Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like the stoic hunter Geralt, the nickname “White Wolf” is also used in reference to Game of Thrones' virtuous warrior Jon Snow and the reformed assassin Bucky Barnes in the MCU. Regardless of their similarities, these characters each have their own unique personalities and backgrounds, giving their shared nickname a distinct meaning for each.
Each member of the trio comes from a different world, but the similarities in the challenges they face are noticeable. Geralt is frequently shunned by others due to his magically enhanced abilities, which far sur those of a normal human. In Game of Thrones, Jon Snow is raised as a member of House Stark, but his questionable bloodlines render him an outsider, even among his kinfolk. Marvel’s Bucky Barnes was for a time brainwashed into becoming an assassin for the sinister military organization Hydra, and despite being freed from their control, struggled to make peace with his violence-ridden past. All three of these characters are considered outcasts due to circumstances beyond their control.
In each storyline, the origin of the nickname “White Wolf” has a basis in fact. Geralt’s version of the nickname not only refers to his striking white hair, but also the exceptional strength and resilience displayed when Geralt trained to become a witcher. While recognizing Geralt’s strength, the title also vilifies him in the eyes of many, particularly those who see his stoicism and ferocity in combat as indicators that he is not a man, but a monster. The nickname stresses Geralt’s fearsome reputation in The Witcher, but it carries a more heroic, redemptive tone in Game of Thrones and the MCU.
When Jon Snow receives the title “White Wolf,” it suggests that the world has begun to accept him, despite the circumstances surrounding his birth. Jon’s strength and valor are tested across the entirety of Game of Thrones, culminating in his ascension to leader of Game of Thrones' House Stark. For him, the nickname acknowledges the series of challenges he overcomes to protect his clan. The title marks a shift in how Jon is perceived by followers who recognize him not only as a Stark, but as the new King in the North.
Bucky’s version of the nickname originates from his struggle to atone for his mistakes. Years of operating as an assassin for Hydra left him traumatized, and guilt haunted him long after being liberated from their dominance. Bucky chooses the moniker “White Wolf” when he realizes that overcoming his guilt can only be achieved by correcting his course for good, not evil. Under this new codename, Bucky begins to understand that dwelling too heavily on his previous life will only hinder him from building a better future.
In all three series, it is apparent that a name can hold more than one meaning. The Witcher’s idea of the White Wolf evokes a sense of fear, while Game of Thrones and the MCU respectively instill a sense of valor and hope.