Ep. 104 — Chapter 7 from "Baptism of Fire"
Abbe from Sweden, Daniel from the Netherlands, and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the epic conclusion to the book at the Battle of the Bridge, Witch-dudes and Witch-lads, CD Projekt Red’s ‘Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales’, druidic time scales, framing narratives as foreshadowing, Vampiric tropes, identity and redemption, fantasy as satire, the meandering nature of the book (and what it provides to readers), turning Milva’s pregnancy into a group project, and the ironic origin of ‘Geralt of Rivia’.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:55] Introduction
[2:35] Guest Introductions
[13:14] Chapter Recap
[15:56] Overall Thoughts
[26:18] Striborg’s Framing Scene
[35:39] Breaking Vampiric Tropes
[42:39] Milva’s Pregnancy
[1:02:59] Identity and Redemption
[1:07:39] Baptisms of Fire
[1:15:01] Closing Thoughts
[1:22:01] Outro
[1:22:37] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
Transcript to come.
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
Introduction
ALYSSA: Welcome to Breakfast in Beauclair, a global Witcher Podcast. My name is Alyssa from GoodMorhen, and I’ll be your host as you, I, and our international hanza accompany Geralt of Rivia and his destiny, Cirilla of Cintra, across the Continent.
[Announcements]
Breakfast in Beauclair will return on Thursday, September 4th with Tower of Swallows (or, god willing, The Witcher: Season 4)
[Patron Announcements]
Thank you to our patrons and our producer-level patrons: Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, Olle from Sweden, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., and RedKite.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Abbe from Sweden, Daniel from the Netherlands, and Softie from the UK call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7. Join us as we discuss the epic conclusion to the book at the Battle of the Bridge, Witch-dudes and Witch-lads, CD Projekt Red’s ‘Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales’, druidic time scales, framing narratives as foreshadowing, Vampiric tropes, identity and redemption, fantasy as satire, the meandering nature of the book (and what it provides to readers), turning Milva’s pregnancy into a group project, and the ironic origin of ‘Geralt of Rivia’.
Without further ado, let’s get to our final discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
In Chapter 7 of Baptism of Fire, years in the future, the wandering storyteller Stribog entertains children around a campfire with tales of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri. His story shifts to Geralt and his company as they journey from the Yaruga to the forests of Angren in search of the druids of Caed Dhu, hoping they can help locate Ciri.
Along the way, the group grows uneasy about Regis' vampiric nature. Geralt defends him, citing Regis’ moral integrity despite his dangerous abilities. Later, Regis reveals he gave up drinking blood after it became an addiction that led to his violent dismemberment. Regis assures the group that he no longer drinks blood and debunks common myths about vampires.
The company witnesses the scars of war—razed forests, displaced people—and avoids battle zones. They unexpectedly reunite with Zoltan and his group, including the girl accused of witchcraft at the refugee camp. After Regis heals her, she delivers a cryptic prophecy foretelling blood, death, and a “baptism of fire,” as well as a cryptic mention of the Tower of Swallows. Before parting, Zoltan gifts Geralt his sihil.
The group later encounters peasants claiming to have been saved by a White Queen. Dandelion speculates it might be Rivian forces but is unsure, as Rivia and Lyria were devastated at the war’s outset. Geralt clarifies to the group that his name, “Geralt of Rivia,” was a fabrication and he isn’t truly from Rivia.
Soon, Regis reveals a sensitive matter: Milva is pregnant and has asked for an elixir to terminate the pregnancy. The group of men openly discusses the situation before Geralt speaks with Milva privately. She expresses fear of motherhood and hints that helping Geralt find Ciri may be her way of seeking redemption. She ultimately chooses to keep the child and Regis discards the elixir.
With Milva’s condition in mind, Geralt abandons the plan to travel through Ysgith and opts to cross the Yaruga again, despite the danger of encountering soldiers. They find a ferry but are attacked mid-crossing by Lyrian guerrillas and the Nilfgaardian army. Downriver, at the Red Port, they’re drawn into a brutal battle between imperial and northern forces. Milva suffers a miscarriage and Regis aids her as Geralt and Cahir rally Nordlings to hold the bridge. Their bravery reignites the Nordlings’ fighting spirit. In the midst of battle, fire consumes the port—Geralt and Cahir fight through the flames, enduring what becomes their “baptism of fire.” They’re saved by the arrival of Queen Meve’s forces, which drives the Nilfgaardians to retreat.
Afterward, Queen Meve, impressed by Geralt’s bravery, knights him as “Geralt of Rivia,” formalizing the name he once chose for himself.
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Transcript to come.
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Breakfast in Beauclair will return on Thursday, September 4th with Tower of Swallows (or, god willing, The Witcher: Season 4).
Outro & Credits
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
ALYSSA: Thanks for joining us at the breakfast table! For show notes, transcripts of each episode, and a complete list of our social platforms and listening services, head over to breakfastinbeauclair.com.
Breakfast in Beauclair is created by Alyssa from GoodMorhen. It’s hosted by Alyssa. The show is edited by Alyssa with music by Alex Berner.
Breakfast in Beauclair is produced by Alyssa in New York City with Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, Olle from Sweden, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., and RedKite.
Special thanks to Abbe, Daniel, Softie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil