Gerold Hightower

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Gerold Hightower
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Gerold Hightower.jpg
art by Amok ©

Alias the White Bull
Titles
Allegiances
Died 283 AC
Tower of Joy
Books

Ser Gerold Hightower, known as the White Bull for his immense strength in his prime, was a famous knight of the Kingsguard from House Hightower. He was the Lord Commander during the reigns of Kings Jaehaerys II and Aerys II.[1] He was the uncle of Lord Leyton Hightower.[2]

History

Life as a Kingsguard

It is currently unknown when Gerold joined the order of the Kingsguard. He became Lord Commander in 259 AC, following the death of Lord Commander Ser Duncan the Tall.[3] After the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he accepted Ser Barristan Selmy into the order.[4][5] Around 280/281 AC, Gerold was shot through the hand by Ulmer, an outlaw of the Kingswood Brotherhood, who went on to steal a kiss and some jewels from Princess Elia of Dorne.[6] Most likely because he still suffered from his wound, Gerold ceded command to Ser Arthur Dayne when the Kingsguard campaigned against the Brotherhood in the Kingswood.[7] In 281 AC, at the Tourney at Harrenhal the White Bull fastened the snowy cloak of the Kingsguard about the shoulders of the newest member, Ser Jaime Lannister.[8] That same evening, when King Aerys II Targaryen ordered Jaime Lannister to return to King's Landing to guard Queen Rhaella and Prince Viserys, Gerold offered to go in Jaime's stead, so Jaime could remain at Harrenhal and take part in the Tourney.[9]

Robert's Rebellion

Gerold was present when King Aerys II burned Lord Rickard Stark alive in the throne room, and while Brandon Stark strangled himself to death. After the two Starks had died, he took Jaime Lannister aside and reminded Jaime that they were sworn to defend the king, not to judge him.[10]

During the ensuing rebellion, after the Battle of the Bells, Ser Gerold was sent to find Prince Rhaegar when the war started to become out of hand.[11] While Rhaegar eventually returned to King's Landing, Gerold did not. He was next seen at the Tower of Joy in the Red Mountains of Dorne, with two of his sworn brothers, Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Oswell Whent, both who had been with Rhaegar when he had disappeared originally.[1] Here, they were guarding Lyanna Stark.[11][1]


It was the Tower of Joy where Gerold and his two sworn brothers would eventually meet their fates. They were found here by Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, and six of Eddards companions. After a short discussion with Eddard, during which Eddard gave the three Kingsguard knights several opportunities to leave unharmed, opportunities which Gerold, Arthur and Oswell refused, a battle ensued. Gerold died during the battle.[1] He was buried at the site of the Tower of Joy. Stones from the Tower were used to build his cairn, upon a ridge.[1]

Quotes by Gerold

The Kingsguard does not flee.[1]

– Gerold, to Eddard Stark


You swore a vow to guard the king, not to judge him.[10]

– Gerold, to Jaime Lannister, after Aerys II Targaryen murdered Brandon and Rickard Stark

Quotes about Gerold

That was the White Bull, loyal to the end and a better man than me, all agree.[10]

- Jaime Lannister on Gerold

Family

Gerold was a member of House Hightower. He had at least one brother, who went on to continue the Hightower line. Gerold was the uncle of Lord Leyton Hightower, and thereby the great-uncle of Leytons nine children.[12]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
Hightower
 
Unknown
wife
 
Gerold
 
Unknown
Hightower
 
Unknown
Archmaester
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three
wives
 
Leyton
 
Rhea
Florent
 
 
 
 
 
Walys
Flowers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Baelor
 
Rhonda
Rowan
 
Malora
 
Garth
 
Alerie
 
Mace
Tyrell
 
Leyla
 
Jon
Cupps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Willas
Tyrell
 
Garlan
Tyrell
 
Loras
Tyrell
 
Margaery
Tyrell
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denyse
 
Desmond
Redwyne
 
Alysanne
 
Arthur
Ambrose
 
Gunthor
 
Jeyne
Fossoway
 
Humfrey
 
Lynesse
 
Jorah
Mormont
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denys
Redwyne
 
 
 
 
 
Alyn
Ambrose
 


See also

References and Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
  2. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I, Ser Jorah Mormont states that Ser Gerold was the great-uncle of his wife Lynesse..
  3. The World of Ice & Fire, Jaehaerys II.
  4. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  5. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  6. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 33, Samwell II.
  7. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 30, Jaime IV.
  8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
  9. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 55, Catelyn VII.
  11. 11.0 11.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire.
  12. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.