WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!
Summary
By skipping over the Battle of the Burning Mill,House of the Dragonmissed a great opportunity to introduce the show’s greatest member of House Stark. As the battles begin inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, important characters from familiarGame of Throneshouses are starting to be introduced. While the Lannister twins, Lord Boros Baratheon, andWinterfell’s Lord Cregan Starkhave already been introduced from the now underrepresented majorGame of Thronesfamilies,House of the Dragon’s choice to leave out certain events meanssome exciting book characters’ debuts are being delayed.
In fact, one of the best characters in House Stark’s history could have been introduced duringHouse of the Dragon’s Battle of the Burning Mill. However,House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 3 opted to skip over the actual fighting in the battle, instead cutting directly from an argument between young Blackwoods and Brackens to the devastation of the Burning Mill with hundreds of dead bodies lying in the field. Had the battle itself been shown on-screen, thenHouse of the Dragonseason 2 could have debuted the fan-favoriteFire & Bloodcharacter Black Aly.
Who Black Aly Is & How The Battle Of The Burning Mill Could Have Included Her
Alysanne Blackwood marries Cregan Stark at the end of the Dance
Lady Alysanne Blackwood, aka“Black Aly,” is the sister of Lord Samwell Blackwood of Raventree HallinHouse of the Dragon. However, whatHouse of the Dragondoesn’t reveal is that Samwell is killed by Amos Bracken in the Battle of the Burning Mill, and Black Aly is said to have shot the weirwood arrow that kills Amos immediately after her brother’s death. After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Samwell’s young sonLord Benjicot “Bloody Ben” Blackwoodbecomes the Lord of Raventree Hall, with Black Aly aiding her nephew as the Blackwoods fight for Rhaenyra in the Dance of the Dragons.
In House of the Dragon’s ending, Black Aly becomes Lady Alysanne Stark of Winterfell.
Black Aly is an important commander of House Blackwood’s forces during the Targaryen civil war, known for her ferocity in battle, leadership, and archery skills. Alysanne later takes part in the significant Battle of the Kingsroad toward the Dance’s conclusion, leading her to King’s Landing as the aftermath of Queen Rhaenyra andKing Aegon II Targaryen’s deathsis debated. Shortly after, Lord Cregan Stark also arrives at King’s Landing, with both taking a liking to one another and marrying once they return to Winterfell. InHouse of the Dragon’s ending,Black Aly becomes Lady Alysanne Stark of Winterfell.
InFire & Blood, Alysanne is the reason why Cregan Stark refrains from executing Corlys Velaryon during the Hour of the Wolf, helping to instill peace after the Dance of the Dragons.
When Will Black Aly Appear In House Of The Dragon?
Black Aly likely won’t appear until House of the Dragon season 3
SinceHouse of the Dragonmissed out on introducing her at the Battle of the Burning Mill, it’s possible that Black Aly’s introduction will be at the late-stage Battle of the Kingsroad. However, considering her character’s popularity, the showcould debut her much earlier by revealing that she was present at the bloody Battle by the Lakeshorewith Bloody Ben. The Battle by the Lakeshore could occur later inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, but will likely be reserved for season 3. Given how integral Black Aly is to creating peace immediately after the war,House of the Dragonmay want to introduce her sooner rather than later.
The Brackens & The Blackwoods' 10,000 Year Feud & Where They Are In Game Of Thrones
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, introduces the Brackens and the Blackwoods, two ancient, feuding houses. Here’s what we know about them.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
