House Hightower

[FP1997]

Hightower House Sigil

House Hightower, one of the oldest and most influential noble families in Westeros, commands respect and authority from their seat in the ancient city of Oldtown. Known for their wealth, wisdom and strategic marriages, the Hightowers have played a crucial role in shaping the history of the Seven Kingdoms. As prominent players in the upcoming series House of the Dragon, their complex history and significant influence will be brought to the forefront.

Origins

House Hightower's origins are shrouded in the mists of ancient Westeros. They are believed to be among the First Men who settled in the region thousands of years ago. Their seat, the Hightower, a towering structure built on Battle Isle at the mouth of the Honeywine River, is one of the tallest and oldest buildings in Westeros. According to legend, the Hightower was constructed by Brandon the Builder, the legendary founder of House Stark, though other accounts suggest it was built by the early Hightowers themselves.

Oldtown, the city that grew around the Hightower, became a center of learning, trade, and culture. It is home to the Citadel, where the maesters train, and the Starry Sept, the former seat of the Faith of the Seven before the Great Sept of Baelor was built in King's Landing. The Hightowers' strategic control over Oldtown allowed them to accumulate immense wealth and influence, making them one of the most powerful houses in the Reach.

The Hightowers and House Targaryen

The Hightowers' relationship with House Targaryen has been one of strategic alliances and political manoeuvring. During Aegon's Conquest, Lord Manfred Hightower chose to submit to Aegon the Conqueror rather than resist, thus preserving Oldtown from destruction. This pragmatic decision ensured the Hightowers retained their status and wealth under Targaryen rule.

Over the centuries, the Hightowers continued to strengthen their ties with the Targaryens through marriage and political alliances. These connections reached a peak during the reign of King Viserys Targaryen when Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, married the king and became queen.

The Dance of the Dragons

The Dance of the Dragons, a devastating Targaryen civil war, brought House Hightower into the heart of the conflict. The war erupted after the death of King Viserys I, who had named his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir. However, upon his death, his widow, Queen Alicent Hightower, supported the claim of her son, Aegon II, leading to a brutal struggle for the Iron Throne.

Ser Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, played a key role in the civil war. As the Hand of the King to both Viserys Targeryen and Aegon Targaryen, Otto was a formidable political operator and the chief architect of Aegon's claim to the throne. His efforts to consolidate power for his grandson were instrumental in the early stages of the war.

Queen Alicent herself was a central figure during the Dance. As the mother of King Aegon II, she was deeply involved in court politics and the decision-making processes that guided the Greens, the faction supporting Aegon's claim. Her influence and determination helped shape the course of the war.

The Hightowers' involvement in the Dance of the Dragons was not without cost. Oldtown itself remained largely unscathed, but the conflict took a heavy toll on the Hightower family and their allies. Despite these losses, the Hightowers emerged from the war with their status and power intact, a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen.

Post-Dance Era and Continued Influence

In the years following the Dance of the Dragons, House Hightower continued to play a significant role in the politics of Westeros. Their wealth, derived from the bustling port of Oldtown and their extensive trade networks, ensured they remained influential in the Reach and beyond.

During the Blackfyre Rebellions, a series of uprisings led by the illegitimate descendants of King Aegon IV, the Hightowers once again demonstrated their loyalty to the Targaryen crown. Their support was crucial in quelling these rebellions and maintaining stability in the realm.

The Hightowers also maintained their strong ties with the Faith of the Seven, leveraging their influence over the Starry Sept and the Citadel to shape religious and intellectual discourse in Westeros. This dual influence in both secular and religious spheres further cemented their power.

The Decline of the Targaryens and the Hightowers

The fall of House Targaryen following Robert's Rebellion had significant repercussions for their loyal supporters, including House Hightower. With the rise of House Baratheon and the establishment of a new royal dynasty, the Hightowers had to navigate a changing political landscape.

Despite these challenges, the Hightowers managed to retain their wealth and influence. Their strategic location in Oldtown, control over one of the busiest ports in Westeros, and deep-rooted connections with the Citadel and the Faith of the Seven ensured they remained a formidable force.

House Hightower in House of the Dragon

The upcoming series "House of the Dragon" will bring renewed attention to House Hightower, particularly during the period of the Dance of the Dragons. Key figures such as Otto Hightower, Alicent Hightower, and their children will be central to the narrative.

Ser Otto Hightower, as Hand of the King, will be portrayed as a shrewd and ambitious statesman, whose machinations significantly influence the course of the civil war. His efforts to secure the throne for his grandson, Aegon II, and his strategic prowess will be key elements of the storyline.

Queen Alicent Hightower's role as the matriarch of the Greens and her complex relationship with her stepdaughter Rhaenyra will also be explored. Her character will be depicted as both a loving mother and a determined political player, navigating the treacherous waters of court politics.