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This article is about the lore article. For the ability in The Witcher 3, see Trial of the Grasses (ability). |
Trial of the grasses in the Zdrada graphic novel
The Trial of the grasses or herbs was an incredibly painful trial which young witcher apprentices were subjected to. It required the consumption of special alchemical ingredients known as "the grasses" and affected the nervous system. Reportedly, only three in ten survived the trial, but those who did gained lightning quick reflexes in return. The trial was performed in the witchers' laboratory at Kaer Morhen.
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On the third day all the children died save one, a male barely ten. Hitherto agitated by a sudden madness, he fell at once into deep stupor. His eyes took on a glassy gaze, incessantly with his hands did he clutch at clothing, or brandish them in the air as if desirous of catching a quill. His breathing grew loud and hoarse; sweat cold, clammy and malodorous appeared on his skin. Then he was once more given elixir through the vein and the seizure it did return. This time a nose-bleed did ensue, coughing turned to vomiting, after which the male weakened entirely and became inert.
For two days more did symptoms not subside. The child's skin, hitherto drenched in sweat, grew dry and hot, the pulse ceased to be full and firm — albeit remaining of average strength, slow rather than fast. No more did he wake, nor did he scream.
Finally, came the seventh day. The male awoke and opened his eyes, and his eyes were those of a viper...”
— pg(s). 77, Blood of Elves (UK edition)
Notes
- In the video game, it is during this trial that Geralt's hair is said to have turned completely white. In the books, however, Geralt's hair turned white as a side effect of some "additional experiments" which were performed on him. However both are true due the fact that the ones experimenting on Geralt modified his trials.
- "Trial of the Herbs" is the title of a song by Marcin Przybyłowicz included on the Inspired by The Witcher CD.