In the universe of “The Witcher,” a popular Netflix series based on the works of Andrzej Sapkowski, magic is a potent weapon. People have learnt how to use dimeritium, a metallic substance that suppresses magical power, to control powerful mages and prevent them from using their best weapon (magic). However, how dimeritium works and is used aren’t really described in the Netflix series. It is used in season 1 to contain and keep silent the strong wizard Mousesack, and we see it used on Yennefer early in season 2. So let’s examine this magic-dampening content in more detail from the source books, the TV show, and the CD Projekt RED video game series.
There are some minor “The Witcher” season 2 spoilers below.
A Dimeritium Cage for Mousesack
Mousesack (Adam Levy) is held in a metal cage-like vehicle in “Bottled Appetites,” the fifth episode of “The Witcherfirst “‘s season. He throws up white bile and appears to be in terrible condition when he is freed in front of his captor, the Nilfgaardian mage Fringilla (Mimi Ndiweni). Dimeritium is probably in the bars of the cage, cutting him off from his Chaos (or magic), which can be very uncomfortable. Additionally, he is restrained in dimeritium shackles that forbid him from employing any sigils or teleportation spells. Despite being raised in the same system as Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Mousesack, Fringilla isn’t scared to utilise forbidden magic, and it appears that she has no qualms about using dimeritium against other mages as well. When Fringilla holds her captive in season 2, we witness Yennefer, a former classmate of hers, bound with dimeritium. Even worse, she hurls dimeritium powder at Tissaia’s (MyAnna Buring) face, temporarily weakening the formidable magician.
How does Fringilla use the dimeritium on her enemies without letting it weaken her own abilities? She probably has some sort of protective component in her gloves in the event of the powder. How about the cage and restraints? The most common fan idea holds that magic must be “contained” in order to entirely stop it. Because of this, the person in handcuffs or in the cage is impacted, but the person next to them is not. When everything else fails, just keep in mind that magic exists!
Dimeritium in the Witcher Games
Even though “The Witcher” on Netflix is based only on the book series and not the widely-played video game adaptations, there are some game-related details that expand on the canon of the books and make their way into the TV show. The Tower Mage’s Book is a quest item that may be found in the first game. Two pieces of lore are included, one of which is a detailed description of dimeritium. It states:
“Dimeritium is a rare and precious metal with an interesting feature it represses the transfer of magical energy. A bluish alloy of iron and dimeritium is used to produce handcuffs and necklaces. Those who wear them cannot cast spells or use magic in any way. There are known cases, however, of extraordinarily powerful sorcerers managing to overcome the shield generated by dimeritium.”
In the video games, Geralt may craft bombs and potent weaponry out of dimeritium. It will be intriguing to watch how the intricate world of the “Witcher” novels is integrated into the Netflix series and whether dimeritium will still pose problems for even the most determined wizards.
“The Witcher” Season 2 is currently available on Netflix.
