Who is Alys Rivers? 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 mysterious ghost theory explored
Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 aired on Sunday, July 14, 2024, on HBO, continuing an intriguingly eerie subplot that has deeply captivated viewers.
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) who reaches Harrenhall to build an army might have anticipated a physical confrontation, expecting the castle to mount a strong defense.
However, the physical battle was won relatively easily; the real struggle has been within Daemon's mind.
He has been experiencing hallucinations, and a woman in the castle, Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), appears to be behind them.
Alys also predicts Daemon's death at Harrenhal, leading many to speculate about her true identity. Here’s what we know about the mysterious character:
Who is Alys Rivers?
Alys Rivers is an illegitimate child of House Strong. In Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin, she serves as the wet nurse to Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) and Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). Alys is fathered by Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes).
In the book, there is a suspicion that Alys Rivers may be much older than she appears and that she has bathed in maiden blood to maintain her youthful appearance.
Fans of 'Game of Thrones' might compare her to the Red Woman, Melisandre (Carice van Houten), due to their shared themes of mysterious and dark practices.
Alys Rivers has shown an interest in potions and a strong affinity for the supernatural, as demonstrated in the show.
Although Harrenhal has been taken by Daemon and the Blacks, and House Strong is physically no match for Daemon and his dragon Caraxes, Alys has managed to keep Daemon on unstable footing throughout his stay at the castle.
Alys Rivers was introduced in the second season and is set to become a pivotal character as the Dance of the Dragons unfolds.
What happens to Alys Rivers in 'House of the Dragon'?
In Fire and Blood, Alys Rivers survives Daemon Targaryen's assault. When Daemon leaves Harrenhal with his wife to capture King's Landing, the castle is left vulnerable and ultimately falls into the hands of the Greens.
Harrenhal is taken by Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), who kills all members of House Strong except for Alys Rivers. He falls in love with her.
Aemond Targaryen has a character trait of being particularly vulnerable around older women, and Alys Rivers becomes someone to whom he forms a deep attachment.
Alys Rivers predicted Daemon's death at Harrenhal, and her prophecy comes true when Daemon, along with Aemond, dies at the Battle Above the Gods Eye. Aemond, however, saves Alys Rivers from the Blacks.
Alys Rivers becomes the Witch Queen of Harrenhal and claims to have the rightful successor to the Iron Throne in Aemond's child, asserting her position when Aegon III Targaryen ascends the throne after the Dance of the Dragons.
There are accounts of people dying shortly after questioning her legitimacy, as Alys is said to use her magical powers to eliminate those who challenge her claim.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon'?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
Episodes 1-5 of 'House of the Dragon' are streaming on HBO.