sabrina, but I do know that she trained alongside Yennefer at Aretuza, and she is a member of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. So she has to be at least a little badass.

    17. Lydia van Bredevoort

    Netflix

    Lydia van Bredevoort is a ruthless mage who is employed by a mysterious benefactor. The only times we really see her is when she's scheming with fellow villain Rience. What can I say? I have a soft spot for villainesses. 

    16. Vereena

    Vereena looking away with a blankless stare
    Netflix

    Possibly the most terrifying creature out of all the creatures Geralt battles, Vereena is the lover to Geralt's old friend Nivellen. She also happens to be an undead woman who murders innocent villagers en masse in the form of a giant bat. 

    15. Philippa Eilhart

    Netflix / Via tumblr.com

    I don't know much about Philippa Eilhart yet, but I know that she can shapeshift from an owl into a super-glamorous human woman. Can you do that? Can you??

    14. Pavetta

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    When we first meet Ciri's mother Pavetta, she seems like any other vapid princess from a fairy tale. It's only when we see her unleash her fury in a magical, heartbroken scream that we realize how powerful she truly is.

    13. Eithné

    Eithné outside with a group of woman around her
    Netflix

    Eithné is the Queen of the Dryads — a race of wood nymphs who inhabit the Brokilon forest. She is wise and resourceful and takes in Ciri when she needs help.

    12. Téa and Véa

    Netflix / Via thewitcherdaily.tumblr.com

    Téa and Véa only made one appearance in Season 1 as the bodyguards to the mysterious Borch Three Jackdaws, but it was a memorable one. I stan twinning warrior women. 

    11. Francesca Findabair

    Francesca Findabair with a pitcher and bowl in her hands while sitting outside
    Kevin Baker / Netflix

    Francesca Findabair is an Elven leader and sorceress who makes some grief-fueled...questionable decisions at the end of Season 2. While she is no heroine, she is undeniably powerful.

    10. Fringilla

    image of Fringilla from the witcher
    Netflix

    I know I'm supposed to respect Fringilla because of her Machiavellian political mind, but I can't take her seriously. Practically everyone seems to be one step ahead of her at all times. Still, she's pretty badass and powerful.

    9. Mother Nenneke

    screenshot of Mother Nenneke talking to someone indoors
    Netflix

    In Season 2, we're introduced to Mother Nenneke, the High Priestess of the Temple of Melitele. While she doesn't terrorize any villages or chop off any heads, there is a wise power simmering underneath her surface that gives off major badass vibes.

    8. Triss Merigold

    Triss Merigold almost smiling while outside in the snow
    Netflix

    Triss may not have the raw talent or bloodlust that her fellow mages have, but her power comes from her kindness. She is also a very talented healer.

    7. Roach

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    Good 'ol Roach. Geralt of Rivia apparently prefers mares, so Roach is 100% a female character.

    Fun fact: Although Roach is a mare for the show, in real life, the horse is a male. The genitals are digitally removed in post-production. 

    6. Queen Calanthe

    Netflix / Via media.giphy.com

    Problematic fave? Queen Calanthe was a legendary warrior who fought alongside men on the battlefield. But she was also a murderous, genocidal bigot. I wasn't exactly sad to see her go. 

    5. Tissaia de Vries

    Tissaia de Vries standing outside during a battle with one hand raised
    Jay Maidment / Netflix

    Tissaia de Vries is a badass because she's taught practically every powerful mage in The Witcher how to practice magic. She is fierce, protective, and talented in her own right.

    4. Renfri of Creyden

    Netflix / Via tenor.com

    Time for a throwback. Remember Renfri? The cursed princess who happened to be extremely adept at sword fighting? She may have only appeared in one episode of Season 1, but she left a lasting impression. Anyone who can truly challenge Geralt during a fight is worth including on this list. 

    3. Voleth Meir

    Voleth Meir standing in the woods in the dark
    Netflix

    The Deathless Mother is an all-powerful spirit who feeds off other people's misery. Mood.

    2. Yennefer of Vengerberg

    Yennefer of Vengerberg sitting down
    Katalin Vermes / Netflix

    By his own admission, Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of The Witcher books, says that he created Yennefer in order to make "a female character who refuses to be a fantasy stereotype." She is independent, strong, powerful, brave, and incredibly smart. 

    1. Ciri

    ciri from the show witcher looking back while standing outside in the snow
    JAY MAIDMENT / Netflix

    Ciri takes the top spot on the badass list. Not only is she inherently powerful with magical Elder blood running through her veins, but she is selfless, courageous, and determined. Oh, and she's also a child of prophecy who has the potential to bring death to the world. No biggie.

    Do you agree with my list? Let me know in the comments below!