Druids (image from Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni)
Druids are scholars of the forest, and their understanding of nature's workings is deep. They take in wild animals and help them heal wounds and sickness, and also take in anything humans injured or orphaned. The druids' grove, grown around the Tree of Life, is a sanctuary where no blood is spilled. Leaders of druid circles are known as hierophants, if they are male, and flaminikas, if they are female.
History[]
Early Druids[]
Right after the Conjunction of the Spheres some members of the early humans, the Dauk and Wozgor, became the first Druids. They would guide small communities through the Monster infested world and sheperded the natural world. At the great oaks where they would convene they build stone altars and arches and adorned them with writing and sigils. What ultimately happend to these Druids is unkown.
Landing of the Exiles[]
When the first Nordlings arrived on the Continent they discovered the stone altars left by the early Druids. As they faced the same dangers as the early humans some Nordlings became Druids. These Druids would also try to strike a balance between protecting nature and their fellow humans. Thus they would take on roles such as advisor to a chieftain, sage or healer of the ill.
Decline[]
As humans spread and build cities, farms, mines and more the role of Druids changed. Their pleas to life in harmony with nature were now seen as archaic and would slow the progress of society. Over time the Druids place in society was taken over by Mages, as they were more pragmatic.
By the beginning of the 13th century Druids had been pushed out, deep into the wilds. The only place where Druids kept their influence was in Skellige, where they still had the ears of the rulers. On the rest of the continent the circles lacked the influence and means to do anything about mages, merchants and kings despoiling nature. Relegated to their circles they care for the surrounding wildlife and any human or Nonhuman that requires aid.
Notable Druids[]
Druid circles and sacred places[]
- Caed Myrkvid
- Bleobheris[1]
- Caed Dhu, the circle in Angren
- circle in Kovir
- circle near Mayena
- Loch Monduirn
The Witcher[]
The druids can be found in the druids' grove in the swamp, just north of the lumberjacks' glade in Chapters II and III. In Chapter V, some of them have fled to the swamp cemetery, where the Green March preparations appear to be in full force in the druids' cave.
The druids are caring individuals and have no wish to see anyone or anything suffer. A nice side benefit of this philosophy is that anyone in their immediate vicinity who needs it receives free healing.
The Elder druid is alone among the druids willing to sell and buy things. He is a source of knowledge and the one Geralt is supposed to speak with, mostly, but not exclusively.
The Hierophant is a professional Dice player who has a liking for psilocybe. He can be found in the druids' grove in the swamp during Chapter III.
The Hermit is also a druid and professional Dice player but he is more interested in serving the Lady of the Lake. He can be found in the fields during Chapter IV.
The Green March is a peaceful attempt by the druids and like-minded people to draw attention to the preservation of nature.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt[]
Ermion and six other druids spelling
Several druids can be met in the Skellige Islands. The most notable and leader of the druids is Mousesack. Also worthy note is Gremist, the master alchemist in The Witcher 3.
The Ghost in the Tree claims to have once been a druidess who had kept watch over the Velen grove until the Crones murdered her and imprisoned her ghost in the tree. Geralt can either let her free or kill her.