Difference between revisions of "House Hightower"

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{{Noble House  
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{{Noble House
 
| House_name = House Hightower of the Hightower
 
| House_name = House Hightower of the Hightower
| image = [[File:House_Hightower.png|250px]]
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| image = House Hightower.svg
| Coat_of_arms = A white tower crowned with flames on smoke grey<br>''(Cendrée, a tower argent, beacon inflamed gules)''
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| Coat_of_arms = A white tower topped with flames on smoke grey<br>(''Cendrée, a tower argent, beacon inflamed gules'')
| Words = ''We Light the Way''
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| Words = We Light the Way
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| textcolor = #fff
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| bgcolor = #999
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| bordercolor = #777
 
| Seat = The [[Hightower]], [[Oldtown]]
 
| Seat = The [[Hightower]], [[Oldtown]]
| Current_Lord = [[Leyton Hightower]]
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| Current_Lord = Lord [[Leyton Hightower]]
 
| Region = The [[Reach]]
 
| Region = The [[Reach]]
| Title = [[King of the High Tower]] (formerly)<br>[[Lord of the Hightower]]<br>[[Lord of the Port]]<br>[[Voice of Oldtown]]<br>[[Defender of the Citadel]]<br>[[Beacon of the South]]
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| Title = [[Beacon of the South]]<br>[[Defender of Oldtown]]<br>[[Defender of the Citadel]]<br>[[Lord of Oldtown]]<br>[[Lord of the Hightower]]<br>[[Lord of the Port]]<br>[[Voice of Oldtown]]<br>[[King of the High Tower]] <small>(historical)</small>
 
| Heir = Ser [[Baelor Hightower]]
 
| Heir = Ser [[Baelor Hightower]]
 
| Overlord = [[House Tyrell]]
 
| Overlord = [[House Tyrell]]
 
| Ancestral_weapon = [[Vigilance]]
 
| Ancestral_weapon = [[Vigilance]]
 
| Cadet_branch =
 
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in = [[Age of Dawn]]
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| Founded_in = [[Dawn Age]]
 
| Founder = [[Uthor of the High Tower]]
 
| Founder = [[Uthor of the High Tower]]
 
| Died_out =
 
| Died_out =
 
}}
 
}}
'''House Hightower of the Hightower''' is one of the most powerful of the noble houses in the [[Reach]]. Their seat is the [[Hightower]], located in the city of [[Oldtown]].  The sigil of House Hightower is a stone white watchtower, with a fire on the top.{{ref|thk}}<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/7/ Houses in the Reach]</ref>  Their motto is ''"We Light the Way"''.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} They possess a [[Valyrian steel]] sword called [[Vigilance]].{{ref|tpatq}}
 
  
The Hightowers are among the oldest and proudest of the [[Great Houses]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} They have often preferred trade instead of war,{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} and have also avoided many wars because of their support for the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Oldtown}} The Hightowers can be legitimately referred to as being either "of Hightower" or "of Oldtown".<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P225/ The Arryns and the Hightower], May 1999</ref>
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'''House Hightower of the Hightower''', also known as '''House Hightower of Oldtown''',<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P240 The Arryns and the Hightower], May 8, 1999</ref> is one of the most powerful of the noble houses in the [[Reach]]. Their seat is the [[Hightower]], located in the city of [[Oldtown]]. The sigil of House Hightower is a stone white watchtower, with a fire on the top.{{Ref|THK}}<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/7/ Houses in the Reach]</ref> Their motto is ''"We Light the Way"'',{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} and they possess a [[Valyrian steel]] [[Armament|sword]] called [[Vigilance]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
  
Some Hightowers are said to have dabbled in alchemy and necromancy.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
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The Hightowers are among the oldest and proudest of the [[Great Houses]].{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} They have often preferred trade instead of war,{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} and have also avoided many wars because of their support for the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
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===Traits===
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A proud family,{{ref|ACOK|12}} some Hightowers are said to have dabbled in alchemy and necromancy.{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} Members of House Hightower thus far described tend to have silver or golden hair.<ref group="N">[[Alerie Hightower]] has silver hair, despite being in her late thirties, early forties. [[Lynesse Hightower]] has golden hair and resembles [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. And in the end of his life, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] confused [[Alicent Hightower]] with his daughter [[Saera Targaryen|Saera]], who, although her appearance has not been described, was a Targaryen.</ref>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Hightower Kings===
 
