The second season of House of the Dragon has introduced a plethora of new storylines and characters, but one character that has caught the attention of fans is Alys Rivers. Described as a healer who resides in Harrenhal, Alys is a mysterious woman who makes her debut in season 2, episode 3. However, the lore surrounding Alys in George R.R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, which serves as the source material for House of the Dragon, paints a more intricate picture. In the book, she is depicted as a wet nurse at Harrenhal and a bastard child of House Strong, with some even labeling her as a witch. Could she potentially be the spinoff series’ answer to Game Of Thrones’ witch-like character, Melisandre?
Apart from her background, Alys Rivers is also noted to possess prophetic visions. One instance describes her witnessing a vision “in a storm cloud, in a mountain pool at dusk, in the fire we lit to cook our suppers.” These visions hint at a deeper connection to mystical forces. As the storyline progresses, she emerges as a pivotal figure for the Targaryen’s Green faction in House of the Dragon.
Portraying the character of Alys Rivers is Tony nominee Gayle Rankin, known for her roles in Netflix’s Glow, The Greatest Showman, Perry Mason, and Cabaret on Broadway. Reflecting on her character, Rankin shared with Town & Country that her storyline is “quite contained” but also “very wild.” She expresses her fascination with the enigmatic nature of Alys and the pressure of embodying a character with prophetic abilities. Rankin aims to ground the character in humanity while exploring her immense power, making her portrayal of Alys both exciting and challenging.
Delving into Alys’ future in House of the Dragon, details from Fire & Blood suggest that she becomes significant when Aemond Targaryen regains control of Harrenhal and spares her life. A contentious romantic relationship unfolds between them, with accusations of her using potions to ensnare him in love. The complexity of Alys’ character suggests that her full potential may take time to be fully realized on screen, hinting at a deeper narrative arc that is yet to unfold. It remains to be seen how the show’s creators will adapt and develop her story for television audiences.
Alys Rivers stands out as a compelling and enigmatic character in House of the Dragon, offering a blend of mysticism, power, and intrigue. As viewers witness her journey unfold on screen, the layers of her character are sure to unravel, revealing the depth and complexity behind the mysterious woman in Harrenhal.