The fantasy hero and gender roles in Andrzej Sapkowski’s «The last wish»

Анотація

The article explores the transformation of the fantasy hero and the representation of gender roles in Andrzej Sapkowski’s «The Last Wish». The study focuses on the reconfiguration of traditional heroic masculinity through the figure of Geralt of Rivia, as well as on the inversion of gendered archetypes in the portrayal of male and female characters. Drawing on gender theory, fantasy studies, and narrative analysis, the paper demonstrates that Sapkowski constructs a complex system of plural masculinities and feminine monstrosity, which challenges conventional genre norms. Special attention is paid to anti-heroic and anti-villain figures, the role of Slavic folklore, and the reinterpretation of fairy-tale motifs. The article also considers the impact of adaptation and translation on the reception of the text and situates the work within a broader transmedia context.