Content Warning: This following section contains references to genocide/ethnic cleansing.

The novel does not actually give its reader a clear taxonomy for what “counts” as a monster, but it does distinguish between humans/nonhumans and “monsters.” Elves, dwarves, gnomes, and most other nonhuman races are considered Elder Races, meaning they were present before the Conjunction of the Spheres. After the Conjunction, humans arrived, as well as many other creatures now considered “monsters.” Nonhumans are not considered monstrous per this differentiation, but humans might be. However, as humans quicky became the dominant species, monstrosity is now determined by their attitudes toward other creatures. If humans can engage with something intelligently and without fear, it is less likely to be considered monstrous.

That said, even humans can be “monstrous” to other humans in certain circumstances. Between the novel's first and second chapters is an excerpt from Monstrum, or Description of the Witcher by an anonymous author. The excerpt begins: “Verily, there is nothing so hideous as the monsters, so contrary to nature, known as witchers, for they are the offspring of foul sorcery and devilry” (53). The author of this fictional text positions witchers as being outside humanity because of their “foul practices” and lack of conscience or virtue.