Andrzej Sapkowski

Author:
Andrzej Sapkowski

Date of birth: 21-Jun-1948
Place of birth: Łódź, Poland

About the author:
Andrzej Sapkowski (born June 21, 1948) is a renowned Polish fantasy author, best known for creating The Witcher series, which has become an international phenomenon across literature, video games, and television. His works are celebrated for their complex characters, philosophical depth, political intrigue, and richly imagined worlds.

Born in Łódź, Poland, Sapkowski studied economics and worked as a sales representative before turning to writing in his 40s. His literary career began in 1986 when he entered a short story, “The Witcher” (Wiedźmin), into a fantasy fiction contest held by the Polish magazine Fantastyka. The story introduced Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities and a strong moral code living in a morally grey world.

The short story's success led to a full series of Witcher short story collections and novels, including The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, and the five-book Witcher Saga, beginning with Blood of Elves. The books draw heavily from Slavic mythology, European folklore, and real-world history, while also reflecting Sapkowski's keen interest in politics, ethics, and human nature.

The series achieved massive international popularity thanks to the success of CD Projekt Red’s Witcher video games, particularly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and later through Netflix’s television adaptation starring Henry Cavill.

Sapkowski is often credited with raising the profile of Polish and Eastern European fantasy literature on the world stage. Known for his wit, cynicism, and sharp intellect, he has won numerous literary awards and received an honorary doctorate for his contribution to Polish culture.

Despite some public tension with game developers over rights, Sapkowski’s work continues to captivate audiences with its blend of dark fantasy, philosophical insight, and unforgettable characters.