#ihuarraquax is small and magical like ciri. boom deep analysis there

[gayregis]

horse symbolism in the hansa

Roach (Geralt’s horses)

Roach (all of them, throughout the entire saga) have been known to be very temperamental, paranoid, and not easy to control... much like Geralt. They frequently kick and dance as they’re “bitten by horseflies” ... much like Geralt keeps complaining throughout the series because he can never seem to catch a break.

All the Roaches have been bays or chestnuts: earthy brown horses, which kind of parallel Geralt’s unnatural stark white looks.

The name Roach, much like the name Pegasus of Dandelion’s horse, might symbolize some self-reflection... especially because they discuss the names of their horses together before the rest of the company joins them. Roaches (as in the fish) are small and unassuming, nothing special about them, as Geralt might see himself. Pegasus, on the other hand, as a mythological being directly descended from the gods...

Pegasus (Dandelion's horse) 

Pegasus is a gelding, which is irony in of itself (geldings are castrated male horses... and we all know how Dandelion acts in contrast to this).

Pegasus is also described as small, fat, easily frightened, and exceedingly lazy, which parallels Dandelion being... Dandelion.

Milva’s Unnamed Black Horse

Milva comes into some debate over giving up her horse in Baptism of Fire, because she refuses to do so. This may not seem very significant, but the point that it was a stupid peasant man that tried to take advantage of her by demanding her horse and that she wouldn't let him and instead punched his lights out... tells more of a narrative. Her refusal to comply may symbolize a protection of the self.

Cahir’s Various Unnamed Horses

Cahir obviously rode on a terrifying black stallion during the infamous massacre of Cintra that scarred Ciri's dreams, an nicely bred stallion that others were envious of. But not much information is given about his horse when he joins the Hansa -- I think this is intentional... as in, he simply has a normal horse... He used to be a concept of terror, and the pride and envy of others, as he was bred for war... but really now... he's just a normal young guy. 

In Baptism of Fire, Cahir helps Milva save the horses in the company after Nilfgaard attacks the war camp... demonstrating his allegiances and also taking one of the first steps demonstrating his redemption to the company.

In Tower of the Swallow, he gets a horse from the mining camp where they fight Schirru -- “Cahir's horse, also from the [Nilfgaardian] military, was stronger and more enduring, but that made no difference because its rider was troubled.” Cahir is a very strong individual (and also... from the Nilfgaardian military) but his skill doesn't matter, because he has so much guilt and personal issues that it gets in the way.

Draakul (Regis’s mule)

The next horse in the company isn’t a horse. It’s a mule. Much like the human he belongs to isn’t a human. He’s a vampire.

Besides the parallels of being old and grey and Regis giving him that obvious reference of a name...

Draakul is also noted to be the most useful of the company's equines, despite looking underwhelming, because he is necessary to carry their goods. This is a parallel to how Regis fucking carried them at Stygga #killsteal #gitgud. (In more seriousness, I think Draakul’s usefulness is more parallel with Regis’s profession as a medic... it’s the upkeep that matters).

The whole thing about Regis being able to steal Draakul from Meve’s camp despite equines hating vampires... further demonstrates something good about his nature.

Preceding the Battle of the Bridge, during their time on the barge, Regis cries out for them to hold the horses, and gets an arrow to the chest while doing so. If we’re continuing with the “horses symbolize their human riders” theme... this could symbolize how dedicated Regis is to humanity, specifically the company.

Angouleme’s Unnamed Horse

Angouleme also gets a horse from the miner’s camp and fight with Schirru -- “The best horse had fallen to Angouleme, a bandit's small, but spirited animal.” Small, yet spirited, and used to belong to bandits... that’s her!

In addition, when the rest of the Hansa first meets her and we receive the blessed “I’m not your uncle, my dear.” “And I’m not your dear, Uncle!” interaction, Angouleme rides on Draakul during this scene. This symbolizes that she’s babie.