When the first official images of Netflix's The Witcher were released, both video game fans as well as the dedicated readers of Andrzej Sapkowski's novels had a lot to say. There were discussions about how many swords a witcher carries, what each of the characters looked like in comparison to the novel descriptions and video game portrayals... and it all led to arguments. But what nearly all fans could agree on was that they could not wait to see Roach.On every announcement or post related to The Witcher came comments and questions about Roach, and when fans would experience the fabled horse's debut. Netflix has not only been paying attention, it's finally responded. "You begged, we delivered. Here's you're first look at Roach," the streaming service tweeted, along with the long-awaited first look at Geralt of Rivia atop his noble steed.
So what makes Roach so special? It's half an inside joke within the fandom -- especially for fans of the video games, since Roach tends to hilariously glitch a lot -- and half a genuine desire to see Geralt in his world. Roach isn't one horse, "Roach" is what Geralt names all of his horses, and for the most part, in both the video games and the novels, his horse is his only companion. It goes to show how lonely the life of a witcher can be.
Of course, the photo is significant in several other ways. It provides fans with yet another look at Henry Cavill as Geralt on The Path, and fans might also notice that he still seems to possess just one sword. In the books, the witcher uses a steel sword for regular combat and a silver sword for certain monsters, the latter isn't strapped to Geralt's back but on Roach's side. It could be that the shining metal artefact peeking out on the right side of Roach's breast is the silver sword fans have been looking for, as hinted in a tweet by Lauren S. Hissrich.
We may just have to wait for a trailer to see that sword in all its glory. What's certain is that the creators of the upcoming Netflix series seem to have gotten the look and feel of Sapkowski's world down pat.
The Witcher stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Ciri and Joey Batey as Jaskier. The series will be available to stream this fall.