Beware – spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 3, episode 6! Criston Cole has finally been killed off in House of the Dragon, and it was Alysanne Blackwood – known as Black Aly – who delivered the fatal blow. Many viewers will find this a satisfying moment, as Ser Criston is widely considered one of the most unlikeable characters in this Game of Thrones spin-off. He crowned Aegon as king, motivated by his rejection from Rhaenyra Targaryen. Over the course of the series, we’ve seen his strong dislike of women, making his death all the more rewarding to watch.
Similar to the events in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Criston Cole met his end during the Butcher’s Ball. He led what remained of his Green army into a trap, where they were vastly outnumbered by the river knights and Roddy the Ruin’s Winter Wolves. Rather than face certain defeat, Cole tried to issue a challenge for a one-on-one duel, but it failed. As he prepared for a final, glorious fight, he was struck by arrows in the chest and, fittingly, in the face.
In season 3, episode 6 of House of the Dragon, we learn that Alysanne Blackwood, a character from the A Song of Ice and Fire books, fired the arrows that killed Criston Cole. Alysanne is a skilled female warrior, often compared to Arya Stark and Yara Greyjoy, known for her archery, hunting, and riding abilities. She was a key player throughout the Dance of the Dragons. However, the book Fire & Blood doesn’t specifically state that she was the one who delivered the final blow to Cole.
How Alysanne Blackwood’s Involvement In Criston Cole’s Death Is Changed From The Books
The new show House of the Dragon features a fantastic portrayal of Black Aly, with Annie Shapero perfectly capturing the character. However, a detail in the show’s third season, sixth episode, doesn’t quite match the original story. According to Fire & Blood, Criston Cole was actually killed by archers, and most fans believe Red Robb Rivers, a skilled archer and relative of Black Aly from House Blackwood, fired the fatal shot. He’s even considered the best archer in all of Westeros.
Fans have noticed Red Robb Rivers hasn’t appeared in House of the Dragon, and it appears the show has merged his character with Black Alysandra (Aly). This isn’t a huge surprise, as the series already left out some important scenes involving Aly. One example is during the Battle of the Burning Mill, where Aly was supposed to get revenge for her brother Samwell’s death by killing Ser Amos Bracken with a precise shot through his helmet – a moment that hasn’t happened yet.
Although it’s disappointing we likely won’t see Red Robb again, it feels good that Black Aly defeated Criston Cole. He’s a typical “nice guy” who blamed a woman for his decision to break his promises. It’s fitting that someone who became violent and cruel after being rejected would be killed by a woman.
House Of The Dragon Cut Another Key Detail From Black Aly’s Story
While Black Aly avenged Criston Cole’s death – compensating for her earlier failure with Ser Amos Bracken – there’s still an untold part of her story. The book Fire & Blood reveals she had a close connection with Sabitha Frey, another powerful female warrior. As they journey to Tumbleton to prepare for battle, Black Aly and Sabitha were supposed to share a tent, and accounts describe Sabitha as enjoying both fighting men and kissing women. Though it’s presented as gossip, there’s strong evidence suggesting the two had a romantic relationship.
As a huge fan of the books, I was really anticipating Black Aly’s storyline in season 3 of House of the Dragon, especially her connection with Sabitha Frey. Sadly, it looks like that won’t be happening. The show already introduced Sabitha, and honestly, she’s so different from how she’s portrayed in the books. Sarah Woodward is doing a great job, but she’s currently a member of Rhaenyra’s council in King’s Landing – the woman who even scolded the Queen! It’s wild to think that this is the character who was supposed to be Black Aly’s lover. It’s a big change, but I’m still excited to see where the show goes with it.
It’s a mystery why House of the Dragon decided to alter this storyline. The show may simply not have enough time to develop Black Aly’s romantic life, and the plot might need more drama centered around King’s Landing. An older, more experienced advisor for Rhaenyra, even one she disagreed with, might have been a stronger choice than a younger warrior. Ultimately, it’s disappointing that we won’t see this part of Black Aly’s story.
What’s Next For Black Aly In House Of The Dragon?
While a romance between Black Aly and Sabitha Frey seems improbable now, there’s still potential for the show House of the Dragon to explore another important connection for this character. It might not happen until season four, but based on the book Fire & Blood, Alysanne Blackwood eventually marries Cregan Stark.
After all the chaos of the Dance of the Dragons finally settled, it was Rhaenyra’s son, Aegon III Targaryen, who ultimately became king. It’s a pretty dramatic story how that happened – apparently, people like Corlys Velaryon plotted to poison King Aegon II! Now, even though Cregan Stark was on Rhaenyra’s side, he thought killing the king like that was totally dishonorable and wanted Corlys to pay for it. Luckily, Black Alysandra intervened. She and Cregan had a bit of a connection, so she offered to marry him if he’d just let Corlys live and forget about punishing everyone involved – and surprisingly, he agreed! It’s fascinating how personal relationships can change the course of history, isn’t it?
Cregan Stark showed up in season 2 of House of the Dragon, but we haven’t seen him meet the woman he’s destined to marry yet. The show might choose to skip over their courtship, as it has done with other storylines. However, considering how important House Stark is to the overall Game of Thrones story – and Black Aly’s significant new role – it seems likely that this marriage will be shown on screen. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
2026-07-28 20:38