Ep. 111 — Chapter 6 from "Tower of Swallows"
Bolo from Poland and Kitty from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: the chapter’s epigraph, unhinged D&D tactics, Angoulême’s backstory, Geralt and Cahir’s evolving relationship, Cahir’s motivations, and the burden of hope.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:03] Introduction
[2:03] Guest Introductions
[8:01] Chapter Recap
[9:35] Overall Thoughts
[19:13] Monstrum
[23:44] Angoulême’s Backstory
[26:26] Geralt and Cahir’s Role Reversal
[35:42] Cahir’s Motives
[48:19] Regis’ Reunions
[51:54] Translation Questions
[54:20] Closing Thoughts
[1:02:11] Outro
[1:02:51] 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]
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[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Bolo from Poland and Kitty from the US call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 6. Join us as we discuss the chapter’s epigraph, unhinged D&D tactics, Angoulême’s backstory, Geralt and Cahir’s evolving relationship, Cahir’s motivations, and the burden of hope.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 6.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
Chapter 6 opens with a scathing interlude from Monstrum, denouncing witchers as unnatural monsters who find ecstasy in violence, before returning to Geralt, Cahir, and Angoulême on their way toward the druids. On the road, Angoulême shares her tragic past: she was abandoned as the bastard of a Cintran noblewoman, abused in an orphanage, and left the sole survivor of a gang of pillaging children. When she suggests sexual favors in exchange for saving her life, Geralt furiously rebukes her.
Seeking information, Angoulême leads them to a dwarf miner named Golan Drozdeck, who directs them to the Rialto pit. There, they clash with Nightingale’s men before encountering the half-elf Schirrú, who recognizes Geralt and works in league with corrupt Nilfgaardian soldiers. The group is condemned, but they’re saved when druids attack the mine. In the chaos Geralt nearly loses control, falling into a killing frenzy. Cahir is gravely injured, forcing them to flee.
On the run, Geralt tends to Cahir’s wounds, and the two finally speak openly. In feverish exchanges, Cahir admits he smuggled Ciri to safety after Cintra’s fall, only to lose her, and later sought Geralt out of guilt, alluring dreams, and a love for Ciri that he knows will never be returned. Geralt accepts him as a comrade and sets aside his suspicion.
The chapter ends with a reunion: Geralt and Cahir, battered but alive, stumble upon Regis in the Sansretour Valley, where the vampire greets them with calm understatement by a campfire.
Transcript to come.
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 and Caleb Buys 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 Sydna.
Special thanks to Bolo and Kitty for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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Editor: