Ep. 119 — David French & Peter Kenny on Translating the Witcher
Translator David French and narrator Peter Kenny join Alyssa for a conversation on translating the Witcher across language and medium. Very important bits include: the craft and care to bring the Witcher to English-speaking readers and listeners; Polish literary convention versus English prose; historical influences throughout Sapkowski's series; glowing reviews of the Hussite Trilogy; our own Sapkowski stories; the underappreciated weight of silence; and returning to Geralt of Rivia in Crossroads of Ravens.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:55] Introduction
[3:31] Discussion
[1:05:39] Outro
[1:05:48] 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]
That’s a wrap on Season 8! Thank you so much for tuning in for Season 8 of the podcast as we discussed Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows and Crossroads of Ravens. Join us on Thursday, July 2nd for all new episodes of Breakfast in Beauclair when we return for Season 9.
Follow the Breakfast in Beauclair social media channels for more little tidbits and anecdotes from today’s guests including: the advice they’d give to Geralt, challenging aspects of working with Sapkowski’s work, translating faithfully or with liberties, their favorite scenes, and times they’ve been surprised by their own work.
[Patron Announcements]
Thank you to our producer-level patrons: Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, Luis of Kovir, Red Kite, Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B. John of Ryblia, James Carson III, The Original Roach, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate (the Tabby Witch), Softie, Miriam, Kitty, Lisa C., Jimmy from the UK, and Sydna.
And all of our patrons who have supported this season: Jørgen from Norway, Mirjam from Germany, Kerri from the US, CoJay from the US, Jessie from Australia, Anna from Germany, Sanni from Finland, Alex from the US, Jamie, Tomi from Australia, Reza from Australia, Gazzeta from Brazil, Steph from the US, Jennifer, Jess from the US, Daniel from the Netherlands, Monstah, Sarah A. from the UK, Charlotte from Denmark, Tracie from the US, Gintare from the UK, Dave from the US, Lauren from the UK, Lucie from France, Barnabas, Deanna, Sara, Parissa, and Abbe from Sweden.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Translator David French and narrator Peter Kenny join Alyssa for a conversation on translating the Witcher across language and medium. Join us as we discuss the craft and care to bring the Witcher to English-speaking readers and listeners; Polish literary convention versus English prose; historical influences throughout Sapkowski's series; glowing reviews of the Hussite Trilogy; our own Sapkowski stories; the underappreciated weight of silence; and returning to Geralt of Rivia in Crossroads of Ravens.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Crossroads of Ravens.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): Join us for all new episodes of Breakfast in Beauclair when we return for Season 9 on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026.
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 Luis of Kovir, Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Red Kite, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate (The Tabby Witch), James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., Sydna, Kitty, and Jimmy from the UK.
Special thanks to David and Peter for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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