Breakfast in Beauclair

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. [0:00] Cold Open [0:55] Introduction [3:31] Discussion [1:05:39] Outro [1:05:48] End Credits

Bolo from Poland, Gosia from Poland, and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Crossroads of Ravens. Very important bits include: Preston Holt, Witcher mentor and New York accountant; Latin and the lingering influence of The Hussite Trilogy; mythological and historical deep cuts; regret and gray morals; Roach's many names; and the narrative power of less. Plus, our definitive opinion on whether Crossroads of Ravens is actually a new entry point to the Witcher. [0:00] Cold Open [1:20] Introduction [2:58] Guest Introductions [9:09] Book Summary [12:09] Discussion [1:20:43] Outro [1:21:06] End Credits

Kitty from the US and Softie from the UK take over from Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 11. Very important bits include: being on the other side of our protagonists, the parallels between horror and comedy, one-line bangers, fate and destiny, divine intervention, Norse mythology, cherry-flavored numbing liquid, and the close of the penultimate Witcher novel. [0:00] Cold Open [0:49] Introduction and Guest Introductions [4:49] Chapter Recap [6:32] Overall Thoughts [7:29] The Pursuit of Vengeance [24:21] The Wild Hunt's Intervention [41:49] "What took you so long?" [47:44] Takeaways [51:46] Hosting [55:30] Outro [56:50] End Credits

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'. [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

Kitty from the US and Michelle from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 9. Very important bits include: Norse and Inuit mythology, Mean Girls Continent, modern magic, sources of power, being consistent in ideals but flexible in methods, sacrifice, cynicism, and repentance in the face of death. [0:00] Cold Open [1:04] Introduction [2:35] Guest Introductions [7:00] Chapter Recap [8:58] Overall Thoughts [12:14] Power in Spirituality and Rationality [19:49] Yennefer's Cynicism [26:21] Suffering and Sacrifice [31:49] Yennefer's Repentance [35:03] The Impact of the Lodge [41:46] Yennefer Sails into the Sednya Abyss [50:52] Paths to the Tower of the Swallow [59:26] Closing Thoughts [1:06:25] Outro [1:06:46] End Credits

Daniel from the Netherlands and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 8. Very important bits include: Kovir's "armed neutrality," whoresons of upright character, the wisdom of 'The Good Book', royal marriages and moral compromises, political doublespeak, espionage, Sheala de Tancarville conspiracy theories, the unseen consequences of power, and "A million bizants?!" [0:00] Cold Open [1:06] Introduction [2:25] Guest Introductions [8:12] Chapter Recap [9:50] Overall Thoughts [19:30] The Illusion of Virtue [29:31] The Queen's Moral Compass [40:24] Marriage (and the Lodge) [47:54] Dijkstra's Mission and Cantarella's Espionage [57:15] The Far Future [1:10:44] Closing Thoughts [1:13:32] Outro [1:13:55] End Credits

Madi from the US and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7 (Part 2). Very important bits include: Avallach's warning and more series predictions from a first-time reader, "The Fastball Special", a knocker's dreams and aspirations, the hypocrisy of retribution, and toddler thoughts. Plus, Sophia wins the podcast. [0:00] Cold Open [1:17] Introduction [3:23] Avallac'h's Warning & Sophia's Predicions [6:48] Geralt and the Knocker [14:50] The Morality of the Wicker Cage [25:15] The Loss of Geralt's Medallion [31:50] Closing Thoughts [39:12] Outro [39:33] End Credits

Madi from the US and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: a first timer's thoughts on the book series, parallels to previous guest appearances, doing "too good of a job" on the Witcher audiobooks, the flaminika's request, Geralt's humility, first impressions of Avallac'h, being on your "Aragorn bullshit", Avallac'h's… fascinations and centuries-long grudges. [0:00] Cold Open [0:46] Introduction [3:11] Guest Introductions [13:38] Chapter Recap [16:00] Overall Thoughts [20:53] Geralt's Humility [24:31] Avallac'h's First Impression [29:43] Avallac'h's Cave Paintings [34:00] Avallac'h, Lara, and Ciri [43:16] End Credits [43:59] Bonus: Booth Guests

