Coën

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Coën (d. March 1268) was a witcher of the School of the Griffin,^[1] originally hailing from Poviss and active during the 13th century.

Quick Answers

What school of witchers did Coën belong to?

Coën, a witcher active in the 13th century, belonged to the School of the Griffin. He hailed from Poviss and also spent a winter at the Wolf School's fortress, Kaer Morhen, training Ciri in sword combat with other witchers including Geralt, Lambert, and Eskel.

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What childhood illness left scars on Coën?

Coën, a Griffin School witcher, bore scars from chicken pox, an illness he contracted during his early years. This was atypical since witchers usually get immunized before falling ill to such diseases, indicating that Coën might have contracted the disease early or started his witcher training later than usual.

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Who was Coën's favorite instructor during his witcher training?

Coën, a Griffin School witcher, honed his swordsmanship at Kaer Morhen, the Wolf School's fortress. His fellow trainees were Geralt, Lambert, and Eskel. While his favorite instructor isn't specified, he shared a strong camaraderie with Lambert, marked by humor and pranks.

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What is the significance of Coën's beard in the Witcher series?

Coën, a Griffin School witcher, uses his beard to cover scars from childhood diseases such as chicken pox. This is atypical since witchers usually receive immunization before such illnesses, indicating Coën may have contracted the disease early or started his witcher training later.

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How does Coën's early life differ from most witchers?

Coën, a witcher from Poviss, differed from his peers due to his unique features. He bore scars from early childhood diseases like chicken pox, indicating he contracted these illnesses unusually early or began his witcher training later than most. His first winter at the Wolf School's fortress Kaer Morhen was in 1265, where he trained Ciri in sword combat.

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Biography

Early Life

Coën bore scars from early childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox, which he later concealed with a beard. Since witchers are immune to such diseases, this suggests Coën either contracted the illness unusually early or began his witcher training later than most.^[2] He developed a particular fondness for one of his instructors, 'Old' Keldar, who taught monster knowledge at the school.^[3]

Kaer Morhen

In 1265, Coën spent his first winter at Kaer Morhen, the fortress of the School of the Wolf, where Ciri was also in residence. Alongside Geralt, Lambert, and Eskel, Coën helped train Ciri in swordsmanship. During one of these sessions, Ciri entered a trance and foresaw the deaths of both Geralt and Coën. Concerned, Geralt called for the sorceress Triss Merigold, who introduced herself to Coën upon arrival. When not training or spending time with Ciri, Coën helped tend to the stables and horses.^[2]

Death

In 1268, Coën fought in the Second Northern War and met his end at the Battle of Brenna, fulfilling Ciri's vision. He was mortally wounded when a pitchfork or two-pronged guisarme pierced his heart, rupturing his aorta. Despite the injury, he survived long enough to be brought to the care of Milo Vanderbeck, a halfling field surgeon known as "Rusty."^[4]

Shani assisted Rusty in his final moments, but despite their efforts, Coën succumbed to his injuries.^[5] The Gardener was also present at Coën's death and had promised to pass on Coën's sword to another witcher. However, after some time of searching for one, the Gardener eventually lost the sword during a poker game.

Notes

• In The Witcher, the gardener at St. Lebioda's Hospital relates a story about a silver sword belonging to Coën. Shani also fills in some details about him when Geralt asks her about the sword.

References