The Whispering Hillock

The Whispering Hillock is the local name for a small hill south of Downwarren, crowned by the Ancient Oak, a huge centuries-old tree with a thick, gnarled trunk and roots that claw into the earth. The hill rises from a clearing, cut off from the surrounding forest, and winding paths lead to it from every direction. Beneath it lies a cave system, reached through an opening on the western side, where a passage half full of water leads down to a beating heart wrapped in roots. That heartbeat is the whisper the hill is named for. The map says that centuries ago bloody rituals in honour of the old gods were held here, and the locals believe dark powers still haunt the place. They are right.

In The Witcher 3

The hillock gives its name to the quest The Whispering Hillock, which branches off from Ladies of the Wood, although you can also stumble on it while exploring. As Geralt approaches, a voice tells him to stay away. Wolves roam the area, a werewolf guards the cave mouth, and next to the entrance is an Igni Place of Power. Deep inside waits the Ghost in the Tree, a spirit imprisoned in the roots and blamed for the deaths in Downwarren.

Geralt can destroy the heart, fighting off waves of endrega workers, or set the spirit free. Freeing it means fetching a raven feather from a harpy nest west of Downwarren, the spirit’s bones from the swamp, and a wild black horse calmed with Axii. The spirit then passes into the horse and gallops off. This is one of the biggest choices in Velen. It decides the fate of the orphans in Crookback Bog, of Downwarren’s villagers and of Anna Strenger.

Quests at the Whispering Hillock

Good to know

The Ancient Oak has a fast travel signpost.
The flooded cave passage hides a couple of worthwhile chests underwater.
Telling the spirit outright that you don’t trust it is the only choice you can’t take back.