AsThe Witcherdemonstrated, sometimes a series or game ends up introducing a standout character it may not have intended. Maybe it’s a wisecracking mage in a game about immortal warriors. Perhaps it comes in the form of a demon who slowly learns the value of being good. Or how about a glitchy horse?
The Witcherhas the distinction of 2 wildly popular adaptations (hey, the books are great, but their reach isn’t exactly saturating the market) that both manage to introduce separately endearing takes on certain characters. Along withthe spinoff-worthy bard Jaskier/Dandelion, both the games and Netflix series manage to create truly engaging versions of the same characters like the cunning sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), the powerful yet gentle Triss (Anna Shaffer), and the lovably gruff elder witcher Vesemir (Kim Bodnia).
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But one character stands out in not only the games and show, but the books as well. That character is, of course,Roach the horse. Geralt of Rivia’s loyal steed has his back through thick and thin, easily becoming arguably one of the best horses in gaming. Unfortunately, the recently released 2nd season ofThe Witcheron Netflix saw the end of Roach’s noble journey, succumbing to an attack from a ferocious beast. So Netflix saw fit to pay loving tribute to the media-transcending beast, giving her one last hurrah.
Set to the tearjerking sounds of “It’s Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” by Boyz II Men, the short video plays clips from Roach’s time onThe Witcher, interacting with Henry Cavill’s Geralt as well as others like Yennefer and Freya Allan’s Ciri. Fans are sure to appreciate the gesture that shows the horse who played Roach posed heroically on top of a tall Netflix-branded building, as it heartwarmingly references afamous glitch fromThe Witchergamesthat saw Geralt’s horse find herself on top of random roofs. Netflix even cheekily called back to the bug with its tagline for the video, “Forever in our hearts — and on our roofs.”
Fans ofThe Witcherwho are familiar with its lorewill note that Roach isn’t just one horse. At various points in the various versions of the story, Geralt points out the fact that he’s had multiple horses, naming them all Roach. So that probably means there will eventually be another to take up the mantle. After all, while Geralt isn’t exactly the heartless monster some claim him to be, he’s still a practical sort. The dude needs a ride, after all.
Still, it’s a nice gesture from Netflix. Many would agree that there’s no problem seeing countless people die gruesomely throughout a series, but killing one cute animal is just a bridge too far. Dogs, cats, and horses all fit the bill. So rest well, Roach. You may not be the last, but you still trotted your way into the hearts of a legion.
The Witcherseasons 1 and 2 are currently available to stream on Netflix.
