Secret identities have long been a favorite pastime for Game of Thrones fans, from Jon Snow's Targaryen heritage to countless online debates. Now, House of the Dragon is fueling that tradition with a theory that connects its mysterious Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) to the original series in a shocking way. Some fans believe Alys isn't just a witch—she might not even be human. The theory suggests she is Leaf, a Child of the Forest who guided Bran Stark in Game of Thrones.
Set roughly 170 years before Bran's fall, House of the Dragon has mostly linked to its predecessor through prophecies and visions. But as Alys grows more powerful, her true nature demands explanation. If she is Leaf wearing a magical glamor, it could unravel deeper secrets about the world of A Song of Ice and Fire.
The Show Embraces Alys' Magic
In George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, the maester narrators downplay magic, but the TV adaptation has leaned into Alys' abilities. She has enchanted Daemon (Matt Smith), communicated with animals, assassinated Lord Grover Tully, and delivered prophecies with eerie certainty. As her powers escalate, fans are more curious than ever about her identity. The show seems to be building toward a big reveal.
Some have compared Alys to Melisandre, another long-lived witch manipulating Westerosi politics. But the theory that Alys is Leaf offers more evidence. Leaf, a Child of the Forest, told Bran she was born during the Targaryen reign and spent 200 years walking among humans. To disguise her non-human features—child-sized body, dappled skin, cat-like eyes—she would need a glamor, much like Melisandre's ruby necklace.
How Alys Could Be Leaf
Leaf and the Three-Eyed Crow (Bloodraven) worked together to train Bran. Bloodraven himself used glamors in Martin's Dunk & Egg stories, so it's plausible Leaf could too. If Alys is Leaf, her actions at Harrenhal—manipulating events and using old gods' magic—align with her mission to observe and influence the world of men. This theory could finally explain why the Children of the Forest were so invested in Westerosi politics, and it ties directly into 8 Burning 'Game of Thrones' Mysteries That Still Haunt Fans.
As House of the Dragon continues, the mystery of Alys Rivers deepens. Whether she's a bastard witch or an ancient being, her story promises to reshape how we view the entire franchise. For more on how the series is evolving, check out How House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 3 Reinvents the Game of Thrones Franchise.
