Highlights

  • House Hightower's influence in King's Landing leads to a civil war, as they vie for power and a seat in the capital.
  • Hightower siblings Otto and Hobert manipulate politics to gain more power and spread their house's influence.
  • Alicent Hightower's strategic marriage to King Viserys leads to her son, Aegon, taking power in King's Landing.

House of the Dragon, a direct prequel to Game of Thrones, presents an age years before Robert Baratheon’s rebellion, when House Targaryen reigned over Westeros, with all remaining houses bowing to them. However, even under their leadership, the realm is full of political intrigue and conflict, such as questions of ascendance, marriage, and countless wars that are born out of those. House Hightower is one of the major players in the show’s story. This house is known for ruling over Oldtown, the city where the Maesters’ citadel is located. This, along with Oldtown being the seat of the High Septon, makes House Hightower a powerful and influential player in the political games of Westeros.

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During the events of House of the Dragon, House Hightower is at the historical peak of their power, with their influence present throughout King’s Landing, with both the Hand of the King and his wife being from the house. With the possibility of the Hightower's heir becoming the new King of Westeros, the house is willing to put everything on the line as long as it grants them their long-awaited seat in the capital. Their insurrection leads to a civil war, with House Hightower leading the fight as they try to hold their power.

5 Hobert Hightower

Lord Of Oldtown

Alicent and Hobert Hightower in House of the Dragon.

Despite not being the most prominent member of the House in the show, Hobert Hightower holds the position of head of House Hightower, as well as being the Lord of Oldtown during the early events of the series. He can be seen in King’s Landing as he attends court proceedings and pledges his loyalty to the King. However, he is soon revealed to be a political manipulator and a close ally to his brother, Otto. Both of them share a goal of gaining more political power and spreading their house’s influence to the Iron Throne. He is shown to be arrogant and decisive, but also careful when it comes to his operations, as he acts as an aid to his brother rather than an active political figure.

Hobert’s loyalty to his house is reaffirmed once he supports his niece, Alicent, when she chooses to represent her own house’s sigil in her dress instead of house Targaryen. Hobert was eager to empower her and help her son to sit on the Iron Throne, making Alicent a dangerous and influential contender. Hobert died after that occasion, and his only known son, Ormund, inherited his place as the Lord of Oldtown and the head of House Hightower.

4 Lynesse Hightower

Lady Of Oldtown

Hobert Hightower clapping for Aegon in House of the Dragon.

Not much is known about Lynesse Hightower beyond the basics. She is the Lady of Oldtown, Hobert’s wife, and Ormund’s mother, which puts her in an influential position similar to her husband. She is shown to stay at her husband's side most of the time. However, the exact details of her personality and motivation remain unknown.

Lynesse makes two appearances in the series, both as a background character. She is present on a hunting party organized by King Viserys, where she spends time with her fellow ladies. She can be also be seen at the wedding of Rhaenyra and Velarion as one of the guests, along with Hobert.

3 Otto Hightower

The Hand Of The King

Otto Hightower sits with the small council in House of the Dragon.

One of the most prominent members of the house in the series is Otto, Hobert’s younger brother and an honored knight. While Otto isn’t destined to inherit Oldtown, he has secured a position of power that remained outside of his House’s reach for a long time: the Hand of the King. Otto became Viserys’ close advisor during the show, but his motives are far from selfless. Otto admits his hunger for power and status, seeking to see his grandchild sit on the Iron Throne, and conspires to this end alongside his family members. He also seeks to methodically eliminate any threats to his House’s power.

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Otto's main conflict arises due to his desire to keep prince Daemon away from the throne its and spheres of influence. He is a pragmatic man who spent a long time among politicians and courts, making him a powerful player in the game. Despite Viserys stripping Otto of his status, he is eventually reinstated as the King’s Hand, and attains even more power along with his daughter. This makes him one of the main opponents to Rhaenyra and her people, as they seek to reinstate the order of succession and reclaim the Iron Throne.

2 Gwayne Hightower

A Valiant Knight

Gwayne Hightower in House of the Dragon season 1.

A minor member of the house is Ser Gwayne Hightower, Otto’s eldest son and the honored knight of House Hightower. He plays a role in the beginning of the series and the overall conflict between Daemon and Otto. Gwayne participates in the royal tournament, with Daemon choosing him as the first opponent, knowing that his defeat will serve to humiliate his father. Daemon easily defeats Gwayne in the tournament, making him fall from his saddle and scarring his face.

While Gwayne doesn’t play an important part in the story, his disgraceful defeat establishes a tense relationship between Otto and Daemon which is quick to escalate throughout the first season, thus making his scenes vital to the development of other characters.

1 Alicent Hightower

The King’s Wife

Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon Season 2 Official Green Trailer.

Alicent Hightower is one of the key figures in the show, as she is at the heart of multiple unfolding conflicts between houses for control of the Iron Throne. Being Otto’s daughter, Alicent grew up among the nobility in King’s Landing, making acquaintances with princess Rhaenyra. She was a key part of Otto’s plan, as he set her up to marry King Viserys and bear him a child, which would threaten Rhaenyra’s succession and instead make Alicent’s son the primary successor to Viserys. Eventually, Alicent bears King Viserys a son, Aegon. Despite multiple difficulties, this plan eventually succeeds, and when Viserys dies, Aegon and the Hightowers take power in the King’s Landing.

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Alicent’s most notable qualities are her allegiance to her family and her patience. Otto is proud of his daughter, and for good reason, as there was much Alicent was willing to risk in her attempts to put Aegon on the Iron Throne. She also knows a lot about history and politics, perhaps due to King’s Landing providing her many opportunities to learn. This makes her a dangerous figure, as she is both smart and powerful, with Otto’s full support behind her, making her coup an important moment in the history of Westeros.