House Hightower
Supporters of the Green Council and Alicent Hightower in the Dance of Dragons.
The text confirms that Alicent Hightower is a central figure supporting her son Aegon II Targaryen and the Green Council in the ongoing civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. This conflict divides House Targaryen, pitting Rhaenyra's Black Council against Aegon's Greens as both factions seek allies among the great houses of Westeros to claim the Iron Throne.
- Allegiance
- House Targaryen (specifically Aegon II via the Green Council)
- Key Figure
- Alicent Hightower
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
It establishes that the war involves Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II Targaryen. Alicent Hightower, identified as Aegon's mother, leads the Green Council alongside him. In contrast, Rhaenyra is supported by the Black Council and her husband and uncle, Daemon Targaryen. The narrative describes a struggle where both sides actively seek allies from the great houses of Westeros to bolster their armies. While House Hightower is mentioned through Alicent's faction, the text does not provide details on their specific military contributions, fleet sizes, or ancient lineage during this period.
In Their Own Story
The third season of House of the Dragon, which premiered on June 21, 2026, depicts the continuation of the Dance of Dragons. The story follows the aftermath of the second season's finale, where the war between Rhaenyra and Aegon II causes further division within House Targaryen. Alicent Hightower stands firmly with her son on the Green Council. The narrative highlights the efforts of both the Black and Green factions to secure support from other great houses. Specific moments in this season include the premiere drawing 21.5 million viewers worldwide across linear and streaming platforms, marking a significant event for the series as it covers events from George R. R. Martin's book Fire & Blood.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking House Hightower in Season 3, the source indicates their alignment is with Aegon II Targaryen via the Green Council and Alicent Hightower. The season consists of eight episodes, each approximately one hour long, running from June 21 to August 9, 2026. Viewers should note that Ryan Condal serves as the sole showrunner for this season. The production was filmed between March and October 2025 at Leavesden Studios in Watford. While specific new Hightower characters are not detailed in the cast list provided beyond the general context, James Norton joined the cast in January 2025 as Ormund Hightower, expanding the family's on-screen presence.
Did You Know?
- No official casting announcements have been made for Ormund Hightower as of the current knowledge cutoff.
- HBO has not officially confirmed the episode count or runtime for Season 3.
- No official production announcements have confirmed filming dates or locations for the season.
House Hightower's Role in the Dance of Dragons
House Hightower is represented in the conflict through Alicent Hightower, who supports her son Aegon II Targaryen and the Green Council. This alliance places them in opposition to Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Black Council, which includes Daemon Targaryen. The source states that both sides are fighting for the support of armies from great houses across Westeros to claim their rightful positions on the Iron Throne. The war continues to divide House Targaryen further as these factions vie for dominance.
New Additions to the Hightower Narrative
In January 2025, James Norton was announced to have joined the cast of the third season specifically as Ormund Hightower. This casting decision adds a new character directly associated with the family to the narrative. Other cast additions in early 2025 included Tommy Flanagan and Dan Fogler, who were announced as Roderick Dustin and Torrhen Manderly respectively, though these characters belong to different houses.
Production Milestones for House Hightower Storylines
The third season was ordered on June 13, 2024, just three days before the premiere of the second season. Filming for the season took place from March to October 2025, with principal photography beginning on March 21, 2025, at Leavesden Studios in Watford. Ryan Condal served as the sole showrunner throughout this production period, overseeing the adaptation of events from Fire & Blood.
Legacy and Impact of House Hightower in Season Three
The third season concluded on August 9, 2026. It achieved a premiere viewership of 21.5 million worldwide. Critical response was strong, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding an approval rating of 91% based on 129 reviews and an average rating of 7.65/10. Metacritic gave the season a score of 75 out of 100. Due to this success, a fourth and final season was ordered in November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who rules House Hightower?
Led by Lord Leyton Hightower during the series, they command Oldtown from their massive stone tower seat. They are considered one of the oldest and wealthiest families in all of Westeros.
What is House Hightower's sigil?
Their banner shows a golden tower on green with six silver stars hovering above it. This design symbolizes their fortress home and their status within the Reach region.
Who did they support in the civil war?
Lord Leyton pledged allegiance to Rhaenyra Targaryen, making them key supporters of the Blacks during the Dance of the Dragons. Their backing provided her with vital resources and legitimacy against the Greens.
Why are they so powerful besides wealth?
They maintain significant influence over the Citadel, which trains maesters for lords across the realm. This control gives them access to information and knowledge that rivals military strength.
What is their house motto?
Their words are "Our Roots are Golden," reflecting their ancient lineage and enduring stability. It serves as a reminder of their deep history compared to newer noble houses.
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