Introduced in the second episode of The Witcher, Yennefer of Vengerberg was captivating. Formidable and chaotic, her taste for power was admirable at times. Even from her first meeting with Istredd, Yennefer commanded the screen.
Istredd is not typically the partner that The Witcher fans pair with Yennefer. Yennefer had a tortured romance with Geralt of Rivia and there is a reason they are the couple to root for. Time and time again, Istredd and Yennefer have disappointed each other. Despite Istredd’s protestations, these two were never supposed to end up together and there were many reasons for them to break up.
Yennefer: Spied On Istredd
Yennefer’s desire for power was evident, even from the beginning. She struggled in Aretuza, at first, when it came to harnessing her chaos and she had to prove to Tissaia that she could control herself. Tissaia asked Yennefer to bring her something Istredd gave to her, just to prove that she was in control of her emotions.
While Istredd was not innocent and betrayed her trust as well, Yennefer happily proved that she could control Istredd and brought a flower of his to Tissaia. This was only the first breach of trust in their relationship.
Istredd: Tissaia Did Not Approve
Yennefer’s desire for a mother was often the subtext of her story. Tissaia was a witch that essentially kidnapped Yennefer from her blood family. Their relationship was fraught with tension, but still, Yennefer desired to please her.
Yennefer was on thin ice when she first made her way to Aretuza. She was not as quick to learn floating rocks as the other girls, and when trying to catch lightning in a bottle, she almost killed someone. Yennefer’s place in the world was to be a powerful mage and because her relationship with Istredd threatened that, she should have been rid of him.
Yennefer: Was Never Satisfied With Istredd’s Affection
Istredd and Yennefer both had quests to become powerful mages. The difference between the two is that Yennefer’s desire tended to be not only a quest but the dominant aspect of her personality.
Even before Yennefer chose her ultimate transformation, she made it quite clear to Istredd that he was a side note to her story. While Istredd was content with pursuing his magic and Yennefer with equal gusto, Yennefer would only ever be satisfied with one thing. Power.
Istredd: Afraid To Teach Her Magic
When Yennefer first conjured the portal that dumped her in front of Istredd, he was a coward. Already put off by her obvious display of power, Yennefer intimidated him. More than that, she was lost and he was not strong enough to guide her.
Even though her homelife was trying and miserable, Istredd did not possess the strength to teach her magic. Even when prompted, he was too afraid of the Brotherhood to help her.
Yennefer: Insecure About Her Power
Istredd would never have been enough to keep up with Yennefer. No matter how much he longed to. Their first encounter was telling enough. She pulled a portal out of nowhere, not even knowing she was capable of magic at the time.
As time went on, Yennefer surpassed Istredd in her ability. More than that, she never truly needed him. She survived without him and his insecurities only pushed her further away. It caused him to lash out. When she missed her demonstration of talent at Aretuza, he accused her of only being upset because she lost her chance to be beautiful.
Istredd: Spied On Her For the Brotherhood
Yennefer was not guiltless in her tactless approach to relationships. She was not alone in passing information along. However, Istredd’s transgression was worse. While getting close to her, Istredd told the Brotherhood that she was part elf, destroying the future she had envisioned to be a court mage in Aedirn.
Istredd argued that he had no idea how that information would be used. It was a weak attempt at a defense. While Yennefer always made her own way and got what she wanted in the end, this was one of Istredd’s worst betrayals.
Yennefer: Did Not Have An Equal Partnership
Even without Geralt of Rivea’s place in Yennefer’s heart, her relationship with Istredd would never be an equal one. Romantic entanglements were never high on Yenenfer’s agenda. And even when she considered them, Istredd was always the second choice.
Istredd wanted Yennefer more than she wanted him. Even when she went back to him in boredom, the stars did not align. Istredd finally realized that he would never be a priority. And even when he did shut her down, it took less than two minutes for Yennefer to get over it.
Istredd: Jealous Of Her Natural Abilities
Istredd wanted to see himself as the savior. With Yennefer, that was never an option. Their best times together were when she needed his help. Istredd prided himself on being the only one who was there for her.
When she failed at catching lightning or levitation, he was able to show her the way. But this covered up for the fact he was afraid she would surpass him. On their first meeting, he was put off by how easily she could conjure portals. And while he eventually showed her magic, he was never comfortable with how naturally talented she was.
Yennefer: Did Not Have Similar Life Goals
A quantifiable nerd in every sense of the word, Istredd only ever wanted to study ruins and runes. His interest in magic veered more towards the academic, while Yennefer was after something else entirely. He was never interested in the appeal of being a court mage.
Both parties were aware of the other’s desire which is why they could never work. Yennefer would never sacrifice her power and position to follow Istredd around as he wanted her to do.
Istredd: Tried To Hold Her Back
Yennefer’s fate was always to be a powerful mage. Istredd could never compete with that. He wanted Yennefer to be by his side and he was selfish in their relationship, finding reasons to shame her for her desire to be at court.
Of course, Istredd was never a match for her. She never let him control her but that didn’t change the fact that he wanted to. He wanted to tether her to him when she was really meant to be an indisputable power on The Continent.