Bolo from Poland and Kitty from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: the chapter's epigraph, unhinged D&D tactics, Angoulême's backstory, Geralt and Cahir's evolving relationship, Cahir's motivations, and the burden of hope. [0:00] Cold Open [1:03] Introduction [2:03] Guest Introductions [8:01] Chapter Recap [9:35] Overall Thoughts [19:13] Monstrum [23:44] Angoulême's Backstory [26:26] Geralt and Cahir's Role Reversal [35:42] Cahir's Motives [48:19] Regis' Reunions [51:54] Translation Questions [54:20] Closing Thoughts [1:02:11] Outro [1:02:51] End Credits

Brett from the US and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: lawful cruelty and corruption, Angoulême's arrival, the making of the hanza, courage and bravery, blind revenge, and prophetic dreams. [0:00] Cold Open [1:33] Introduction [3:32] Guest Introductions [10:28] Chapter Recap [12:13] Overall Thoughts [18:32] Vengeance v. Justice [32:42] Angoulême's Arrival [41:56] The Hanza's Dynamics [49:51] Courage and Bravery [54:58] A Witcher's Revenge [1:02:23] Ciri's Dream [1:03:40] Closing Thoughts [1:07:14] Outro [1:09:36] End Credits

Charli from Austria and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 4. Very important bits include: Season premiere rituals, unreliable narrators, nesting dolls of perspectives, progressive ideas in The Witcher, the literal sword of destiny, how Ciri's weaponization complicates her victimization, and how each chapter antagonist embodies a different kind of cruelty. [0:00] Cold Open [1:01] Introduction [2:40] Guest Introductions [8:16] Chapter Recap [9:49] Overall Thoughts [17:18] Alternate Perspectives [22:57] Kenna's Psionic Torture [26:14] Progressive Ideas in The Witcher [28:39] Swallow & Destiny [33:49] Ciri's Victimization v. Weaponization [39:14] Ciri's Attempt & Bonhart's Cruelty [43:32] "Would Ciri return home?" [46:12] The Villains and Systemic Cruelty [58:27] Closing Thoughts [1:02:59] Outro [1:03:26] End Credits

Content warning: This episode discusses miscarriage and loss of pregnancy. Listener discretion is advised. Kitty from the US and Kyle R. from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Sirens of the Deep/raunchy Little Mermaid retellings, the framing narrative and Half a Century of Poetry, Milva's grief following her miscarriage, Cahir's trustworthiness (and positive reinforcement over survival), "the waist is as low as we go," Gwent and the sprawling Nilfgaardian spy network, and Hannibal Lector, gynocologist. [0:00] Cold Open [1:16] Introduction [3:11] Guest Introductions [16:46] Chapter Recap [18:39] Overall Thoughts [24:22] Memoir Framing Narrative [32:44] Milva's Miscarriage and Grief [42:06] Geralt's Doubt and Cahir's Loyalty [48::20] Yennefer's Fate [53:24] Nilfgaardian Intelligence [1:01:13] The Beekeepers and the Hanza [1:06:23] Closing Thoughts [1:10:58] Outro [1:12:09] End Credits Visit breakastinbeauclair.com for more.

Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 2). Very important bits include: Nilfgaardian amnesty, the yuckiest single serving character, Bonhart's brutal slaughter, Ciri's journey, and Vysogota's role in it. [0:00] Cold Open [1:10] Introduction [2:57] Chapter Recap [4:29] Hotspurn & Nilfgaardian Amnesty [16:07] Bonhart v. The Rats [17:52] Bonhart's "Art" [23:54] The Villagers' Perspective (from Abbe ~23 min) [27:29] Ciri's Journey [32:53] Closing Thoughts [38:17] Outro [38:50] End Credits The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 1). Very important bits include: ominous foreshadowing, groupthink and survival, transactions versus ideals, stolen identity, dreams of grandeur, and "that one little turd I have no feelings for, I'm afraid." [0:00] Cold Open [1:04] Introduction [3:23] Guest Introductions [11:08] Chapter Recap [12:51] Overall Thoughts [17:34] The Chapter Opening [21:27] Hotspurn, The Rats, & Group Think [28:54] Ciri's Imposter [34:28] CIri & Mistle's Farewell [39:23] Outro [39:38] End Credits The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Ryan from the US and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 1. Very important bits include: 'The Moment You Knew The Witcher Was For You'; how legends are born; first chapters throughout the saga; Vysogota, the raven, and fictional mentors; and where morality ends and survival begins. [0:00] Cold Open [1:18] Introduction [4:07] Guest Introductions [11:10] Chapter Recap [13:00] Overall Thoughts [15:37] The Beggar's Song and the Fable [19:59] First Chapters Across the Saga [29:32] Vysogota and Ciri [34:05] Ciri's Distrust [39:14] The Ethical Debate [45:03] The Cruelty of Destiny [53:18] The Book's Refrain [57:14] Closing Thoughts [1:01:28] Outro [1:02:35] End Credits The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Abbe from Sweden, Daniel from the Netherlands, and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the epic conclusion to the book at the Battle of the Bridge, Witch-dudes and Witch-lads, CD Projekt Red's 'Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales', druidic time scales, framing narratives as foreshadowing, Vampiric tropes, identity and redemption, fantasy as satire, the meandering nature of the book (and what it provides to readers), turning Milva's pregnancy into a group project, and the ironic origin of 'Geralt of Rivia'. [0:00] Cold Open [0:55] Introduction [2:35] Guest Introductions [13:14] Chapter Recap [15:56] Overall Thoughts [26:18] Striborg's Framing Scene [35:39] Breaking Vampiric Tropes [42:39] Milva's Pregnancy [1:02:59] Identity and Redemption [1:07:39] Baptisms of Fire [1:15:01] Closing Thoughts [1:22:01] Outro [1:22:37] End Credits

