The old king of Skellige, whose death on a bear hunt sets off the struggle for the throne in The Witcher 3.

Bran Tuirseach was jarl of An Skellig and King of the Skellige Isles. He won the crown the Skellige way, by a great deed, slaying the dragon Evren, and he ruled by compromise rather than force, winning over rival jarls with feasts, coin and mead.

Ties to Cintra

Bran’s brother Eist married Queen Calanthe of Cintra, sealing an alliance between the kingdoms, and for over a decade Eist wore the Skellige crown. After Eist and Calanthe fell fighting Nilfgaard, Bran took the throne again. His nephew is Crach an Craite, and the druid Mousesack was among his trusted advisors.

Death and legacy

Bran refused to name his son Svanrige as heir, believing a king should earn the crown, despite the constant pleas of his wife Birna. When he felt himself growing old, he went out to hunt a bear and died. His funeral opens Geralt’s arrival in Skellige, and the fight over his crown drives The King is Dead – Long Live the King.

Race:
Gender: Male
Alignment:

Birna (wife), Svanrige Tuirseach (son), Eist Tuirseach (brother), Crach an Craite (nephew)

Lore Sources:
Current Residence: Kaer Trolde (deceased)

weapons

Steel for humans, silver for monsters. Explore the craftsmanship, ancient runes, and legendary blades forged to survive the path.

monster

From bloodthirsty vampires in the shadows of Toussaint to ancient leshens guarding primeval forests. Study their weaknesses before the hunt.

characters

Witchers, sorceresses, kings, and bards. Uncover the complex histories, alliances, and fates of those who shape the Continent.

armor

Grandmaster gear from the schools of the Wolf, Cat, and Bear. Discover the protection and hidden powers of legendary witcher armor.