As a scholar and historian, I find myself consistently amazed by the complex lives of the characters that inhabit George R.R. Martin’s intricate world of Westeros. Among these captivating figures is Ser Brynden Rivers, also known as Lord Bloodraven, The Three-Eyed Crow, and more recently, in the House of the Dragon series, as a visionary version of himself.
Meet Lord Bloodraven, fans of House of the Dragon.
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, let me share an intriguing twist in the second season finale: A pivotal character who’s bound to spark discussion post-finale makes an appearance in a vision experienced by King Consort Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). This vision offers him glimpses of Westeros and House Targaryen’s future, aided by Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who plays a crucial role in revealing these key images.
As I reflect upon the enigmatic figure that is Ser Brynden Rivers, also known as Lord Bloodraven, I am struck by a sense of awe and fascination at his extraordinary life experience. Born into a lineage steeped in power and intrigue, he has traversed the tumultuous waters of Westeros with an unwavering resilience and cunning intellect. His long white locks, framing a face marked by a distinctive red bird-shaped birthmark, serve as a testament to his storied past. The tales of his exploits read like an epic saga, filled with deception, betrayal, and triumphs that have left an indelible mark on the history of the Seven Kingdoms. Lord Bloodraven’s life is a masterclass in survival and strategic prowess, making him a captivating character whose story demands to be told.
As a die-hard fan of the epic saga that is Game of Thrones, I can’t help but be captivated by the pivotal role this character plays in the destiny of House Targaryen and the entire world woven by George R.R. Martin.
So, who is “Bloodraven” Ser Bryden Rivers in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones?
Who is “Bloodraven” Ser Brynden Rivers in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones?
Lord Bloodraven, also known as Ser Brynden Rivers, is the illegitimate child born from the union between King Aegon IV Targaryen and his lover, Lady Melissa Blackwood.
Now we love a notorious Targaryen bastard!
King Aegon IV, often referred to as “Aegon the Unscrupulous”, had many illegitimate children. He later recognized those born to noblewomen as his legitimate offspring, among them was Brynden, who were collectively known as the “Great Bastards”.
The emblem on Brynden’s armor showcases a fiery-breathing, red-eyed dragon, all set against a dark backdrop – its body and breath being white.
In George R.R. Martin’s writings, Brynden is portrayed as an albino character with striking reddish eyes, pale skin, and long, platinum-colored hair. He has a distinctive birthmark on his right cheek that resembles a raven drenched in blood, which gives him the nickname ‘Bloodraven’. This marking is visibly depicted in the vision of Bloodraven presented in House of the Dragon.
Brynden stood out with his tall, slim build and distinctive facial features, contrasting the large, muscular offspring of Aegon V Targaryen like his half-brothers Daemon Waters/Daemon I Blackfyre and Ser Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers.
A skilled political strategist not unlike Lord Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones, Brynden was also proficient in battle and highly competent in wielding the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister, which had been used by King Consort Daemon Targaryen himself, as well as a weirwood crossbow.
In the First Blackfyre Rebellion, Brynden, also known as Bloodraven, is said to have lost an eye but was believed to possess magical abilities. As a master of spies, he became a topic of mystery and folklore, with riddles and songs such as “How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have? A thousand eyes, and one” being sung about him.
What happened to “Bloodraven” Ser Brynden Rivers?
Later on, Lord Brynden Rivers faced exile to the imposing stronghold known as The Wall, where he ultimately assumed the title of the Three-Eyed Crow, culminating from a long and tumultuous stint in politics.
It’s worth mentioning that Brynden and his half-brother Ser Aegor Rivers had a strained relationship due to their mutual affection for Shiera Seastar, whom they both adored before they were legitimized by King Aegon IV upon his demise. Even though Brynden remained deeply in love with Shiera and made numerous marriage proposals, she declined each one. This unrequited love triangle significantly contributed to the animosity between Brynden and Aegor.
During my king’s ascension, that is, King Daeron II Targaryen, I, Brynden, remained steadfast in my loyalty. When half-brother Daemon I Blackfyre rose against the crown during the First Blackfyre Rebellion, he claimed the throne for himself, asserting his right as a legitimate heir to King Aegon IV. However, I stood by my king and supported the Targaryen rule.
The civil war led to extensive violence, yet Brynden managed to kill the rebel Daemon and his two sons, vanquish his arch-nemesis Aegor in battle, but suffered the loss of an eye. Later, Aegor escaped to the Three Cities with the remaining members of Daemon’s family.
Was it untrue that Brynden gained notoriety as both a sorcerer and a kinslayer during the civil war due to propaganda?
