Game of Thrones: Every Targaryen who should appear in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Brynden Rivers, aka Bloodraven

Brynden Rivers, commonly known as Bloodraven, is a character who could reveal some big picture things about Westeros. He is the most interesting character from this time period, for several reasons. He eventually becomes the Three-Eyed Raven, the powerful magic-wielding tree wizard who teaches Bran Stark. I was not very impressed with Bloodraven’s portrayal on Game of Thrones, so A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has a chance to redeem the character.

Bloodraven is the bastard child of King Aegon IV Targaryen. He was legitimized by his father on his deathbed alongside his half-siblings Daemon Blackfyre, Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers and Shiara Seastar. When Daemon and Bittersteel orchestrated the first Blackfyre rebellion, Bloodraven stayed loyal to his half-brother Daeron II, who now sat on the Iron Throne. When Daeron’s son Aerys became king, Bloodraven served as his Hand and remained in the position for more than 20 years.

It was known that Bloodraven employed a series of spies similar to Varys and Littlefinger, but he also had the advantage of weirwood magic and probably skinchanging as well. In the third Dunk and Egg novella, The Mystery Knight, Dunk and Egg find themselves in the middle of the second Blackfyre Rebellion before it is foiled by Bloodraven, who unexpectedly shows up with an army. Bloodraven passes judgement on all the traitorous lords and has a talk with Dunk and Egg. Impressively, Egg stands up to his formidable uncle.

Years later, when King Maekar dies, Bloodraven calls a great council to decide the next king. When Egg is chosen, he strips Bloodraven of his Hand of the King role and sends him to the Wall as punishment for wrongfully executing a man named Aenys Blackfyre. Bloodraven becomes the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch before disappearing and becoming the Three-Eyed Raven.

I would honestly watch an entire show focused on Bloodraven because his true motivations are unknown in the books. There are so many question surrounding him. How did he develop his green sight powers? Does he know about the Prince Who Was Promised? How long did he know about the White Walkers? Why the heck did he decide to become a tree? So much potential for cool storytelling with this guy and I hope they nail his portrayal in the new show.

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