Ep. 81 — Chapter 5 from "Time of Contempt"
Cyprian from Berlin and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: new insight into the Czech translation of the Witcher, parallels between the second Nilfgaardian war and our modern military history, Geralt’s evolving perspective on neutrality, vignettes from the front, and someone throws down the gauntlet over the second best Witcher game.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[3:16] Introduction
[4:55] Guest Introduction
[10:18] Chapter 5 Recap
[12:22] Overall Thoughts
[19:55] Translations
[26:15] Guest Historical Backgrounds
[27:39] Historical Parallels in The Witcher
[41:48] The Authorial Voice
[50:27] Geralt’s Changing Neutrality
[1:02:25] Margarita Laux Antille & Rayla
[1:06:05] Contrasting Themes
[1:10:48] Wrap-up
[1:16:46] Outro
[1:17:31] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): This chapter of Time of Contempt and this episode of the podcast contain discussions of war and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
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]
Thanks for Vienna!
[Patron Announcements]
Thanks as always to our podcast patrons over on Patreon and our producer-level patrons: Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Bee Haven of the Edge of the World, Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Codringher’s Cat, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, and Softie.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Cyprian from Berlin and Štěpán from the Czech Republic call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 5. Join us as we discuss new insights into the Czech translation of the Witcher, parallels between the second Nilfgaardian war and our modern military history, Geralt’s evolving perspective on neutrality, vignettes from the front, and someone throws down the gauntlet over the second best Witcher game.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Time of Contempt, Chapter 5.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA: Today, we’ll continue our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt Chapter 5, in which Dandelion reunites with Geralt in Brokilon following the Thanedd Coup. Dandelion brings new to the gravely injured witcher about the fall of Lyria and Aedirn, the unexpected Nilfgaardian alliances, the dissolvement of the Council of Mages, and whispers that Ciri has already been brought to Nilfgaard.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): In Chapter 5, Dandelion journeys alone across the Ribbon into Brokilon in search of the witcher, who is healing amongst the dryads after injuries sustained at Thanedd. There, the bard tells Geralt about the recent events that have shaken the Continent:
Nilfgaard attacked Lyria and Aedirn without declaring war because of Demavend of Aedirn’s attack in Dol Angra during the mages conclave on Thanedd. Vengerberg and six thousand of its residents fell to Nilfgaard with refugees fleeing to Temeria and Redania, including Rayla, the Aedirnian captain we met in Chapter 2.
Redania is in disarray after Vizimir’s assassination, leaving it unable to help its allies in the North.
After assessing the situation, King Foltest of Temeria strikes a deal with Nilfgaard. Temeria and Kaedwen do nothing to stop the Nilfgaardian invasion. Upon hearing how the kingdoms stood idly by, Geralt voices his contempt for neutrality.
Francesca Findabair has aligned the elves with Emhyr and Nilfgaard in exchange for Dol Blathanna. In return, the Scoia’tael commandos must continue to fight and disrupt the Northern Kingdoms; she may not interfere.
Following her own involvement in the destruction of the Brotherhood, Tissaia De Vries takes her own life.
Vilgefortz, Yennefer, and Ciri’s whereabouts are unknown.
In Nilfgaard, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon is introduced to Emhyr var Emris and the court of Loc Grim Palace. There, we learn from Emhyr himself that this is not the real Ciri, but an imposter sent to trick him. Angered, the emperor gives orders to Vattier de Rideaux for Rience and Cahir’s arrest and sends Stefan Skellan, also known as Tawny Owl, to capture Ciri and Vilgefortz.
The chapter ends with the Nilfgaardian emperor proclaiming, “I will know the real Ciri. I would know her at the end of the world and in the darkness of hell.”
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 with the “Tidings from Toussaint” News Segment by Lars from WitcherFlix. 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., Bee Haven of the Edge of the World, Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Codringher’s Cat, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, and Softie.
Special thanks to Cyprian and Štěpán for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil