Warning: SPOILERS for The Witcher Episode 4
While the lore of The Witcher is based largely in the Polish and Slavic mythology and folk history that shaped the original novels, one tradition becomes a major plot twist in Geralt of Rivia's life. We refer, of course, to the 'The Law of Surprise.'
Those who haven't read the novels or played the video games will be introduced to this custom in Episode 4 of the Netflix adaptation, "Of Banquets, Bastards and Burials." Unfortunately, instead of outlining what the Law of Surprise actually means, Queen Calanthe orders a murder, causing the guests of said banquet to erupt into a massive brawl, seemingly killing each other without explanation. We're pleased to report that viewers can get a direct answer to their question, since the Law of Surprise is both based on folklore and a part of The Witcher's canon. So if the episode leaves the explanation unclear, then our breakdown will hopefully be able to help (and the same goes for Geralt's secret wish to his genie, too).
The circumstances leading up to the invocation of the Law of Surprise are a bit unclear for modern audiences, as noblemen, knights, and lords gather to request the hand of Princess Pavetta in marriage. What happens next is hard to follow, appearing as if total chaos erupts for the sake of an ittedly awesome Witcher swordfight. But first, let's cover the actual Law of Surprise itself, as it is being invoked in this situation.
What is The Actual Law of Surprise?
As the viewers know, Queen Calanthe has already arranged the match for Pavetta behind the scenes. But things go completely off the rails when a helmeted knight named 'Duny' arrives to do more than request Pavetta's hand. He has come to claim it, by the Law of Surprise. As Duny explains, he happened to come upon Queen Calanthe's husband, King Roegner, and saved him from certain death. Obviously the King demanded that he offer some exchange, and Duny reveals that: "By tradition, I chose the Law of Surprise as payment. Whatever windfall he came home to find would be mine."
It's here that we should clarify no actual 'Law of Surprise' exists in western history, medieval or otherwise, although there are variations. Slavis folklore or fairy tales often includes a form of this agreement, but variations can also be found in the Old Testament. In the world of The Witcher mythology, however, it is a major tradition, to be honored in an event when someone would be willing to offer anything as thanks. The owed may claim "that which you possess, but do not yet know." When the Queen demands that the men gathered at the banquet slay Duny, the knights and men of noble blood alongside Eist (Calanthe's future husband) intervene along with Geralt, willing to defend the oath with their lives. As Eist explains once the dust settles:
'Tis no swindle. Asking for payment with the Law of Surprise is as old as mankind itself... it's an honest gamble. As likely to be rewarded with a bumper crop as a newborn pup. Or a child of surprise. He could not know. Destiny has determined the surprise be Pavetta... Who are we to challenge destiny?
To make this situation seem a lot less creepy than it otherwise might, it's unclear how old Duny was when he saved King Roegner, or from what. He also states he had no intention of 'claiming' his daughter... until curiosity got the better of him, and with his human face returned to him after midnight, and he and Pavetta fell in love. Taking on destiny proves impossible (in dramatic fashion).
The Witcher's Own 'Child of Surprise'
For a bit more context, it is suggested in The Witcher novels that the Law of Surprise is occasionally used by witchers as a means to collect new children to become new witchers. Or at least it was practiced to recruit new witcher, before the ability to create new was stolen (as Geralt explains in the series). After all, witchers don't get too many volunteers. Whether through deception or asking destiny to curse or bless as it sees fit, an unborn child is referred to as a 'Child of Surprise.' Not necessarily an exchange for nefarious purposes, either. In the case of Geralt and Ciri, The Witcher TV show makes it clear that he probably should offer some guidance, or take responsibility over what she does with her powers. But in the moment, Geralt's decision to defend Duny's life isn't treated as an epic, story-altering twist. In fact, Geralt's request that he be repaid with a similar debt seems motivated out of humor more than deception. It's only when destiny (or the necessities of a TV show) intervene with a perfectly-timed bout of morning sickness that Geralt's mistake is revealed: the child, Ciri, will be his to claim. You might even say she is his "destiny."
In the novels, things play out a bit differently. Almost all of the scene is adapted faithfully, right down to Duny's hedgehog-like curse. But when it comes time for Duny to repay Geralt for his service, the witcher knows Pavetta is pregnant, and enacts the Law of Surprise knowing full well that it gives him guardianship of the baby. Even when she is born as a daughter and not a son, and therefore not fit to be trained as a witcher, Ciri and Geralt's bond is one of destiny. That isn't as nefarious as it may sound either, since Geralt would later claim Ciri unknowingly by the Law of Surprise a second time. In the context of the books, this coincidence confirms that destiny intends for Ciri to effectively become Geralt's adopted daughter.
Even if The Witcher will return for Season 2, it's unclear if Ciri's adult years will ever be explored. But audiences at least know Ciri's status as a Child of Surprise will be honored in the years to come.