There have been two significant adaptations of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, and they've both received plenty of praise. However, CD Projekt's popular game franchise and Netflix's successful series are pretty different from the original source material. So, naturally, they're also distinct from one another in many ways. For one, their characterization of individual personas isn't exactly the same. This can be seen in their differing versions of the iconic Yennefer of Vengerberg.
Each adaptation of the raven-haired Sorceresses has slightly contrasting personality traits, motives, and experiences. Here are some of the most substantial differences, minus obvious things that are based solely on when the stories take place in the timeline.
7 The Game Only Gives Her One Love Interest
While Geralt has a few romantic options throughout Witcher 3, Yennefer only has eyes for him. In fact, she barely gives other potential mates a second look. In the series, though, she has Istredd. She meets the mage at the beginning of her arc, and the two immediately hit it off due to their fantastic chemistry.
At the time, Yen is still a hunchback with no political or magical power. So the purity of their relationship can't be questioned as Istredd loves her before she goes through her physical transformation. And his inclusion makes the Sorceress's love life a lot more interesting.
6 Funnier In The Game
The Witcher universe includes a litany of funny characters. Dandelion (or Jaskier), in particular, gets plenty of credit for his comedic chops. But in Witcher 3, Yennefer's level of humor shouldn't be overlooked. Throughout the adventure, she delivers a lot of witty lines, many of which involve plenty of sass and are typically directed at Geralt.
The Yennefer from the series tends to be more serious. She can provide the occasional moment of hilarity, but it's rarer. This may change, however, in future seasons when she gets more comfortable around the other characters. After all, she's only just met Geralt in the show, so it's natural they haven't developed the same rapport yet.
5 Netflix Show Gives Her A Proper Backstory
Yennefer has a full story arc in the first season of the Netflix series, and it begins with her difficult upbringing. As a young girl, she gets sold by her stepfather to Tissaia de Vries for the low price of four marks. Then she begins her journey of becoming a powerful Sorceress, which doesn't always go smoothly either.
The entire arc helps make Yennefer a sympathetic figure and gives reasons for her somewhat prickly behavior later in life. The game (nor the books, for that matter) aren't as open about Yennefer's past; characters allude to it at times but never go into full details.
4 Video Game Version Has To Compete For Geralt's Love
A big aspect of The Witcher 3 narrative is the love triangle between Geralt, Triss, and Yennefer. The Witcher has the tall task of choosing one of the two amazing Sorceresses. It's a nice problem for him to have, but it doesn't make the decision any easier. The game actually does an excellent job of making each of them a perfect and rewarding option for the protagonist.
In the Netflix series, Triss is merely a friend (thus far), and Geralt's other romantic entanglements aren't particularly significant. Therefore, the only woman he truly has feelings for is Yennefer.
3 More Vulnerable & Emotional In The Series
In Witcher 3, Yennefer is a calm and calculating individual. Rarely does she ever show emotion; instead, she prefers to swallow her pain. The Yennefer from the show is very different in that regard. She's constantly showing anger, sadness, and even vulnerability throughout the series.
Although Yennefer doesn't tend to openly display her emotions around other people, the viewers get to see them. Of course, it's still doesn't stop her from being one of the most powerful sorceresses around. It just helps add a bit of extra depth to the character. On the other hand, however, it also takes some of her mystique away.
2 Her Motives In The Game Are More Heroic
It's fair to question Yennefer's attitude at times during The Witcher 3's story. Yet, her motives should never come under scrutiny. Virtually everything she does throughout the game is to further their chances of finding Ciri and saving her from The Wild Hunt. From putting her life in danger to using black magic, the Sorceress stops at nothing to bring the white-haired girl back.
Yennefer from the series has more selfish goals that change as the series progresses. Becoming beautiful, improving her stature in the world, and gaining the ability to bear a child, are a few of her main motivations during her journey. She still does some heroic things along the way, but she accidentally finds herself in those scenarios.
1 Larger Role In The Series
There's no doubt that Yennefer is an important part of The Witcher 3, even if she isn't as significant as the likes of Geralt or Ciri since those two white-haired characters are definitely the protagonists. They both have that same role in the Netflix series, but the show also puts Yennefer alongside them.
Viewers follow Yennefer's adventures from her time as a child to meeting Geralt and participating in the Battle of Sodden Hill. By contrast, in The Witcher 3, when does Yennefer do anything that doesn't directly involve Geralt or Ciri? CD Projekt Red would've had to make Yennefer a playable character for her to feel as vital as the others.