Drenched in anticipation, the audience worldwide waited for the unveiling of the second volume of The Witcher Season 3, marking the final three episodes featuring the charismatic Henry Cavill.
Among the fascinating twists and turns, the emergence of an audacious band of rogues called The Rats in the last episode, where they cross paths with Ciri (Freya Allan), stands out. Not only does it mark a significant turn in Ciri’s story arc, but it also sparks curiosity about these new, morally ambiguous characters.
Given their dynamic introduction, fans only naturally question who they are, their motives, and why they have chosen such a peculiar name for their group.
The Rats: A Glimpse Into Their Origins and Future
To provide the audience with an authentic understanding of these characters, we turn to the wisdom of Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski. A passage from the book Time of Contempt sets the foundation for The Rats’ complex backstory. We will explore this background and discuss their perspective narrative arcs in the upcoming spinoff series and Season 4.
Before diving in, let’s set the stage. The Rats are a band of adolescent outlaws, survivors of Nilfgaard’s brutal conquest of the Continent. Their tumultuous past has seared their capacity for empathy, leaving them to roam, steal, and kill at will.
Led by Giselher (played by Ben Radcliffe), the group comprises Mistle (Christelle Elwin), Iskra (Aggy K. Adams), Kayleigh (Fabian McCallum), Reef (Juliette Alexandra), and Asse (Connor Crawford). Their ranks also include Ciri, who has adopted the name Falka while with the Rats.
A Chronicle of the Rats from Time of Contempt
The members of The Rats are pariahs of a war-torn society, drawn together by their shared misfortune and rejection. Each carries a grim history, shaped by brutality and violence, much like driftwood tossed upon a riverbank by a raging flood.
Let’s take a brief look into their past. Kayleigh, for instance, finds himself amidst a devastated stronghold, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his foster family. Here, he encounters Reef, a wounded soldier abandoned by his Nilfgaardian special squad comrades.
Despite the circumstances, Kayleigh opts for companionship over solitude, and together they embark on a life of crime.
Similarly, we have Giselher, a former soldier who had joined the rebellion against Nilfgaard, and Iskra, an exiled elf, finding solace in each other’s company. The wealthy noble Mistle and Asse, a village blacksmith’s son seeking revenge against the Nilfgaardians, also have their lives intertwined amidst the chaos.
This disparate group of youngsters finds each other at the Festival of the Harvest in Gheso. Standing out in their colorful, fanciful attire and unabashedly arrogant demeanor, they unite, embodying the spirit of contempt. Only might matters to them—swiftness in thieving, expertise with weapons, and the loyalty of their companions.
An observer christened them ‘The Rats,’ a name they adopted and made infamous through their cruel deeds.
A mysterious girl named Falka – a bitter, pale-haired acrobat – joins their number. Just like her companions, she is a product of the era of contempt.
Deviations from The Witcher Novels: A More Appealing Portrayal
A distressing incident in the book involving the sexual assault of Ciri by two members of The Rats has sparked a strong dislike for these characters among the book readers.
However, we predict that the showrunners will opt for a divergent narrative path. At the same time, The Rats will undoubtedly exert a morally corrupt influence on Ciri, as in the novels, the assault incident is unlikely to be a part of the series. The show’s makers might choose to paint The Rats as a more appealing group of teenage rebels.
Netflix already has plans for a spinoff series centered around The Rats.
The Rats’ Own Spinoff Prequel: A Glimpse Into The Future
With a straightforward working title, The Rats, the spinoff will be a prequel series set before the events of Season 3. As of now, the details of the series’ length and structure remain under wraps.
Originally planned as a six or eight-episode series, the project seems to have reconfigured in the aftermath of The Witcher: Blood Origin, which received lukewarm responses. A shorter shooting schedule suggests that the project may evolve into a feature film or a set of short episodes.
In terms of the narrative, the main antagonist seems to be Brehen, a witcher from the School of the Cat, played by the legendary Dolph Lundgren of Rocky fame. Known for his erratic and violent behavior, Brehen has a history of attacking civilians.
His storyline will intersect with The Rats’s, hinting at some action-packed sequences.
This prequel promises a riveting and comprehensive exploration of The Rats’ past, motivations, and the journey that led them to their notorious status. It can showcase these complex characters in a new light, revealing the human elements hidden beneath their hardened exteriors.
