Yennefer in The Witcher 3 looking off into the distance alongside Yen clenching her fist in anger The Witcher 3 makes it clear that sorceress Yennefer will do anything to protect her adopted daughter Ciri but a recently unearthed cutscene demonstrates how far she’s willing to go. While Geralt may spend the bulk of his third video game searching for his Protégé and ward, he spends just as much time hanging around Yennefer as the pair can either elect to ignore their personal feelings or rekindle their destiny-infused romance. Both are driven by the same goal and while The Witcher is willing to take a life to defend Ciri, Yennefer was originally going to go even further.

Per PC Gamer, YouTuber xLetalis shared a comprehensive breakdown of a cut scene in The Witcher 3 which not only bridges a slight narrative gap but turns Yennefer into a ruthless traitor to her kin.

The section in question, which actually comprises more gameplay than one might expect, takes place between Eredin’s defeat and the battle at the tower on Undvik as Yennefer and Geralt deduce that Avallac’h has betrayed them and kidnapped Ciri. After approaching The Lodge for assistance, Yennefer seemingly changes the spell to backfire on the magic users present who are swifly captured and killed by Nilfgaard.

Why Was Yennefer’s Betrayal Of The Lodge Cut?

It’s A Very Drastic Action Indeed

Image of Geralt, Yennefer, and Geralt in bunny ears. Screenshot of Yennefer smiling at the camera in The Witcher 3. Yennefer from The Witcher 3 in her alternative outfit, standing in a forest next to a black bird. Geralt and Yennefer embrace in The Witcher 3 Geralt and Yennefer talking in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt. Image of Geralt, Yennefer, and Geralt in bunny ears. Screenshot of Yennefer smiling at the camera in The Witcher 3. Yennefer from The Witcher 3 in her alternative outfit, standing in a forest next to a black bird. Geralt and Yennefer embrace in The Witcher 3 Geralt and Yennefer talking in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt.

The scene that was ultimately cut from The Witcher 3 would have provided some explanation as to what became of The Lodge following Geralt’s victory over The Wild Hunt and would also have shown how characters like Fringilla, Margarita, and Phillippa all meet their end. While it’s arguably in line with Yennefer’s character, it’s a dark twist for the sorceress to willingly kill off The Lodge by handing them over to Nilfgaard. Her love for Ciri runs deep, but it’s an extremely shocking moment.

Whether or not that lines up with Yennefer’s portrayal is up for debate but it could be the case that CD Projekt Red felt it was just too much. Both Yennefer and Geralt have sacrificed a great deal to keep Ciri’s magical abilities away from The Lodge but such a brutal betrayal may change how audiences perceive Yennefer. The scene does allow players to judge her actions as Geralt can either approve or disapprove of her betrayal even though it doesn’t seem to change the outcome.

Whatever the case may be, it’s fun to know that The Witcher 3, a game already infamous for its length, was originally intended to run even longer. The betrayal of The Lodge may have been shocking to witness but it ultimately would have slowed down the climax, resulting in a more drawn-out conclusion. The game’s ending is already fairly prolonged so having it run on even longer would likely have robbed it of its impact.