Gwayne Hightower

[FP1997]

Gwayne Hightower - House of the Dragon | Sky Community

• Status: Knight of House Hightower

• Traits: Flamboyant, dramatic, naive.

• Family: Eldest son of Ser Otto Hightower,  brother of Alicent Hightower .

Ser Gwayne Hightower, a knight of House Hightower, is a figure who exemplifies both the valor and volatility that run deep within his family’s bloodline. As the eldest son of Ser Otto Hightower and brother to Queen Alicent Hightower, Gwayne’s role in the turbulent events of House of the Dragon is as complex as it is compelling.

Early Life and Background

Gwayne Hightower hails from one of the oldest and most influential families in Westeros. House Hightower, known for their ancestral seat at the Hightower in Oldtown, has long been a bastion of power and knowledge. The Hightowers are custodians of the Citadel, the headquarters of the Order of Maesters, and the Starry Sept, the former center of the Faith of the Seven. Gwayne’s upbringing in such an environment was undoubtedly marked by privilege, education, and a keen awareness of his family's significant role in the political and religious spheres of Westeros.

From the moment Gwayne makes his entrance, it’s clear he possesses a certain flair for the dramatic. His confidence borders on arrogance, a trait that is both his strength and his Achilles’ heel. Unlike many of his contemporaries who are seasoned in the brutal realities of court life, Gwayne’s experiences in Oldtown have kept him somewhat insulated from the ruthless politics of King’s Landing.

Gwayne’s first notable appearance is during the Heir’s Tournament in Season 1, a grand event meant to celebrate the potential heirs to the Iron Throne. In a display of both skill and pride, Gwayne competes fiercely. However, his moment of glory is marred by the cunning cruelty of Prince Daemon Targaryen. Daemon, ever the provocateur, selects Gwayne as his initial jousting opponent as a slight against Otto Hightower, Daemon’s political adversary.

The match is brutal. Gwayne initially shows promise, managing to knock Daemon backward in their first tilt. But Daemon, known for his ruthlessness, targets Gwayne’s horse in the second pass, causing a catastrophic fall that leaves Gwayne injured and humiliated. The wound to his face is a physical reminder of the dangers and treacheries that lie in the world of Westerosi politics.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

In the context of the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war that rips Westeros apart, Gwayne’s role is one of both intrigue and action. His loyalty to his sister, Queen Alicent Hightower, places him firmly on the side of the Greens, those who support King Aegon II’s claim to the Iron Throne. However, his late arrival at at the capital is marked by a palpable air of resentment and ambition. Alicent, keen on consolidating her power, insists that Gwayne accompany Ser Criston Cole on his mission to secure Harrenhal, a strategic fortress of immense importance. This journey sets the stage for a clash of egos between Gwayne and Cole.

As they march toward Harrenhal, Gwayne’s impetuous nature gets the better of him. He and his companions, seeking respite from the rigors of travel, head towards an inn, a decision that nearly costs them their lives. Cole’s instincts kick in, recognizing the danger of their exposed position just as Lady Baela Targaryen and her dragon, Moondancer, appear in the sky.

The sight of Moondancer circling above sends a jolt of fear through the group. Gwayne, initially defensive about his decision to stop at the inn, quickly realizes the peril they are in. Cole orders them to make for the nearby forest, and in a desperate scramble, they reach the treeline just as Moondancer dives, breaking off her attack at the last moment.

This close encounter with death is a humbling experience for Gwayne. Shaken and chastened, he acknowledges Cole’s decisive action that saved their lives. The gratitude, however, is short-lived as Cole berates him for his recklessness, warning that such lapses in judgment will not be tolerated again.

Who plays Gwayne Hightower?

• Gwayne Hightower is portrayed by Freddie Fox, an actor known for The Three Musketeers, Worried About The Boy and White House Farm.