Alys Rivers Ghost Theory within Dragon House
Since her introduction in House of the Dragon season 2, Alys Rivers has been a subject of a lot of conjecture and fascination. She is either a ghost or just a fantasy created by Daemon Targaryen. Let us investigate the data and examine the options.
Alys Rivers is a Ghost in House of the Dragon?
Although Alys Rivers is obviously a strong and enigmatic person, there are several hints implying she might not be real but rather a ghost or a manifestation of Daemon's inner struggle.
Daemon's Hallucinations and Views
Daemon has been having weird dreams and visions; Alys shows up often. This makes some of them think she could be a product of his own subconscious, a sign of his mental condition instead of a real person.
The disappearance of Alys
In House Of The Dragon season 2, episode 5, a pivotal scene has Alys apparently vanish when Simon Strong approaches Daemon. Viewers seeing her almost floating before disappearing has driven the ghost theory.
Ghosts in Westeros: Possibility?
Although there is no conclusive evidence of ghosts in Westeros, the land's rich magic and resurrection history raises possibilities. Death is not always permanent, as shown by Beric Dondarrion's resurrection in Game of Thrones and Jon Snow's as well as Catelyn Stark's resurrection in the books.
What should Alys Rivers be—a Ghost or a Hallucination?
Should Alys Rivers be a ghost or a hallucination, this would have various ramifications for the plot:
Daemon's Psychological Condition
It would suggest that Daemon's mental state is far more erratic than hitherto believed, maybe under influence from the cursed Harrenhal.
Crispenhal's Curse
Alys would be a ghost haunting Harrenhal, so confirming the castle's curse.
An Natural Change
Moving away from the grounded fantasy of Game of Thrones, this would indicate a trip into a more supernatural world for the series.
Ghost Theory's Issues
Though interesting, the ghost theory has certain problems:
Other Figures Viewing Alys
Other characters, like Simon Strong, seem to interact with Alys, looking in her direction, implying she is physically present.
Early appearance of Alys
Alys already exists in Harrenhal before Daemon has visions, so challenging the idea that she is a hallucination.
Alys's Literary History
Alys Rivers is a recorded historical person in Fire & Blood, thus it is improbable she is a ghost inside the story of the book.
Alys Rivers: Excellent Greenseer?
Alys Rivers's talents are more likely explained by her strong greener nature. This idea fits her seeming ability to see into Daemon's dreams and shape them.
Greenseer Possibilities
The Three-Eyed Raven in Game of Thrones shows how consistent Alys's access to Daemon's dreams and influence would be with greenseer skills. Her awareness of Riverland events points to her perhaps having access to the greensight.
Connections of Alys to the Weirwood Trees
Alys's relationship to weirwood trees, her awareness of Daemon's weirwood bed, and the possible weirwood paste she offers him support the greenseer theory.
Motivation of Alys Rivers
Still up for debate is Alys Rivers's actual driving force. Although it's unknown, opportunities include:
Anarchy and Destabilization
She might be trying to topple "Team Black" in order to reach her own objectives. This fits her historical link to Larys Strong, who is similarly altering events in King's Landing.
Human Authority
She might be looking for personal power and running Daemon through her schemes.
Defence of Harrenhal
She might be trying to keep outsiders out of the castle.
Old God's Agent
She might be an Old Gods spirit seeking retribution for the Harrenhal destruction of the weirwood trees.
Prophecy and Destiny
She is guiding events to guarantee that her and Aemond Targaryen's future comes to pass and may have visions of it.
In essence, conclusion
Although the ghost theory is interesting, the data points Alys Rivers is more likely to be a strong greenseer. Her reasons are still unknown, but she most certainly is influencing the events of House Of The Dragon significantly.
