MAJOR spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, and for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, introduces audiences to Alys Rivers, one of the more mystical characters in HBO’s fantasy universe. Game of Thrones is notably a low-magic fantasy, where the use of magical power is limited compared to fantasy stories like Harry Potter or The Witcher. House of the Dragon’s season 2 timeline occurs roughly 170 years before Game of Thrones, but magic still doesn’t have a prevalent role in Westerosi society, and is considered a matter of legend, despite the abundance of dragons alive at the time.

Alys Rivers is among House of the Dragon’s new characters in season 2, appearing in episode 3 upon Daemon’s arrival at Harrenhal. Harrenhal is the seat of House Strong during this period in Westerosi history, and Alys is a bastard daughter of the noble family that includes characters like Lord Larys. Daemon has just left Dragonstone after a brutal argument with Rhaenyra, and his mental state is susceptible to manipulation. He begins to experience visions, which are credited to Alys’ abilities, though the extent of her “magic” is left vague.

Does Alys Rivers Have Magical Powers? Is She A Witch?

Magical Powers Are Vague In George R.R. Martin’s Universe, But Alys Is Known For Seeing Visions

The idea of “magical powers” in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire book series and extended universe is always a bit obscure. Of course, audiences have seen magical things occur in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The warlocks in Qarth cause Daenerys to see visions, characters like Helaena Targaryen and Aegon the Conqueror have prophetic dreams, and there are magical creatures like dragons and White Walkers. But there’s no defined magic system, and Alys Rivers’ powers align with that level of mysticism.

She’s not a witch in the sense that she cast spells, but she works with potions and medicines of the abnormal variety. She likely sees visions in a manner similar to Helaena or Melisandre from Game of Thrones. Not to mention, Harrenhal and the God’s Eye lake are locations in Westeros that are known for vague mystical properties. All of this compounded makes her one of the more mysterious characters in the series, though there likely won’t be any clear explanations for what exactly she’s capable of and how. It’s part of the allure of George R.R. Martin’s magic.

Who Plays Alys Rivers In House Of The Dragon

Alys Is Played By GLOW Actress Gayle Rankin

Actress Gayle Rankin joins the House of the Dragon season 2 cast as Alys Rivers. She can be recognized for her roles in TV series like GLOW and the miniseries Perry Mason. She’s also appeared in the movies The Greatest Showman and Alex Garland’s Men. Rankin is a Scottish actress who’s been active in the industry since 2012, with her role on House of the Dragon continuing her trend of exciting supporting performances on prominent projects. She’s an exciting young actress who’s capable of bringing a unique performance to the HBO fantasy drama.

How Old Is Alys Rivers?

Alys Rivers’ Age Is A Subject Of Confusion In The Book

Much like what the Game of Thrones creators did with Melisandre, Alys Rivers’ age is a subject of confusion in the book. Fire & Blood’s Dance of the Dragon chapters are written from separate historical viewpoints, which often disagree on their assessments when it comes to specific character details. In the case of Alys, claims suggest that she’s been around for some time, with each of the fictional historians agreeing that she was at least age 40.

House of the Dragon makes several book changes to Fire & Blood, leaving an opportunity for the series to add more detail to this topic. As for season 2, episode 3, Alys Rivers appears to be about the same age as her actress, meaning she looks to be in her early 30s. However, this could be part of her deception, and future episodes could reveal she’s any number of years older.

What Happens With Alys Rivers & Daemon At Harrenhal

Alys Somehow Causes Daemon To See Haunting Visions, Causing Him To Face His Inner-Demons

Upon Daemon’s arrival in Harrenhal, the ghostly, ancient castle appears to be a winding passage into his psychology. Toward the end of the episode, Daemon begins seeing visions, including one of young Rhaenyra stitching up a small boy’s head, hinting at his guilt for his involvement in Blood & Cheese. After Daemon and Rhaenyra’s argument in season 2, episode 2, Daemon is struggling with his emotions throughout his journey to Harrenhal, and this seems to have made him susceptible to Alys in some way.

How Alys is showing Daemon visions is to be seen. It could be due to some sort of potion that he’s drunk, as Daemon’s scene with Ser Simon Strong hints at the possibility of his food being poisoned. While Simon Strong doesn’t seem to have any ill intent toward Daemon, Alys Rivers has some premonition regarding Daemon dying at Harrenhal, which could be why she’s taken an interest in him.

Alys Rivers’ Biggest Story Is With Aemond Targaryen

In Fire & Blood, Alys Is Primarily Tied To Aemond Through A Romantic Subplot

In Fire & Blood, Alys Rivers’ story is mainly centered around Prince Aemond Targaryen, and she’s not mentioned as having any interaction with Daemon aside from surviving his initial capture of Harrenhal. At a certain point, Aemond retakes the castle for the Greens and has most of the castle skilled, but he decides to spare Alys and takes her as his prize. Alys later claims to be pregnant with Prince Aemond’s child, and she travels with him for a time when he leaves Harrenhal.

One of the most significant confrontations in the Dance of the Dragons is the duel between Daemon and Aemond above the God’s Eye in Harrenhal. Aemond claims that Alys saw Daemon at Harrenhal in her visions, and he returns to the castle to confront his uncle. Before taking to the skies for their duel on dragonback, Aemond kisses Alys. He does not return, but that’s not where Alys’ story ends.

What Happens To Alys Rivers After House Of The Dragon

Alys Rules Harrenhal For A Time As The “Witch Queen”

Following the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon III, Rhaenyra’s son, ends up on the Iron Throne. Larys Strong is executed on the orders of Cregan Stark during the Hour of the Wolf, and the new Aegon seeks to recreate stability in his realm. During this time, rumors spread that Harrenhal was being ruled by a “Witch Queen,” who was revealed to be Alys Rivers. She declares that she and Aemond married, making their child the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne following Aegon II’s bloodline. It’s unlikely House of the Dragon will make it this far, but it’s a fun bit of lore.