House of the Dragon Season 2 has introduced an intriguing new character that has fans buzzing – the mysterious and seemingly magical Alys Rivers. This enigmatic woman made her debut in episode 3, leaving viewers with more questions than answers about her true nature and role in the unfolding Targaryen civil war. Let’s dive deep into everything we know so far about the witchy Alys Rivers and her potential impact on the Dance of the Dragons.
Alys Rivers’ First Appearance
Alys Rivers first appears when Prince Daemon Targaryen arrives at the ancient fortress of Harrenhal in episode 3 of Season 2. As Daemon wanders the eerie, crumbling castle at night, he encounters a woman dressed in black who ominously tells him: “You will die in this place.”
This brief but chilling interaction immediately establishes Alys as a figure of mystery and foreboding. Her prophetic words and ghostly presence in the supposedly haunted Harrenhal instantly capture the audience’s attention and imagination.
Who is Alys Rivers?
While the show has revealed little concrete information about Alys so far, we can piece together some key details about her character and background:
- She is a healer who resides at Harrenhal, working in service to House Strong
- Her surname “Rivers” indicates she is a bastard born in the Riverlands region
- She is rumored to be the illegitimate daughter of a member of House Strong, possibly even the late Lord Lyonel Strong
- Alys appears to possess some form of magical or prophetic abilities
- She is played by Scottish actress Gayle Rankin
In George R.R. Martin’s source material Fire & Blood, Alys is described as a wet nurse at Harrenhal with a mysterious past. The book presents conflicting accounts of her true origins and nature, with some claiming she is a simple servant while others insist she is a powerful witch.
Alys Rivers’ Magical Powers
One of the most intriguing aspects of Alys Rivers is her apparent supernatural abilities. While the full extent of her powers remains unclear, we’ve already seen hints of her mystical nature:
- She seems able to see visions of the future, as evidenced by her prophecy about Daemon’s death
- In the books, she is said to see visions in storm clouds, pools of water, and flames
- Some accounts claim she uses magic to maintain a youthful appearance despite her true advanced age
- She may have abilities similar to other magical figures in the Game of Thrones universe like Melisandre or the Three-Eyed Raven
The show appears to be leaning into Alys’ magical side, presenting her as an unsettling and otherworldly presence. Her powers could play a major role in upcoming events as the war for the Iron Throne intensifies.
Alys Rivers’ Role in the Dance of the Dragons
While we’ve only gotten a brief glimpse of Alys so far in Season 2, the source material provides some tantalizing hints about her potential significance to the overall story:
- She becomes intimately involved with Prince Aemond Targaryen, Daemon’s nephew and a key player for the Green faction
- Alys claims to be pregnant with Aemond’s child, potentially creating another claimant to the throne
- Her visions and counsel influence Aemond’s military decisions during the war
- She survives multiple changes of control at Harrenhal, emerging as a powerful figure in her own right
It remains to be seen how closely the show will follow Alys’ book storyline. But it seems clear she will be an important wild card as the conflict between the Blacks and Greens escalates.
Alys Rivers vs Other Magical Figures in Game of Thrones
Alys Rivers isn’t the first character with apparent magical abilities to play a major role in the world of Westeros. Her introduction invites comparisons to other supernatural figures from Game of Thrones, including:
- Melisandre: The Red Priestess who used magic and prophecy to influence key events
- The Three-Eyed Raven: The mystical seer with the ability to view past, present and future
- The Warlocks of Qarth: Magic users with various illusory and prophetic powers
- The Children of the Forest: An ancient, magical race with deep connections to nature
Like these characters, Alys seems poised to use her supernatural gifts to shape the course of history. But whether she will be a force for good, evil, or something in between remains to be seen.
The Significance of Harrenhal
Alys Rivers’ connection to Harrenhal adds another layer of intrigue to her character. The massive, ruined fortress has a long history of tragedy and supposed supernatural occurrences:
- Built by Harren the Black using slave labor, it was said to be cursed from the start
- Aegon the Conqueror used dragonfire to melt its stone towers, killing Harren and his sons
- Multiple houses have held Harrenhal over the centuries, all meeting with misfortune
- Strange deaths and mysterious fires have plagued the castle’s inhabitants
By tying Alys to this infamous location, the show further emphasizes her otherworldly nature and potential for influencing pivotal events. Harrenhal’s strategic importance in the war also ensures Alys will be at the center of the action.
What to Expect from Alys Rivers in Future Episodes
While we can only speculate about Alys’ exact role going forward, it seems likely she will become an increasingly important character as Season 2 progresses. Some possibilities for her storyline include:
- Forming an alliance with Prince Aemond Targaryen
- Using her visions to influence military strategy for one side or the other
- Revealing more about her true origins and the source of her powers
- Becoming embroiled in the power struggles at Harrenhal as control of the castle changes hands
- Playing a pivotal role in major upcoming events like the Battle Above the Gods Eye
Whatever direction her character takes, Alys Rivers promises to add an element of magic and unpredictability to the political intrigue of House of the Dragon.
The Actress Behind Alys Rivers
Bringing the enigmatic Alys Rivers to life on screen is Scottish actress Gayle Rankin. While this is her first foray into the world of Westeros, Rankin is no stranger to complex, scene-stealing roles:
- She’s best known for playing Sheila the She-Wolf on the Netflix series GLOW
- Rankin has appeared in films like The Greatest Showman and Her Smell
- She earned a Tony nomination for her performance as Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of Cabaret
Rankin’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability should serve her well in portraying the multifaceted Alys Rivers. In interviews, she has expressed excitement about the character, calling Alys “fucking cool” and hinting at more revelations to come about her powers and motivations.
How Alys Rivers Fits into the Larger Themes of House of the Dragon
While House of the Dragon is primarily focused on the political struggle for the Iron Throne, Alys Rivers represents a connection to the more mystical elements of George R.R. Martin’s world. Her presence raises questions about:
- The role of prophecy and fate in determining the course of events
- The nature and limits of magic in Westeros
- How supernatural forces might influence or be used as tools in political conflicts
- The blurred lines between reality and superstition in a medieval fantasy setting
By introducing a character like Alys, the show adds another layer of complexity to its exploration of power, ambition, and the forces that shape history.
Fan Reactions to Alys Rivers
Even with limited screen time so far, Alys Rivers has already become a subject of fascination for many House of the Dragon fans:
- Her brief but memorable scene in episode 3 sparked widespread discussion and theorizing online
- Many viewers are intrigued by the air of mystery surrounding her character and powers
- Some fans are excited to see more magical elements introduced to the Targaryen civil war storyline
- Others are drawing comparisons to favorite characters from Game of Thrones like Melisandre
The generally positive reception to Alys suggests audiences are eager to learn more about this enigmatic figure and her role in the unfolding drama.
Conclusion
As House of the Dragon Season 2 continues to unfold the complex tale of Targaryen civil war, Alys Rivers stands out as one of the most intriguing new additions to the cast. Her apparent magical abilities, mysterious background, and connection to the cursed fortress of Harrenhal position her as a potential game-changer in the struggle for the Iron Throne.
While much about Alys remains shrouded in mystery, it seems clear she will play a significant role in upcoming events. Whether as ally, adversary, or wild card, her presence adds an element of the supernatural to the political machinations of Westeros. As the Dance of Dragons intensifies, Alys Rivers may prove to be one of the most unpredictable and influential figures in shaping the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.
Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to unravel the enigma of the witchy woman of Harrenhal in the episodes to come. One thing is certain – in the dangerous game of thrones, a touch of magic might just be the key to victory or downfall.
