Ep. 116 — Chapter 10 from "Tower of Swallows"
Nicola from Italy joins Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 10. Very important bits include: the pancake treatment, the pursuit of democracy, Italian references in Tower of Swallows, fulfilling the promise of foreshadowing, the ethics of retribution, death and the value of life, and the coming of ‘Ciri of Kaer Morhen’.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:51] Introduction
[2:12] Guest Introductions
[6:41] Chapter Recap
[8:28] Overall Thoughts
[12:57] Italian References
[17:17] Fulfilled Foreshadowing
[23:11] Retribution and Justice
[29:56] Ciri’s Purpose
[34:59] Kenna and Ciri’s Connection
[41:49] Death and the Value of Life
[53:22] “Ciri of Kaer Morhen”
[58:44] Closing Thoughts
[1:01:15] Outro
[1:02:57] 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]
Two bonus episodes to end Season 8! Stick around after Tower of Swallows, Chapter 11 for a special discussion on Crossroads of Ravens with members of our international hanza and a featured conversation with David French, the English translator of the Witcher series, and Peter Kenny, the audiobook narrator.
[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, Nicola from Italy calls in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 10. Join us as we discuss the pancake treatment, the pursuit of democracy, Italian references in Tower of Swallows, fulfilling the promise of foreshadowing, the ethics of retribution, death and the value of life, and the coming of ‘Ciri of Kaer Morhen’.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 10.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
In Chapter 10, Joanna “Kenna” Selborne, a psionic, recalls her past with Tawny Owl’s hanza. After losing Bonhart’s trail, Kenna sensed an unseen spy among their group. With Tawny Owl’s help, they unmasked the invisible man as Rience, Vilgefortz’s agent. But before his interrogation could begin, Bonhart arrived with Ciri.
In the present, Ciri grows restless at Vysogota’s cottage. Her worsening dreams convince her she must leave to find the Tower of the Swallow. Their fierce debate pits her thirst for vengeance against his philosophy of restraint, but Ciri insists she is a witcher and must act.
Kenna and Ciri separately recall what happened during her escape in the village of Unicorn: Bonhart, Tawny Owl, Vilgefortz, and Rience negotiated the girl’s fate as the soldiers guarded her outside. Kenna’s curiosity led her to briefly connect with Ciri psionically. The surge of magic allowed Ciri to attack her captors and escape. Neratin Ceka aided her escape, sacrificing himself while Bonhart and Tawny Owl’s men pursued her, but were unable to capture her again.
Now five weeks after her escape, Ciri finally departs Vysogota’s cottage, painting her face with soot before heading toward Centloch. On Samhain’s Eve, she faces some of Tawny Owl’s sentries in Dun Dare. Declaring herself, not Falka but “Ciri of Kaer Morhen,” she slays them all in brutal vengeance. Even as the innkeeper recoils in horror, Ciri repeats, half with conviction and half with uncertainty: “I’m a witcher. I kill monsters.”
Back in the swamps, Vysogota hears the beann’shie’s cry auguring his own death and prays that the gods will protect the witcher girl.
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 Nicola for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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