Otto Hightower

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Lore & Background

Otto Hightower's political dominance grew as King Viserys I became increasingly weak. The king suffered from a degenerative disease, the exact nature of which is never explicitly stated in canon, though it began after he cut his finger on the Iron Throne—the timeline of that infection's onset is not specified as 'ten years after.' Unable to stop the conflict between Rhaenyra and Alicent, Viserys relied on the Small Council, including Otto, but remained active in ruling. When Viserys eventually became delirious and bedridden, his final words were a specific statement about Aegon the Conqueror's dream—not a rambling about the 'Prince That Was Promised.' Alicent misinterpreted this as a desire for their son Aegon to rule. Seizing this moment, Otto and the Small Council enacted their plan to make Aegon II the new king, despite Rhaenyra still being the chosen heir. This decision directly reignited the feud between the factions, escalating into the civil war known as the 'Dance of the Dragons'.

In Their Own Story

In the final days of Viserys I, Otto Hightower stood as the de facto ruler while the king lay bedridden and delirious. The infection on the Iron Throne had taken its toll for six years, leaving Viserys unable to walk or govern effectively. Otto managed the kingdom as opposing factions formed under Rhaenyra and Alicent, a conflict the dying king could no longer stop. During a final family gathering meant to halt the fighting, Viserys soon slipped into delirium. He mistook Alicent for Rhaenyra and spoke of the 'Prince That Was Promised.' In that moment of confusion, Otto witnessed the Small Council's decision to bypass the established heir. They enacted their long-held plan to crown Aegon II immediately upon Viserys' death. This action transformed the political tension into open warfare, setting the stage for the devastating war between the Blacks and the Greens.

Reader's Guide

Otto Hightower is defined by his role as Hand of the King during Viserys I's final years. He assumes control of royal duties when the king becomes too weak to walk due to leprosy caused by an infected cut on the Iron Throne. His primary narrative function involves orchestrating the succession crisis that leads to Aegon II's coronation. When Viserys dies, Otto and the Small Council ignore Rhaenyra's status as heir and crown Aegon II instead, interpreting the king's dying delirium as a mandate for their faction. This decision triggers the 'Dance of the Dragons,' the civil war between the Blacks and the Greens. Otto represents the Green faction's leadership in the immediate aftermath of Viserys' death, driving the conflict that fractures Westeros.

Did You Know?

• Otto served as Hand of the King during Viserys I's decline, but the king remained active in ruling with the Small Council's input.
• The infection that plagued King Viserys I began after he cut his finger on the Iron Throne, though the exact timeline and nature of the disease are not specified in canon.
• Otto and the Small Council crowned Aegon II immediately after Viserys died, despite Rhaenyra being the chosen heir.
• Viserys's final words were a specific statement about Aegon the Conqueror's dream, not a rambling about the 'Prince That Was Promised.'
• The civil war triggered by Otto's decision is known as the 'Dance of the Dragons', fought between the Blacks and the Greens.

Origins and Source Material

Otto Hightower is based on his counterpart from George R.R. Martin's works: the 2013 novella The Princess and the Queen, the 2014 novella The Rogue Prince, and the 2018 novel Fire & Blood. These texts chronicle the 'Dance of the Dragons,' a devastating war for the Iron Throne fought between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (the Blacks) and King Aegon II Targaryen (the Greens). In these sources, Otto serves as the pivotal Hand of the King whose actions during Viserys I's decline lead to the usurpation of the throne. The series depicts his role in managing the realm while the king suffers from an infection on his finger that becomes leprosy. His character is central to the political machinations described in Martin's history, specifically regarding the succession crisis and the rise of the Green faction against Rhaenyra.

Rise to Power and Political Influence

Otto Hightower's influence peaks as King Viserys I succumbs to illness. Ten years after cutting his finger on the Iron Throne, Viserys becomes increasingly weak and bedridden, suffering from leprosy and relying on milk of the poppy. During this time, Otto fulfills most royal duties while factions form under Rhaenyra and Alicent that the king cannot stop. As Viserys deteriorates further over six years, unable to walk, Otto manages the kingdom effectively. He navigates a court spiraling out of control until Viserys holds a final family gathering. When the king dies after mistaking Alicent for Rhaenyra in his delirium, Otto and the Small Council immediately enact their plan to crown Aegon II. This move bypasses Rhaenyra's claim and establishes Otto as the key architect of the new regime.

The Succession Crisis and Civil War

The succession crisis culminates with Viserys I's death. Although Queen Rhaenyra was explicitly named heir, Otto Hightower and the Small Council enact a long-held plan to make Aegon II king. They interpret the dying king's rambling about the 'Prince That Was Promised' as a desire for Aegon, despite Viserys actually mistaking Alicent for Rhaenyra. This decision reignites the feud between the factions and escalates into the civil war known as the 'Dance of the Dragons.' The conflict divides Westeros between the Blacks supporting Rhaenyra and the Greens backing Aegon II. Otto's actions directly challenge the established line of succession, leading to a devastating struggle for the Iron Throne involving dragonriders and powerful houses across the continent.

Family Dynamics and Factional Leadership

Otto Hightower is the father of Queen Alicent Hightower and grandfather to King Aegon II. His leadership of the Green faction is rooted in securing his family's position on the throne. He guides the political stance that opposes Rhaenyra Targaryen, the king's chosen heir. As Viserys struggles with his illness and inability to govern, Otto ensures his daughter and grandson are positioned for power. The rift between the royal children deepens under his influence, as he prioritizes Aegon II's claim over Rhaenyra's rights. This familial loyalty drives the decision to crown Aegon immediately after Viserys' death, cementing Otto's role as the leader of the faction that challenges the established succession.