Warning: Contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 3.Bran became the Three-Eyed Raven, little was properly explained about his powers, nor his role in Westeros history, but House of the Dragon may help shed a little more light on things.
Given it’s a Game of Thrones prequel, it’s not too surprising House if the Dragon is explaining or adding to Westeros and in particular House Targaryen history, but how it’s done so is. The biggest reveal so far is Aegon the Conqueror’s dream of White Walkers, which was a key factor in his decision to invade Westeros. The adds a lot to Game of Thrones, in particular changing how audiences see the Night King and White Walkers being defeated (with two Targaryens - Jon Snow and Daenerys - playing key roles). But even beyond White Walkers, there may be some reveals that impact elements of Game of Thrones, such as the Three-Eyed Raven.
Three-Eyed Raven before Bran being Brynden, but also that he had similar dreams.
Are Targaryen Dreams What Led To Bloodraven Becoming The Three-Eyed Raven?
Brynden Rivers ing the Night’s Watch makes sense, but what’s not answered is - assuming the theory is correct - why Bloodraven became the Three-Eyed Raven (or Crow). Assuming the “how” is similar to Bran Stark, then it also stands to reason the why is as well: not only that he was called to this higher purpose, but was via visions and dreams that came about thanks to his ability as a Targaryen dreamer, much like Bran’s greensight. He suddenly disappeared - his Valyrian steel sword with him - and that makes sense if he was following a dream. Knowing that the Targaryens put a lot of stock in dreams - which House of the Dragon doubles down on - and Viserys’ mention of Targaryen dreamers properly acknowledging them in TV canon, then it’s all the more likely this is why Brynden ended up in that weirwood tree cave.
It’s an interesting line to trace Targaryen dreamers through to Bloodraven, not least because of Aegon’s dream of the White Walkers. The Three-Eyed Raven was the key enemy of the Night King, and while it’s believed there were other Ravens prior to Brynden, it’s notable that the great winter Aegon foresaw came when a Targaryen was (supposedly) the Three-Eyed Raven, and that after his death they were able to invade Westeros once more. Whether Bloodraven himself knew of Aegon’s A Song of Ice & Fire dream is unclear - he wouldn’t have been an heir, but he may have learned it as the Three-Eyed Raven at least, making his position even more pertinent and tied to his destiny and, likely, dreams.
House of the Dragon releases new episodes Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
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