The Witcher: Blood Origin takes place long, long before the events of Netflix's main series or even Andrzej Sapkowski's novels. But that doesn't mean fans of the franchise won't be treated to at least a few surprising, familiar faces. Showrunner Declan de Barra recently confirmed the upcoming show will include a younger Avallac'h, who novel and video games might recognize as the mysterious elven sage embroiled in Ciri's destiny.

In an interview with Screen Rant, De Barra touched on the ancient Continent and some of the elven characters in their earlier days. "Especially with Avallac'h and Eredin, painting them from their baby stages, when they're still quite innocent, and they haven't been corrupted yet, and they become these multi-layered dark creatures in the games and the books and the TV show."

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Before appearing in CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Avallac'h, also known as Crevan Espane aep Caomhan Macha, was introduced in the novel, The Tower of the Swallow, where he attempts to guide Geralt of Rivia on a different path, away from Ciri. He plays a crucial role in Ciri's journey later on in The Lady of the Lake and is revealed to be knowledgeable in matters concerning the Elder Blood and Ciri's lineage. It's also revealed that his interests in Ciri and her bloodline are, like those that hunted her across the Continent, driven by less than decent motives.

The character appeared again in CDPR's award-winning video game, this time aiding Geralt and Ciri in the fight against Eredin, King of the Wild Hunt. Within the game's canon, Avallac'h has been watching and studying Ciri's entire bloodline, following the Elder Blood through all of its carriers. Ultimately, it is Avallac'h who aids Ciri in fulfilling her destiny. This is not considered canon to Sapkowski's novels, however.

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The Witcher: Blood Origin's Familiar Faces

It's currently uncertain who will play Avallac'h in the upcoming prequel series. The Witcher: Blood Origin's cast has previously revealed Eredin will appear, though, as De Barra stated, he will not be in his "corrupted." Moreover, Jaskier the fan-favorite bard will appear, once again played by actor and musician Joey Batey. It's unknown how large of a role he will play in the series, though reports suggest his part is quite substantial.

Set 1,200 years before the events of the main Witcher series, Blood Origin explores a period of the Continent's ancient history that has only ever been mentioned in Sapkowski's novels. The show will center on the cataclysmic event known as the Conjunction of the Spheres and how it led to the creation of the world's very first witcher.

The Witcher: Blood Origin is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 25 on Netflix.

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