Movies

Alicent’s Kinsguard knight Ser Rickard Thorne is the ancestor of a hated Game of Thrones character

BBG News

Alicent's Kinsguard knight Ser Rickard Thorne is the ancestor of a hated Game of Thrones character

As a seasoned gamer with a heart for intricate narratives and an encyclopedic memory of Westeros lore, I must say that the latest revelation in House of the Dragon has sent shockwaves through my gaming realm. The unveiling of Ser Rickard Thorne’s connection to the infamous Ser Alliser Thorne left me with a sense of deja vu so strong it made me want to shout “Winterfell is coming!” at the top of my lungs.

As a dedicated gamer, one of my greatest joys in watching HBO’s “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” lies in uncovering the subtle links that bind it to the original show. Over its two seasons, “House of the Dragon” has served up a rich tapestry of connections, from Aegon’s prophecy to familiar landscapes and interwoven lore. What truly intrigues me are the ancestors; “House of the Dragon” is brimming with characters who share bloodlines with beloved “Thrones” figures. From Oscar Tully being a distant cousin of Catelyn Stark, to Daemon and Rhaenyra’s lineage stretching to characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Oberyn Martell, the family trees make for an absorbing study.

In the recently released episode titled “The Red Sowing,” the popular series House of the Dragon introduced a new key character: Ser Rickard Thorne, the devoted knight of the Kingsguard, portrayed by actor Vincent Regan from One Piece. This installment increased his on-screen presence as Alicent Hightower (played by Olivia Cooke) took him on a camping trip to the Kingswood, offering more screen time for this character.

Oh, if Rickard Thorne seems familiar to you, there’s a good reason! Much like other characters, he shares a family tie with someone from “Game of Thrones.” Specifically, his relative is a wretched, unforgettable villain who took great pleasure in making Jon Snow’s life a living hell.

Ser Rickard Thorne is a distant ancestor of Ser Alliser Thorne

Indeed, I’m referring to Ser Alliser Thorne, the stern master-at-arms of Castle Black, portrayed by Owen Teale. Serving for six seasons on Game of Thrones, Ser Alliser’s tenure ended when he was executed for aiding in a rebellion against Jon once he became Lord Commander. Throughout his time at Castle Black, Ser Alliser consistently made life challenging for Jon, particularly after Jon began defending his friend, Sam Tarly.

While he may not have always acted honorably, it should be noted that Ser Alliser initially brought word of the wights to King’s Landing, though his warning fell on deaf ears. During the Wildling attack on the Wall, Ser Alliser led the defense until he was severely wounded, necessitating Jon Snow taking command.

After that, we should discuss how Alliser came to join the Night’s Watch. During Robert’s Rebellion, Tywin Lannister captured King’s Landing. At that time, Ser Alliser was stationed on the city walls. Instead of pledging allegiance, he remained loyal to House Targaryen for centuries. Faced with execution or joining the Night’s Watch, Ser Alliser opted for exile at the Wall and continued serving the realm. Despite being a nuisance, he was an honorable one.

It seems that the information you provided about House Thorne aligns well with its historical background, given the scant details available. House Thorne is a minor noble family located in the Crownlands, holding allegiance directly to King’s Landing. Compared to other Westerosi houses, there isn’t much documented history on House Thorne. A Wiki of Ice and Fire, an extensive online reference for anything mentioned within George R.R. Martin’s books, only lists three members of this house. It’s intriguing that despite the expansive world Martin has created, he devotes relatively little attention to this specific house.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve noticed that the esteemed House Thorne has been frequently mentioned across the books we love. Among its distinguished members are Ser Rickard Thorne, Ser Alliser Thorne, and Ser Adrian Thorne, who rose to command the City Watch in the years following the Dance of the Dragons. All three were steadfast servants of the noble Targaryen dynasty.

It’s nearly certain that Alliser doesn’t descend directly from Rickard, the character from “House of the Dragon.” Since Rickard was a member of the Kingsguard bound by chastity, and there’s no record of him having his own children in the book “Fire & Blood,” it’s likely that Alliser belongs to a different branch of the same noble house. This branch may have been headed by Adrian or another Thorne. The true relationship remains unknown until George R.R. Martin reveals it, but it’s intriguing to see this link between characters whose stories unfolded centuries apart.

Only one more episode remains in House of the Dragon season 2. It airs this Sunday on HBO and Max.

Read More

2024-07-31 19:41

Previous post Skill-based matchmaking is good for Call of Duty, says Activision
Next post Chet Hanks, 33, gets his forehead ‘blasted’ with Botox as son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson shares candid snaps