===Hightower Kings===
The family is ancient, existing since the [[dawn of days]] when they were petty-kings. While most scholars believe they descend from the [[First Men]], Maester [[Yandel]] posits they descend from the seafarers and traders that settled at the top of the [[Whispering Sound]] in an earlier time, men who came to [[Westeros]] before the First Men and seem to have founded the original incarnation of [[Oldtown]]. Whatever the truth, the Hightowers resided in the ancient [[black stone]] fortress of [[Battle Isle]] at the mouth of the [[Honeywine]] before the "Hightower" of stone was built.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}
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[[File:Urrigon Hightower.png|thumb|200px|[[Urrigon Hightower]], from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': ''Histories & Lore'']]
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The family is ancient, existing since the [[dawn of days]] when they were petty-kings. While most scholars believe they descend from the [[First Men]], Maester [[Yandel]] posits they descend from the seafarers and traders that settled at the top of the [[Whispering Sound]] in an earlier time, men who came to [[Westeros]] before the First Men and seem to have founded the original incarnation of [[Oldtown]]. Whatever the truth, the Hightowers resided in the ancient [[black stone]] fortress of [[Battle Isle]] at the mouth of the [[Honeywine]] before the "Hightower" of stone was built.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
  
The Hightowers built four successive wooden beacon towers atop the fortress. The legendary King [[Uthor of the High Tower]] is said to have commissioned [[Bran the Builder]] or his son [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|Brandon]] to design the fifth tower, one built entirely of stone. Uthor's sons, King [[Urrigon Hightower|Urrigon]] and Prince [[Peremore Hightower|Peremore the Twisted]], were integral in the foundation of the [[Citadel]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
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The Hightowers built four successive wooden beacon towers atop the fortress. The legendary King [[Uthor of the High Tower]] is said to have commissioned [[Bran the Builder]] or his son [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|Brandon]] to design the fifth tower, one built entirely of stone. Uthor's sons, King [[Urrigon Hightower|Urrigon]] and Prince [[Peremore Hightower|Peremore the Twisted]], were integral in the foundation of the [[Citadel]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
  
During these early days Oldtown was threatened and sacked many times, including by [[ironborn]] raiders, [[Dornishmen]], and the armies of the [[Kings of the Reach]], [[House Gardener]] of [[Highgarden]]. The Kings of the High Tower raised strong walls and higher towers to keep any further invaders out. Oldtown was not brought into the realm of the Gardeners by conquest, but by marriage, during the reigns of King [[Lymond Hightower]] and King [[Garland II Gardener]]. Lymond the Sea Lion wed the daughter of Garland, while Garland put aside his own wives to marry Lymond's daughter.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: The Gardener Kings}}
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During these early days Oldtown was threatened and sacked many times, including by [[ironborn]] raiders, [[Dornishmen]], and the armies of the [[Kings of the Reach]], [[House Gardener]] of [[Highgarden]]. The Kings of the High Tower raised strong walls and higher towers to keep any further invaders out. Oldtown was not brought into the realm of the Gardeners by conquest, but by marriage, during the reigns of King [[Lymond Hightower]] and King [[Garland II Gardener]]. Lymond the Sea Lion wed the daughter of Garland, while Garland put aside his own wives to marry Lymond's daughter.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: The Gardener Kings}}
  
During the [[Andal invasion]], the Hightowers and the Gardeners allied with the [[Andals|newcomers]]. Thus they were able to keep their wealth, lands and privileges. Protected by the might of Highgarden, the lords of Oldtown turned their eyes to trade and commerce and grew with every generation to become one of the richest and most powerful noble families in Westeros. The Hightowers were also one of the first great lords to accept the [[Faith of the Seven]] and thus gave their patronage to the establishment of the office of [[High Septon]] and the building of the [[Starry Sept]] as the center of the Faith.
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===Gardener Era===
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During the [[coming of the Andals]], the Hightowers and the Gardeners allied with the [[Andals|newcomers]]. Thus they were able to keep their wealth, lands and privileges. Protected by the might of Highgarden, the lords of Oldtown turned their eyes to trade and commerce and grew with every generation to become one of the richest and most powerful noble families in Westeros. The Hightowers were also one of the first great lords to accept the [[Faith of the Seven]] and thus gave their patronage to the establishment of the office of [[High Septon]] and the building of the [[Starry Sept]] as the center of the Faith.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
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Through the centuries of the [[Kingdom of the Reach]], the [[House Peake|Peakes]] and [[House Osgrey|Osgreys]] boasted about marrying their daughters to Hightowers.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}{{Ref|TSS}}
  
