Why Do Gendry and Brynden Both Have the Last Name Rivers?

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the naming conventions for characters, especially bastards, can be quite complex and intriguing. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind why Gendry and Brynden Rivers have the last name Rivers, despite their seemingly different circumstances.

The Case of Gendry

Gendry, a character from the first series, is a bastard born in King's Landing. He does not carry the surname 'Rivers.' Unlike other bastards such as Aegor Rivers (Bittersteel) or Jon Snow, Gendry is not acknowledged by his father or considered of high birth, meaning he does not get a last name. If he had been born to a noble family and acknowledged by his father, his surname might have reflected his father's noble title or lands. In Gendry's case, since he is a peasant, his name would likely be 'Waters,' given his connection to the Crownlands.

During an episode, the show Game of Thrones made a notable mistake when they left a Starbucks coffee cup in front of Daenerys. This indicates the writers may have greater challenges with other aspects of the naming conventions. Another possible explanation for his name could be that he is a bastard of the Rivers family and grew up in the Crownlands. However, this remains a speculation as the writers did not explicitly clarify this.

The Case of Brynden Rivers

Brynden Rivers, also known as the Three-Eyed Raven, has a different story. He is a legitimized bastard, a son of Aegon IV Targaryen and Lady Melissa Blackwood. He was born in the Crownlands but to ensure he would be associated with House Blackwood, whose lands are in the Riverlands, he was given the surname 'Rivers.' This surname reflects his Targaryen heritage as well as his association with the Blackwood family.

Brynden's case is a bit different from Gendry's because he was acknowledged and legitimized. In the Targaryen tradition, bastards had last names that indicated their mother's house, hence 'Rivers' for the Blackwood affiliations.

Other Considerations

In the show, characters often receive last names based on their mother's house or the lands where they are raised. For example, Mya Stone, Robert's bastard daughter, has the Vale surname because she was raised there. This practice is not universally followed, as shown by the various inconsistencies seen in the show, such as 'Jon Snow' and 'Aegor Rivers.'

For Gendry, the show's writers may have simplified the naming process by giving him the surname 'Rivers' during his time with the Brotherhood Without Banners in the Riverlands. This association might have influenced his decision, reflecting his journey and identity as a character who embraced his roots.

However, the inherent complexity of the series' naming conventions is evident, and the writers may have struggled to keep track of these details, leading to the many inconsistencies seen in the show.

Summary

In conclusion, while Gendry did not carry the surname 'Rivers' because he was a peasant, Brynden Rivers inherited the surname from his mother, Lady Melissa Blackwood, who was from the Riverlands. The show's inconsistent approach to naming conventions, while adding a layer of complexity, also highlights the writers' and producers' effort to tie characters to their unique backgrounds and histories.

Key Takeaways

1. Bastard surnames in A Song of Ice and Fire and the Game of Thrones show are often influenced by the mother's house or the lands where the bastard is raised, not necessarily their birthplace.

2. Characters like Gendry and Brynden Rivers reflect these naming conventions, adding depth to their backstories and associations within the world of Westeros.

3. The show's writers may have faced challenges in maintaining consistency in naming conventions, leading to some inaccuracies in the series.