Everything we know about Lady Alysanne Blackwood

Both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon showcase fierce female warriors. While Brienne and Arya defined strength in Game of Thrones, more warrior women await in future seasons.

George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood introduces several notable female fighters. Among them, Alysanne Blackwood played a significant role in the Dance of the Dragons.

Who was Alysanne Blackwood?

Credits: Naomi Buttelo

Known as Black Aly, Alysanne served as Lord Benjicot Blackwood’s aunt during the Dance of the Dragons. She later married Lord Cregan Stark.

She maintained a strong, lithe figure, tall and thin, with thick, curly black hair. People knew her for her sharp tongue and fearless nature.

The scent of woodsmoke accompanied her presence. She excelled in hunting, archery, and horseriding.

Quick facts

From Fire and Blood:

• Killed Ser Amos Bracken with a weirwood arrow
• Led 300 archers at the Battle of the Kingsroad
• Organized the Widow Fairs to repopulate the Riverlands
• Bore four daughters to Lord Cregan Stark
• A close companion to Lady Sabitha Frey

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Potential appearance

Alysanne Blackwood hasn’t appeared in House of the Dragon yet. The show might introduce her in later seasons after the Dance of Dragons.

She could debut at the Battle of the Kingsroad. The show might also reveal her earlier presence at the Battle by the Lakeshore with Bloody Ben.

Changes to Sabitha Frey’s character might affect Alysanne’s portrayal. The show presents Sabitha as Lord Forrest Frey’s elderly wife instead of a young warrior.

The showrunners have altered several characters for budget and story simplification. They merged Oscar and Kermit Tully into one character.

Fans await confirmation of Alysanne’s appearance in Season 3 alongside Daeron Targaryen and other characters.

In Fire and Blood

Credits: elenyaart

Role in the Dance of Dragons

At sixteen, Alysanne joined House Blackwood in supporting Queen Rhaenyra’s claim. The Blackwoods’ ancient rivals, House Bracken, supported King Aegon II.

During the Battle of the Burning Mill, Ser Amos Bracken killed her brother, Lord Samwell. Alysanne avenged him with a weirwood arrow through Ser Amos’s helm.

She shared her tent with Lady Sabitha Frey during campaigns, sparking rumors about their relationship.

At the Battle of the Kingsroad, she commanded three hundred archers. Her forces supported Lord Benjicot’s attack and unhorsed Lord Borros Baratheon.

The Hour of the Wolf

Lord Cregan Stark arrived in King’s Landing after Aegon II’s death. He supported Prince Aegon the Younger but condemned the king’s poisoning.

As the Hand of the King, Cregan arrested Lord Corlys Velaryon for suspected involvement in the poisoning.

Alysanne struck a bargain with Cregan to save Corlys’s life. She offered anything in exchange, and Cregan requested her hand in marriage.

Legacy as Lady of Winterfell

Alysanne solved the problem of homeless northern soldiers by organizing Widow Fairs in the Riverlands. This initiative helped repopulate war-torn regions.

She married Cregan in Winterfell’s godswood in 132 AC. Lord Benjicot witnessed the ceremony despite harsh snowstorms.

As Lady of Winterfell, she bore four daughters: Sarra, Alys, Raya, and Mariah. She became stepmother to Rickon Stark, who sang at their wedding.

Quotes

“Grant me this boon, and I shall never ask another. Do this, and I shall know that you are as wise as you are strong, as kind as you are fierce. Give me this, and I shall give you whatever you may choose to ask of me.” – Alysanne Blackwood to Cregan Stark

Quick answers

How did Alysanne earn the name Black Aly?

According to Fire and Blood, she earned this name from her thick black hair and fierce personality. It could also be due to her being a member of House Blackwood.

How did she help end the Dance of Dragons?

In Fire and Blood, she negotiated with Cregan Stark to save Lord Corlys’s life, helping establish peace after the war.

What was her greatest achievement?

According to Fire and Blood, she organized the Widow Fairs to rebuild the Riverlands and helped strengthen the Old Gods’ traditions in the South.

Stream House of the Dragon on Max | Save up to 20%

Stream House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones and more HBO Original series on Max. Sign up and save up to 20% with an annual plan.

Subscribe Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.