Kitty from the US and Tracie aka Miss Magitek join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: international 'Baptism of Fire' editions, Peter Kenny's triumph, excitement for The Witcher 4, how Ciri fights for herself, the legend of Lara Dorren, our best Yzma impressions, perfect 10-year plans, parallels between the Lodge of Sorceresses and Dune's Bene Gesserit, the mustache-twirling kind of evil, the absence of good, and Hannibal Lecter, gynecologist. [0:00] Cold Open [0:48] Introduction [2:46] Guest Introductions [11:51] Chapter Recap [14:25] Overall Thoughts [23:36] The Legend of Lara Dorren [28:06] Ciri's Isolation [36:48] Yennefer's Choice [43:16] The Lodge's Ends and Means [53:13] The Villains [1:00:01] Good v. Evil [1:07:45] Closing Thoughts [1:14:03] Outro [1:16:18] End Credits

Bo from the US and Gaby from Guatemala join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 5, Part 2. Very important bits include: the classic fish soup scene, being bratty about who you share destinies with, Geralt's motivations, togetherness and camaraderie, and Therapy with a Vampire. [0:00] Cold Open [1:30] Introduction [2:58] Guest Introductions [9:37] Chapter Recap [11:54] Overall Thoughts [16:53] Geralt's Hesitancy to Kill [22:28] Ciri's Cold-Blooded Killing [28:21] Shared Prophetic Dreams [34:43] Accepting Regis [41:14] Geralt's Protectiveness [47:46] The Fish Soup Scene [53:44] Baptisms of Fire [1:05:54] Closing Thoughts [1:10:43] Outro [1:11:04] End Credits

Nicola from Italy and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: the German and Italian translations, analyzing Sapkowski's swordfighting through an experienced lens, his use of cutaways, the trustworthiness of Nilfgaardians, the ethics of violence and torture, first reactions to the Crossroads of Ravens teaser, the Everyman perspective in a supernatural world, contrasting views on executions, and killing with "mercy." [0:00] Cold Open [1:08] Introduction [2:20] Guest Introductions [9:10] Chapter Recap [11:26] Overall Thoughts [18:08] Sapkowski's 'Crossroads of Ravens' Sidebar [24:55] Milva's Use of Violence [28:50] Cahir's Trustworthiness [34:51] Faoiltiarna's Torture Tactics [42:25] Nilfgaard's Inclusion in the Lodge [46:02] Geralt's Killings and Traditional heroism [55:23] Dandelion's 'Everyman' Perspective [1:01:37] Dijkstra vs Vissegerd's Executions [1:08:37] Closing Thoughts [1:12:10] Outro [1:13:25] End Credits The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the trial by ordeal, the stupidest D&D group, the threshold that one needs to achieve to drop a hot horseshoe down a priest's pants, the Nilfgaardian Cavalry workplace comedy we've been waiting for, The Filthy Pelican, morality's role in bravery, the definition of justice, and a bold assertion or a defense? You decide. [0:00] Cold Open [5:05] Introduction [6:57] Chapter Recap [8:37] The Trial By Ordeal [17:31] Vampires in the Witcher [23:36] Humor in the Background [33:47] Marshal Vissegerd's Prejudice [44:53] Bravery and Morality [47:16] Justice and It's Enforcers [58:04] Closing thoughts [1:01:17] Sophia's Predictions [1:11:30] Outro [1:16:48] End Credits The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.