 
===Targaryen Era===
 
===Targaryen Era===
During [[Aegon's Conquest]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], Lord [[Manfred Hightower]] heeded the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] and did not join his liege lord, King [[Mern IX Gardener]], on the march to the [[Field of Fire]]. Soon, Mern was dead and [[Highgarden]] surrendered, with the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] replacing the Gardeners. When [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] arrived at Oldtown on [[dragon]]back, Manfred opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged [[House Targaryen]]'s right to rule all Seven Kingdoms.
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[[File:The Hightower at Oldtown.jpg|thumb|The [[Hightower]] at [[Oldtown]] by Ted Nasmith ©]]
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During [[Aegon's Conquest]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], Lord [[Manfred Hightower (Aegon's Conquest)|Manfred Hightower]] heeded the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] and did not join his liege lord, King [[Mern IX Gardener]], on the march to the [[Field of Fire]]. Soon, Mern was dead and [[Highgarden]] surrendered, with the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] replacing the Gardeners. When [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] arrived at [[Oldtown]] on [[dragon]]back, Manfred opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged [[House Targaryen]]'s right to rule all Seven Kingdoms.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: Aegon's Conquest}}{{Ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}
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After the [[High Septon (Aegon I)|High Septon]] objected against the suggested match between Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor Targaryen]] and Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]], he suggested instead his own niece as Maegor's bride: [[Ceryse Hightower]], the daughter of Lord [[Manfred Hightower (son of Addam)|Manfred Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Ceryse and Maegor were wed in {{Date|25}}. Maegor took a second bride in {{Date|39}}, claiming that Ceryse was infertile. Lord Manfred objected to Maegor's second wedding. After Maegor had left Westeros in exile, and Septon [[Murmison]] had failed to make Ceryse fertile, Ceryse returned to the Hightower.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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In {{Date|41}}, Lord [[Martyn Hightower]] succeeded his father Manfred. In {{Date|43}}, Martyn's brother Ser [[Morgan Hightower|Morgan]] was the sole [[Warrior's Son]] pardonned by Maegor, following the mysterious death of the High Septon and the yielding of Oldtown by Martyn to the Targaryens. That same year, Maegor and Ceryse were reunited, and Ceryse eventually returned to [[King's Landing]] with her husband, where she remained until her death in {{Date|45}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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In {{Date|47}}, Princess [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella Targaryen]], the younger daughter of the deceased Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]] and Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]], was sent to Oldtown by King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] to be raised as a [[septa]]. When her mother Rhaena fled from Maegor in the night the next year, Maegor sent a rider to Oldtown commanding Lord Hightower to behead Rhaella as punishment for her mother's betrayal. Lord Hightower refused, however, and imprisoned the messenger instead. He then declared his support for Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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[[Eustace Hightower]]'s ship was the only one of the three in [[Alys Westhill]]'s expedition of {{Date|56}} across the [[Sunset Sea]] to return.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
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In {{Date|85}}, the ruling Lord Hightower sent his men to search for the escaped Princess [[Saera Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
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In {{Date|89}}, the ruling Lord Hightower staged a tourney at Oldtown in honor of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], who was visiting the city during one of his [[royal progress]]es.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
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===The Dance of the Dragons===
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[[File:The Greens by naomimakesart.jpg|thumb|350px|The [[greens]], by Naomimakesart ©]]
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The Hightowers were strong supporters of the [[greens]] against the [[blacks]] during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] was supported by his mother, the Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], and Aegon's grandfather, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], served as his first [[Hand of the King]]. Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], one of Otto's sons, served as second-in-command of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]. Otto and Gwayne were killed amid the [[fall of King's Landing]], however, and Alicent was taken captive by Aegon's rival, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
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Meanwhile, Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], Otto's nephew, commanded the greens' army from the Reach, which also included Ormund's cousins, Ser [[Bryndon Hightower|Bryndon]] and Ser [[Hobert Hightower]]. Three of the Hightowers' bannerhouses (the [[House Costayne|Costaynes]], [[House Mullendore|Mullendores]] and [[House Beesbury|Beesburys]]) fought for the blacks, however.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Ormund knighted Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] after the [[Battle on the Honeywine]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} and the Hightower host fought at [[siege of Longtable|Longtable]] and [[sack of Bitterbridge|Bitterbridge]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Ormund and Bryndon were both killed by Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] at [[First Battle of Tumbleton|First Tumbleton]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Although he was an ineffective leader, Hobert sacrificed himself during his [[poison]]ing of Ser [[Ulf White]] after [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|Second Tumbleton]]. Lord [[Unwin Peake]] led the remnants of the Hightower host in retreat after the battle.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
  
