Discover the 5 worst things Triss Merigold did in The Witcher books and games, from betraying Yennefer to hiding secrets from Geralt.
Few characters in The Witcher universe divide fans as much as Triss Merigold. While the games, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, portray her as warm, compassionate, and heroic, Andrzej Sapkowski’s books paint a far more complicated picture. Before her evolution as a human, she was neither a villain nor a saint. She is flawed, insecure, and often torn between loyalty, love, and political ambition.
Despite her many admirable qualities, there are several moments throughout the books and games that have earned her criticism from fans. Since we have already discussed Yennefer’s worst actions, it is now time to talk about five of the worst things Triss Merigold has done.
Also check out Seven Worst Things Done By Yennefer of Vengerberg
1. Pursuing Geralt Despite Being Yennefer’s Closest Friend
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Triss’s character is her relationship with Geralt. In the books, Triss knowingly pursued Geralt even though she was fully aware of the deep and complicated bond he shared with Yennefer. To make matters worse, Yennefer was not just an acquaintance but one of Triss’s closest friends.
It is also implied that Triss may have used magic to help initiate the affair, a decision she later regrets.Many readers view this as a betrayal of both Yennefer and Geralt, especially considering the fact how important Yennefer was to Triss.
2. Taking Advantage of Geralt’s Amnesia
Following the events of the books, Geralt loses his memory and begins a new life without remembering Yennefer or Ciri. During The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Triss enters into a romantic relationship with him while withholding significant details about his past.
Although Triss eventually reveals some information, many fans argue that she should have told Geralt about Yennefer from the very beginning. Critics of Triss Merigold see this as taking advantage of a vulnerable man suffering from amnesia in order to pursue the relationship with Geralt.
Some point out that Geralt’s friends also avoided discussing his past, but Triss, given her feelings and personal history with Yennefer, often receives the harshest criticism.
3. Choosing the Lodge of Sorceresses Over Her Friends
Throughout much of the book saga, Triss remains loyal to the Lodge of Sorceresses despite knowing that many of its plans are morally questionable.
The Lodge intended to use Ciri as a political pawn, controlling her future and even arranging her marriage to advance their own agenda. Triss knew that neither Geralt nor Yennefer would ever accept such plans, yet she continued working with the organization. Yes, she was clearly conflicted, her reluctance to oppose the Lodge earlier on caused many readers to question where her true loyalties lay, and if she truly could be trusted.
4. Keeping the Lodge’s Plans Secret from Geralt
Due to her loyalty to the Lodge, Triss had the tendency to withhold crucial information. Even when she understood the dangers surrounding Ciri, Triss often failed to fully inform Geralt about what the Lodge was planning. Instead of openly warning him, she remained caught between her conscience and her political obligations.
This secrecy damaged the trust between Triss and Geralt and reinforced the perception that she is not trustworthy enough and might often choose politics over friendship.
5. Failing to Stand Up for Yennefer When It Mattered Most
One of Triss’s greatest flaws throughout the novels is indecisiveness. Although she genuinely cared about Yennefer, Triss frequently hesitated to challenge Philippa Eilhart’s power and authority. When Yennefer disappeared and later became a target of the Lodge’s politics, Triss did not really confront the organization directly.
Rather than fiercely defending one of her closest friends, she often remained passive and allowed events to unfold around her.
However, we should not forget the fact that she does evolve as a character and in Witcher 3, she risks her life to fight for her friends and her allies.
