In earlier English translations of of Andrzej Sapkowski's works, the term used was witchman. Starting with Time of Contempt, the translation was changed to vedymin.
Physiologus entry[ | ]
This entry is a "treatment" of witchers is done in the same style as other bestiary entries. It calls to mind old "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" episodes, or "National Geographic" specials.
| “ | A witchman, mumbled the woman. Called by some a witcher. To summon him is most dangerous, albeit one must; for when against the monster and the vermin there be no aid, the witchman can contrive. But careful one must be—
[...] Eeee... But careful one must be to touch not the witchman, for thus the mange can one acquire. And lasses do from him hide away, for lustful the witchman is above all measure— [...] —though the witchman greatly covetous and greedy for gold be, mumbled the old woman, half-closing her eyes, giveth ye not such a one more than: for a drowner, one silver penny or three halves; for a werecat, silver pennies two; for a plumard, silver pennies— |
” |
— pg. 180,
"Η Άκρη του Κόσμου", in the collection Η Τελευταία Ευχή (UK edition)
| ||
Encyclopaedia Maxima Mundi entry[ | ]
| “ | Vedymins, called witchers among the Nordlings (q.v.), a mysterious and elite caste of warrior-priests, probably an offshoot of the druids (q.v.). In the folk consciousness, they are endowed with magical powers and superhuman abilities; v. were said to fight evil spirits, monsters and all manner of dark forces. In reality, since they were unparalleled in their ability to wield weapons, v. were used by the rules of the north in the tribal fighting they waged with each other. In combat v. fell into a trance, brought on, it is believed, by autohypnosis or intoxicating substances, and fought with pure energy, being utterly invulnerable to pain, or even grave wounds, which reinforced the superstitions about their superhuman powers. The theory, according to which v. were said to have been the products of mutation or genetic engineering, has not found confirmation. V. are the heroes of numerous Nordling tales (cf. F. Delannoy, Myths and Legends of the Nordlings).
Effenberg and Talbot |
” |
— pg. 1,
Οι Καιροί της Περιφρόνησης (UK edition)
| ||
Στο παιχνίδι The Witcher[ | ]
| Witchman | |
|---|---|
| |
| Περιγραφή | |
Occurrence |
Witchmen roam the roads where monsters live; they spend winters in their keeps, where they plot and perfect their swordsmanship |
Immunity |
Witchmen never get ill and tend to be resistant to venoms and charms, for they are themselves enchanted beings |
Susceptibility |
They run from the sound of church bells; their greed for women is only surpassed by their greed for silver |
Tactics |
A witchman is a master of the sword and sinister spells |
Alchemy |
They are skilled alchemists, they create potions that make their eyes glow in the dark |
In the original game, the term used was witchman. This following journal entry is, in fact, a slightly paraphrased quote from the short story "Η Άκρη του Κόσμου".
καταχώρηση στο ημερολόγιο[ | ]
- "A witchman is by some called a Μάγιστρος. Summoning him is dangerous, yet he must be called at times. When none can stand against an accursed monster, a witchman will. Do not touch the witchman, for you will become mangy. Remember also to hide the lasses from him, for the witchman is lecherous beyond imagination. Though the witchman craves silver, never pay him more than the following: a silver penny for a drowner, two silver pennies for a werecat, four silver pennies for a vampire."