Ep. 112 — Chapter 7 (Part 1) from "Tower of Swallows"
Madi from the US and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: a first timer’s thoughts on the book series, parallels to previous guest appearances, doing “too good of a job” on the Witcher audiobooks, the flaminika’s request, Geralt’s humility, first impressions of Avallac’h, being on your “Aragorn bullshit”, Avallac’h’s… fascinations and centuries-long grudges.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:46] Introduction
[3:11] Guest Introductions
[13:38] Chapter Recap
[16:00] Overall Thoughts
[20:53] Geralt’s Humility
[24:31] Avallac’h’s First Impression
[29:43] Avallac’h’s Cave Paintings
[34:00] Avallac’h, Lara, and Ciri
[43:16] End Credits
[43:59] Bonus: Booth Guests
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]
[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 Sydna.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Madi from the US and Sophia from Australia call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7. Join us as we discuss a first timer’s thoughts on the book series, parallels to previous guest appearances, doing “too good of a job” on the Witcher audiobooks, the flaminika’s request, Geralt’s humility, first impressions of Avallac’h, being on your “Aragorn bullshit”, Avallac’h’s… fascinations and centuries-long grudges.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7 (Part 1).
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
Chapter 7 opens with a bestiary entry on the Knocker, a mischievous kobold-like creature.
After reuniting with Regis, Geralt and Cahir learn that the rest of the company is safe under the druids’ protection. Regis leads the witcher to a cave where the flaminika has arranged a meeting with someone who wishes to speak with him. Geralt enters unarmed and encounters numerous monsters and the elf Avallac’h, who reveals himself as an Aen Saevherne, an elven sage. As he forges prehistoric cave paintings, Avallac’h dismisses human progress and scholarship. He reveals a hidden chamber of beautiful elven sculptures, among them a cenotaph of Ciri’s ancestor, Lara Dorren.
Avallac’h declares Ciri the Child of the Elder Blood. He expounds upon Ithlinne’s prophecy: the world will end in frost and only the Swallow, the symbol of Spring, can ensure its rebirth. He tells Geralt that destiny has already claimed her and she must walk this path alone. The sage warns him that his search is futile; he will find her only to lose her forever at the cost of everyone he loves.
With magic, Avallac’h shows Geralt brief visions of the future and the witcher is horrified by what he sees. Driven by urgency, Geralt mounts the knocker and rides to Caed Myrkvid where he finds Schirrú and Nightingale’s men in a bloody fight with the druids and knights errant. Geralt is injured in the melee and, in the aftermath, Dandelion is recognized by a knight as ‘Viscount Julian’ to everyone’s surprise. He returns with the knights to nearby Beauclair Palace to reunite with the duchess, his former lover.
Geralt, Milva, and Angoulême pursue Schirrú and Nightingale into the druids’ forest, but they’re captured by an enchanted tree. At last, Geralt meets the druids’ flaminika. Despite his attempts to save Schirrú and Nightingale, the druids sentence them to death in a wicker cage. As the pyre consumes them, Geralt’s stolen medallion is also destroyed, a final severing from his witcher identity.
Transcript to come.
Before we get to the rest of the discussion, we’re going to take a break here. Next episode, join me, Madi from the US, and Sophia from Australia as we continue our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7.
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 Sydna.
Special thanks to Madi and Sophia for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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