House of the Dragon Verify Alys Rivers' Realness
Long-standing fan conjecture regarding the mysterious Alys Rivers has been firmly disproved in the most recent House Of The Dragon episode. Although rumors of Alys's actual nature have whirled around the season, the episode "The Princess and the Queen" verifies that she is not a ghost—as some viewers had speculated.
Based on Alys's odd presence at Harrenhal, her apparently ageless look, and her capacity to predict events, the theory postulated that she was a residual spirit prowling the castle. The episode makes clear, though, that Alys is a real person—albeit one with a special and inexplicable relationship to magic.
Ser Simon Strong, a character who had missed most of the season, provides the validation of Alys' actual identity. Simon says Alys was sent to Riverrun to help the sick Lord Grover Tully after Alys and Daemon Targaryen discuss strategy with the Riverlords. Although he suggests that her attempts were fruitful, Alys's dispatch to treat a dying lord proves that she is a real person—not a creation of Daemon's mind.
Alys Rivers's existence is confirmed, yet her riddle still stands. Her age, her powers, and the reasons she is at Harrenhal still allow different meanings. The show has hinted at Alys being present at Harrenhal for far longer than her appearance suggests, implying that she might have powers beyond those of a basic healer.
Alys Rivers: Greenseer or Skinchanger?
The episode also fuels the hypothesis that Alys Rivers might be a Greenseer, a kind of magical being intimately connected to the First Men, the ancient Weirwood trees, and the environment. Although this idea has been suggested all through the season, the episode offers more proof.
Alys's precognitive skills, awareness of dreams and the power of Weirwood trees, and unusual knowledge of events point to her having greensight—the ability of foresight that Greenseers are known for. In another scene in the episode, Alys gives Daemon a potion—possibly akin to the Weirwood paste Bran Stark received in the books—which lets him access higher truths.
Alys's own self-described as a "barn owl cursed to live in human form" provides still another clue bolstering the greenseer theory. This could imply her capacity for skin-changing, an ability possessed by some greeners that lets them enter animal minds. The episode sees Alys call a barn owl to her arm, so strengthening her relationship with the creature.
Although the show does not specifically confirm Alys's role as a greenseer, her past interactions with Daemon and her enigmatic character make it a strong prospect. Another interesting consideration is whether Alys is also a Skinchanger, especially given her relationship to the barn owl.
Alys Rivers: A Force of Enchantment and Mystery
The show begs fresh questions about Alys Rivers even as it reveals more about her. Her attendance at Harrenhal, her relationship to the Strong family, and her apparently strong magical ability generate an intriguing mystery that will probably linger through the next episodes.
The episode gives viewers the impression that Alys Rivers is a force to be reckoned with—a character with both possibilities for good and evil. The writers of the show have deftly created Alys into a multifarious and fascinating character that will enthrall viewers to discover the secrets around her. The mystery of Alys Rivers will surely enthralls viewers and increases their respect of the rich and sophisticated world of House Of The Dragon as the season runs on.
