Bloodraven: what’s the three-eyed raven’s secret plan?

Bloodraven: what’s the three-eyed raven’s secret plan?

by Alt Shift X

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Arts & Architecture ATFFilms, cinemaATFNFilm: styles and genres
🎙 Alt Shift X 👥 2.0M 📅 February 27, 2018 ⏱ 20 min 👁 6.2M 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-26
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

Bloodraventhree-eyed ravenBrynden RiversAzor Ahaigreenseer

Summary

Alt Shift X presents a comprehensive analysis of the character Bloodraven (Brynden Rivers) from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The video traces Bloodraven’s life from his birth as a Targaryen bastard, through his role in the Blackfyre Rebellions, his time as Hand of the King, and his eventual disappearance beyond the Wall. It then explores his transformation into the three-eyed crow, his connection to the old gods and greenseeing, and his potential influence on key characters like Bran Stark, Jon Snow, and Daenerys Targaryen. The video discusses various fan theories, including Bloodraven’s possible manipulation of events to bring about the prophesied hero Azor Ahai, and his potential role in Euron Greyjoy’s dark path. It also examines the moral ambiguity of Bloodraven’s actions, questioning whether his ends justify his means. The analysis is well-structured, moving from historical background to speculative theories, and is supported by references to the books and fan discussions.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides substantial value by synthesizing a vast amount of source material and fan theories into a coherent narrative. It offers a deep dive into a minor character’s backstory, connecting it to major plotlines and prophecies. The argumentation is solid: the creator clearly distinguishes between established facts, textual hints, and speculative theories, often using phrases like ‘it’s hinted’ or ‘it’s possible’ to signal uncertainty. The reasoning is logical and builds a compelling case for Bloodraven’s secret plan, while also acknowledging alternative interpretations and potential flaws in the theories. The video encourages critical thinking by presenting multiple perspectives and inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates high scientific rigor for a fan analysis. It relies on the primary source material (the books) and cites specific passages and events. The creator also references a number of fan discussions and analyses, providing links in the description for further reading. The title accurately reflects the content, and the video stays on topic throughout. The creator is transparent about the speculative nature of many theories, which enhances credibility. The only minor weakness is the reliance on fan theories, which are not official canon, but this is clearly communicated.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: the video explores the three-eyed raven's identity, history, and speculated secret plans.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The video is a well-researched fan analysis grounded in the source material (A Song of Ice and Fire books and related prequels). It clearly distinguishes between textual evidence, fan theories, and speculation, and cites numerous fan discussions and artworks. While not peer-reviewed, it demonstrates high internal consistency and respect for the canon.

Chapters

Cited Sources

  • What has Bloodraven achieved? - A Forum of Ice and Fire — Discussion on Bloodraven's accomplishments and influence.
  • The Crow Calls the Raven Black: Why I Believe Bloodraven is Not the Three-Eyed Crow (Explained) - A Forum of Ice and Fire — A counter-theory arguing Bloodraven is not the three-eyed crow.
  • Bloodraven - ASoIaF University Tumblr — Collection of meta and analysis on Bloodraven.
  • PoorQuentyn's Tumblr post on ravens and imagery — Analysis of raven imagery and Bloodraven's connection.
  • Bloodraven: Shepherd of Fate - Reddit — Fan theory on Bloodraven's role as a guide.

Concurring Sources

  • Bloodraven - A Wiki of Ice and Fire — Canonical information on Bloodraven's history and abilities.
  • The World of Ice & Fire (book) — Source material for Bloodraven's backstory, mentioned in the video.

Dissenting Sources

  • The Crow Calls the Raven Black: Why I Believe Bloodraven is Not the Three-Eyed Crow (Explained) — This theory argues that Bloodraven is not the three-eyed crow, contradicting the video's central premise.

External References

Contribution & Novelties

The video’s original contribution lies in its comprehensive synthesis of Bloodraven’s backstory and its integration into a coherent theory of his secret plan. It goes beyond simple character analysis to propose a grand scheme involving eugenics, prophecy, and manipulation of major events. The video also highlights the moral complexity of Bloodraven, presenting him as a utilitarian figure whose actions, while effective, raise ethical questions. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the character and encourages viewers to reconsider the nature of heroism in the series.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • A Song of Ice and Fire - Wikipedia — Provides context on the book series and its themes.
  • Greenseer - A Wiki of Ice and Fire — Details on the magical abilities Bloodraven possesses.
  • Azor Ahai - A Wiki of Ice and Fire — Explains the prophecy central to the video’s theory.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity and quality, reflecting the video's depth and reliability. The technical level is moderate, indicating that while the content is detailed, it remains accessible to a general audience. Overall, the video is a strong analytical piece with minor limitations in technical depth.

Reliability 8/10

💬 Très positif. Sur les 30 commentaires analysés, la majorité exprime une admiration pour la profondeur de l'analyse et la qualité de la narration, tout en regrettant la divergence avec la série télévisée.