Following the catastrophe, a massive outbreak of disease struck King’s Landing, leading to the deaths of King Daeron, two of his heirs, and countless other city residents. Brynden Tully, in response, assumed the roles of Hand of the King and Master of Whisperers under King Aerys I Targaryen. To curb the epidemic, Brynden employed alchemists to concoct a potent green substance, later known as wildfire (as seen in Game of Thrones and hidden beneath the city), to incinerate vast swathes of the metropolis. Additionally, Brynden tackled the kingdom’s water scarcity issue, which some attributed to his alleged kinslaying and dark arts during warfare. Furthermore, he skillfully managed various internal disputes within the realm.
During the Second Blackfyre Rebellion, Brynden thwarted efforts to place Daemon II Blackfyre on the throne by ruthlessly quelling any signs of rebellion at the tourney of Whitewalls. Subsequently, he imprisoned Daemon to prevent others from asserting their claim as the Blackfyre heir.
A third rebellion led by the Blackfyres, known as the Third Blackfyre Rebellion, was eventually suppressed. During this conflict, Ser Aegor Rivers was captured, and Brynden advocated for his arch-nemesis’s execution. However, King Aerys chose mercy and sent Aegor to join the Night’s Watch at the Wall instead. Later on, Aegor managed to escape and established the Golden Company mercenaries in Essos – a group that later becomes significant in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
After the demise of King Aerys, Brynden temporarily took on the role as the King’s Hand during the reign of King Maekar I Targaryen, a time marked by relative peace compared to previous rulers. Unfortunately, upon King Maekar’s death, a fresh succession conflict erupted.
In the spirit of the council that emerged following the demise of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, a new assembly was convened to discuss matters of great importance. Aenys Blackfyre, eager for peaceful participation, was invited. However, upon his arrival, Aenys was apprehended and beheaded. Brynden, who sought to avoid another Blackfyre war with minimal bloodshed, agreed to Aenys’ attendance but ultimately took action to prevent conflict.
In the end, I, who was once known as ‘Egg’ and later became King Aegon V Targaryen in the Dunk and Egg tales, arrested Brynden for the murder of Aenys Blackfyre. He was condemned to death, but out of mercy, I offered him a choice: to join the Night’s Watch at The Wall in the North. And so, I agreed to this fate.
Brynden, along with his group of skilled archers known as The Raven’s Teeth, were subsequently dispatched to the Wall. They also accompanied a young maester named Aemon Targaryen (the same Aemon from Game of Thrones) on his trip to Castle Black.
Over time, Brynden, renowned for his political acumen, reached the position of Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch at the age of 64, demonstrating his resourcefulness.
13 winters ago, I found myself stationed at the farthest edge of civilization, beyond the colossal wall. But alas, Bryden, my comrade and fellow explorer, vanished during those harsh winter days that blanketed the land with snow.
In George R.R. Martin’s series, A Song of Ice and Fire, we discover that Brynden Rivers ultimately transformed into the enigmatic character known as the Three-Eyed Crow (or the Three-Eyed Raven, as he is called in the Game of Thrones TV show).
Brynden lives deep within the caves past the wall, dwelling alongside the legendary forest beings known as the Children of the Forest. When Bran Stark reaches him, Brynden takes Bran on as his student, as he possesses both green-dreaming and shape-shifting abilities.
The books have not yet gone beyond this.
In the hit TV show Game of Thrones, the enigmatic figure known as the Three-Eyed Raven guides and enlightens Bran Stark regarding Westeros, the Starks, and the Targaryens. Tragically, the Three-Eyed Raven is slain by the White Walkers’ chief – The Night King – prior to Bran managing his daring escape over the Wall.
Who plays Ser Brynden Rivers AKA Lord Bloodraven AKA The Three-Eyed Crow?
In the eighth episode of House of the Dragons’ second season, known as “The Queen Who Ever Was,” Ser Brynden Rivers is depicted by actor Joshua Ben-Tovim during a visionary scene.
In the TV show Game of Thrones, a version of Brynden’s Three-Eyed Crow appearance is presented as the ‘Three-Eyed Raven’.
In the final episode of Season 4 titled ‘The Children’, the role was played by Struan Rodger. Later, in the series’ sixth season before the character’s death, the renowned actor Max von Sydow took on that role.
In the forthcoming Dunk and Egg series from HBO, there’s a possibility that the character might make an appearance. This series is based on George R.R. Martin’s works and focuses on Ser Duncan the Tall and a young, then nicknamed King Aegon V Targaryen, known as Egg. During this particular timeframe in his stories, Brynden held immense political power in Westeros, being the most influential figure at that time.
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2024-08-05 05:34