Emhyr var Emreis’s motivation regarding Ciri is tied to a mix of political strategy, prophecy, and the personal dimensions of his past and desires. In the broader Witcher lore (books and adaptations), his actions are driven by the following key factors:

• Prophecy and Elder Blood power: Ciri carries Elder Blood, which is central to Ithlinne’s prophecies and the potential to shape the Continent’s future. Emhyr’s interest in pursuing Ciri (and, in some interpretations, seeking to lay claim to that lineage) aligns with wanting to harness or secure that power for Nilfgaard and his own dynastic ambitions. This is frequently cited as a primary motive in analyses of his behavior across source material.

• Legitimizing the throne and succession: Emhyr’s desire to secure a strong heir and a legitimate line of succession for Nilfgaard intersects with Ciri’s unique heritage. Some interpretations suggest he aims to position Ciri as a political and magical linchpin for reinforcing his empire’s stability and claims to rulership, especially given the upheavals surrounding Nilfgaard and Cintra.

• Personal/matrilineal considerations: In various discussions and adaptations, Emhyr’s interest in Ciri is depicted as having a deeply personal dimension—rooted in his history with Pavetta and the dynamics of love, loss, and his hidden identity. This personal thread often coexists with his public, strategic objectives.

• Secrecy and manipulation: Emhyr often operates by concealing his true identity and intentions, revealing his paternity only at crucial moments. This secrecy supports a broader strategy of influencing events from behind the scenes while avoiding immediate public scandal or resistance to his plans.

Important caveats:

• In different media (books vs. games vs. adaptations), the interpretation of Emhyr’s intent can vary, particularly with the controversial notion of him desiring to marry Ciri to father a child who would serve as a prophesied savior or heir. Some sources present this as a darker, incestuously motivated plan, while others emphasize political and magical lineage considerations or frame it as a contingent idea that evolves as the story progresses.

If you’d like, I can summarize how Emhyr’s motives are portrayed in a specific medium (the books, the games, or a recent season) and highlight where the interpretations converge or diverge.