Recently, a leaked audition tape surfaced where Emily Beecham, the star of the Netflix show 1899, speaks with Prince Daemon at Harrenhal. The tape has her auditioning for the role of Alys Rivers, a significant character from Fire and Blood. All this has left viewers wondering who Alys Rivers is and what role she will play in the show. This article covers everything we know about Alys Rivers, including some theories and speculation.
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Who is Alys Rivers?
Alys Rivers is an essential character from George R.R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood and is expected to have a significant role in House of the Dragon. Alys Rivers is a sorceress who becomes the mistress of Aemond Targaryen, the second son of King Viserys I Targaryen. She is an influential figure during the Dance of the Dragons, and her magical abilities, as well as her relationship with Aemond, make her a key player in the power struggles and conflicts during the civil war. Her inclusion in the series will open up new plotlines and possibilities.
Alys Rivers claims to be the bastard of Lord Lyonel Strong, though she is never formally acknowledged as such. The books written by Grand Maesters Munken and Eustace tell us that Alys was sired by Lord Lyonel Strong “in his callow youth.” This would make her a natural half-sister to Lyonel’s sons, Harwin Breakbones and Larys the Clubfoot. However, Mushroom, the court fool of King’s Landing, insists that Alys was much older and that she was a wet nurse to both boys, perhaps even to their father, a generation earlier. Towards the end of the Dance of the Dragons, Alys gives birth to a child she claims is the son of Aemond and props him up as the rightful heir to the throne.
Alys Rivers in House of The Dragon
Alys Rivers is expected to play a significant role in House of the Dragon. She is particularly interesting as she is another powerful woman in the male-dominated society of Westeros, similar to Rhaenyra and Alicent. Her inclusion in the series also provides an opportunity to explore the role of magic in Westeros, which is often intertwined with politics. Her role as a mistress to Prince Aemond adds complexity to her character, and her inclusion in the series could add a new dimension to the story and introduce new plotlines for viewers to follow.
Alys Rivers’ relationship with Aemond and her powers as a sorceress makes her a massive threat to Rhaenyra and the Black faction. She also claims to be a descendant of Lord Lyonel Strong, who perished in a fire, along with his son Harwin, who is the father to Rhaenyra’s sons. Lord Larys is the only living survivor of House Strong in the show at the moment, and it will be interesting to see how the relationship between the two will be developed
Is Alys Rivers actually Melisandre?
Theories have been circulating for a long time regarding the suspected connection between Alys Rivers and Melisandre from Game of Thrones. Many similarities have been drawn between these two characters, particularly in regard to their origins. Melisandre is a red priestess of the Lord of Light and is known for her red choker that hides her appearance. She was sold to a red temple at a young age, and we know nothing of her lineage before that. Alys was known to be at least forty years of age during the Dance of Dragons but may even be older if we look at some text from the books. This is similar to Melisandre, who is much older than she appears.
Without the choker, her true form is revealed to be an old woman. She is known for having prophetic visions in fires and for her dark magic. Alys Rivers is also associated with dark magic, as she is said to have cursed a messenger to death. It is said that she had visions and looked younger than her years. She was said to have “practiced the art for years beyond count and had paid the price.” It can be speculated that the price in question is something that happened decades ago to Alys Rivers. It is possible that Alys and Melisandre are connected somehow, but without confirmation from the books, it is impossible to know for sure.
Read Next: Will Melisandre Be Back In House Of The Dragon As Alys Rivers?
