Why Does Geralt Name All His Horses Roach?

One detail that The Witcher fans have long debated is why Geralt named all his horses Roach. In both the games and the books, this name became an integral part of the character. However, it wasn’t clear whether Roach had a special meaning or if Geralt was simply choosing a strange name. The answer was revealed in the series’ new novel, Crossroads of Ravens.

Geralt Named Roach After a Horse Trader

Andrzej Sapkowski’s new novel, Crossroads of Ravens, takes place chronologically in the earliest period of the series. The story focuses on Geralt’s youth, when he first left Kaer Morhen and set out on his journey. Therefore, the novel not only tells a new adventure but also reveals the origins of some of the habits Geralt will carry throughout his life.

The origin of the name Roach is one of these small background details. In the novel, Geralt loses his horse after an incident by a river. He is then directed to a horse breeder to buy a new one. The trader is somewhat surprised that Geralt chose a mare instead of a stallion and disparages the horse, describing it as a “little roach.” In English, “roach” also means a type of fish.

Geralt finds this expression funny and apparently likes the name. Thus, he names the mare Roach. The fact that he later gives the same name to all the horses he rides throughout his life stems from this. So, the origin of this detail, which has remained a mystery for years, is actually a simple joke that young Geralt liked and a comment from the horse trader.

This explanation shows how even seemingly small details in The Witcher universe can gain meaning over the years. Thanks to the games, the name Roach has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the series. Sapkowski’s explanation of the origin of this name in the new novel is a nice lore detail, especially for fans who follow the books. It’s a response that perfectly suits Geralt’s dry humor.

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