How Does The Bloodraven Fit Into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Storyline

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How Does The Bloodraven Fit Into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Storyline

As a seasoned storyteller and scholar of Westeros lore, I must say that Bloodraven, the enigmatic brother to the Targaryen kings, has had quite the illustrious journey. From his strategic roles in the battles at Redgrass Field and Whitewalls, to his encounters with our beloved characters Duncan and Egg, his tale is a testament to the intrigue and complexity that makes George R.R. Martin’s world so captivating.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to shed light on the Targaryen dynasty’s illustrious lineage. Among its shining gems are the Conqueror, the resilient Daenerys, and the self-sacrificing Great Bastard: Brynden Rivers, also known as Lord Bloodraven. The Conqueror was the founder of House Targaryen in Westeros, Bloodraven served as a crucial pillar during his House’s tenure, and Daenerys rekindled dragons in the skies above Essos and Westeros. Their pivotal roles unfolded at distinct junctures: The Conqueror led the way, Bloodraven stepped into the breach, and Daenerys was one of the last remaining Targaryens alive.

In contrast to the legitimate offspring of the royals as previously mentioned, Bloodraven, also known as Brynden Rivers or Lord Bloodraven, was born outside of marriage, being the illegitimate son of Aegon the Unworthy and his sixth mistress, Melissa Blackwood. It is widely known in the universe of Game of Thrones that Aegon IV (also called Aegon the Unworthy) fathered many bastards, whom he legitimized before his death. Some of Bloodraven’s half-siblings were sired by noblewomen, such as Daemon Blackfyre, Aegor Rivers, Mya Rivers, and Shiera – these are the Great Bastards. The late introduction of Bloodraven in House of the Dragon has sparked anticipation, and there’s a good chance he could appear in the future of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Here’s an explanation of how that might happen.

Brynden Rivers As A Great Bastard In ASOIAF Lore

How Does The Bloodraven Fit Into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Storyline

Despite being a Great Bastard, Bloodraven gave years of service to the trueborns of House Targaryen. He was legitimized by his father, King Aegon IV, in 184 AC and identified himself with his unique coat of arms: a red-eyed white dragon breathing red flame against a black field. Since Brynden was a royalist and a man of wisdom, he was made Hand by his nephews: the bookish Aerys I, and later, Maekar I. His stint with the Targaryens ended during Aegon V’s reign, and he was sentenced to take the Black. At the Wall, Brynden proved his mettle and was made Lord Commander.

Born with a distinctive red birthmark resembling a raven that stretched from his neck to his right cheek, the silver-haired Brynden Tully earned his moniker “Bloodraven.” He wielded the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister and a weirwood longbow. Unlike his martial half-siblings Daemon and Aegor, Brynden was more renowned for his cunning intellect, mastery of spells, and network of spies that stretched across all Seven Kingdoms.

Brynden sided with Daeron II Targaryen in the First Blackfyre Rebellion, and marched to Whitewalls to arrest Daemon II in the Second. He had Aenys Blackfyre dishonorably slain ahead of the Great Council. After Maekar I’s death, Brynden called upon a Great Council in 233 AC to resolve the succession. Aenys Blackfyre wanted to participate, and Brynden had him assassinated despite promising him safe conduct. The Great Council named Aegon V (Egg of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) as Maekar’s successor, and he sentenced Brynden for Aenys’ murder.

Brynden Rivers, AKA Lord Bloodraven, in House of the Dragon

How Does The Bloodraven Fit Into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Storyline

In George R. R. Martin’s works and the television series “Game of Thrones,” the character Bloodraven is referred to as both the Three-Eyed Crow and the Three-Eyed Raven. He first appears in Daemon Targaryen’s vision of the weirwood tree at Harrenhal during season 2, episode 8 of “House of the Dragon,” titled “The Queen Who Ever Was.” A montage of significant scenes later on, including Daenerys hatching dragons, highlights Bloodraven’s role in the overall storyline. After retiring from a long career in politics at King’s Landing, Bloodraven gains recognition and significance at the Wall.

Duncan Meets Bloodraven In Tales of Dunk and Egg

In the world of Westeros, I can’t wait for the arrival of Bloodraven in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” My first encounter with this enigmatic figure unfolds in the third novella, “The Mystery Knight,” published way back in 2010. It’s essential to note that “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is an adaption from George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novella trilogy; the opening act, “The Hedge Knight,” forms the foundation for season 1.

HBO plans to roll out “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” year by year, with Martin’s three Dunk and Egg novellas being extended into three seasons (according to Deadline). The story of “The Hedge Knight” starts after the First Blackfyre Rebellion, a conflict between Daeron II’s royalists and Daemon Blackfyre’s rebel forces, has been quelled. The Ashford Tourney, where Duncan the Tall gains prominence, takes place in the year 209 AC.

In the First Blackfyre Rebellion, Brynden Rivers aligns with Daeron II. From a vantage point high above Redgrass Field, which would later be named after this significant battle near King’s Landing, Brynden and his skilled archers known as the Raven’s Teeth rain arrows down on Daemon’s troops stationed below. The relentless forces led by Blackfyre suffer heavy losses. In the heat of the battle, Brynden manages to slay Aegon, Daemon’s elder twin, and his younger brother, Aemon. The Targaryen princes Baelor and Maekar are also present in the fight. However, a notable figure, Aegor Bittersteel Rivers, who was an important ally of Daemon Blackfyre, engages Brynden in combat and causes him to lose his eye.

During the time of the Second Blackfyre Rebellion, Duncan and his squire Egg (Prince Aegon) have already embarked on their journeys. Duncan roams the Seven Kingdoms as a freelance knight, while Egg serves under him with the approval of Prince Maekar Targaryen, his father. In the year 212 AC, the Second Blackfyre Rebellion ignites at Whitewalls in the Riverlands, as disloyal nobles exploit a wedding tournament to rally backing for Daemon II Blackfyre, son of Daemon I Blackfyre and Rohanne. After years in exile, Daemon II returns to Westeros with aspirations of seizing the throne. However, he lacks both Aegor’s support and the legendary sword Blackfyre, instead participating in the tournament disguised as an enigmatic Hedge Knight named Ser John the Fiddler. Duncan, fresh from the Ashford Tourney of 209 AC, enters under the alias Gallows Knight. The tournament is marred by the theft of the victor’s prize (Ambrose Butterwell’s dragon egg) and the subsequent accusation of Ser Glendon Flowers. Brynden Rivers and his men arrive at Whitewalls shortly thereafter, apprehend Daemon, and effectively quell the rebellion.

After the occurrences at Whitewalls, Duncan and Brynden Rivers converse. Following these events, Brynden sentences the Butterwells, takes control of Whitewalls, and orders its destruction. He also shares Daemon II’s prophetic dreams with Dunk and Egg, and pays gold to have Dunk release his armor. With the threat resolved, he allows Dunk and Egg to continue their journey.

In 2025, a new chapter unfolds in the expansive world of “Game of Thrones” with the debut of a third live-action TV series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms“.

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2024-09-25 03:05