The Hightowers were strong supporters of the [[greens]] against the [[blacks]] during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] was supported by his mother, the Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], and his grandfather, the [[Hand of the King]] Ser [[Otto Hightower]]. Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]] served as second-in-command of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]. Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] commanded the greens' army from the Reach, which also included the knights [[Bryndon Hightower|Bryndon]] and [[Hobert Hightower]]. Three of the Hightowers' bannerhouses (the [[House Costayne|Costaynes]], [[House Mullendore|Mullendores]] and [[House Beesbury|Beesburys]]) fought for the blacks, however.{{ref|tpatq}}
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===Later History===
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Lord Ormund was succeeded by his son, Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]], who caused relations to sour when he announced his intent to marry his widowed step-mother, Lady [[Samantha Tarly]], denounced by the [[High Septon]] as a form of incest.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} After the [[Rogare Bank]] collapsed in {{Date|136}}, she founded the [[Bank of Oldtown]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
  
Perhaps because of their heavy losses during the Dance of the Dragons, House Hightower gave strong support to neither side during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], keeping a foot in both Targaryen and [[House Blackfyre|Blackfyre]] camps.{{ref|TSS}}
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Following the death of her first husband, Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]] married [[Garmund Hightower]] and had six daughters by him.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
  
Ser [[Abelar Hightower]] challenged Prince [[Valarr Targaryen]] in the first tilt of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] and was defeated.{{ref|thk}} House Hightower was among the houses that Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] mentioned as part of his litany of great houses that [[House Osgrey|Osgrey]] maids once married into.{{ref|tss}}
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House Hightower gave strong support to neither side during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], keeping a foot in both Targaryen and [[House Blackfyre|Blackfyre]] camps.{{Ref|TSS}}
  
Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] and Princess [[Elia Martell]] visited [[Oldtown]] on their way to [[Casterly Rock]] where their mother was to broker their marriage to the [[House Lannister|Lannister]] twins, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]]. While in Oldtown they met [[Baelor Hightower]], whom Elia fancied but Oberyn mocked after he farted in their presence.{{ref|ASOS|70}} Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] later offered his youngest son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], as a match for a Hightower daughter, but Lord [[Leyton Hightower]] declined.{{ref|ASOS|19}}
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Ser [[Abelar Hightower]] challenged Prince [[Valarr Targaryen]] in the first tilt of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] and was defeated.{{Ref|THK}}
  
===Baratheon Era===
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===Recent History===
During [[Robert's Rebellion]], the Hightowers remained loyal to King [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys II]] and the Targaryen dynasty.{{ref|ACOK|12}} Ser [[Gerold Hightower]], the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]], was [[Showdown at the Tower of Joy|killed]] at the [[Tower of Joy]].{{ref|AGOT|39}} The Hightowers knelt to the new king, [[Robert I Baratheon]], after the defeat of the Targaryens.
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[[File:Thaldir Ser Gerold Hightower.jpg|thumb|Ser [[Gerold Hightower]], by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] and Princess [[Elia Martell]] visited Oldtown on their way to [[Casterly Rock]] where their mother was to broker their marriage to the [[House Lannister|Lannister]] twins, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]]. While in Oldtown they met [[Baelor Hightower]], whom Elia fancied but Oberyn mocked after he farted in their presence.{{Ref|ASOS|70}} Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] later offered his youngest son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], as a match for a Hightower daughter, but Lord [[Leyton Hightower]] declined.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}
  
Lord Leyton attended the [[tourney at Lannisport]] to watch his sons joust. [[Lynesse Hightower|Lynesse]] accompanied her father, meeting and marrying [[Jorah Mormont]], Lord of [[Bear Island]]. [[Mormont Keep|Mormont's hall]] proved underwhelming, however, and Lynesse eventually became the chief concubine of [[Tregar Ormollen]] in [[Lys]].{{ref|ACOK|12}}
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During [[Robert's Rebellion]], the Hightowers remained loyal to King [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys II]] and the Targaryen dynasty.{{Ref|ACOK|12}} Ser [[Gerold Hightower]], the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]], was [[Combat at the tower of joy|killed]] at the [[tower of joy]].{{Ref|AGOT|39}} The Hightowers knelt to the new king, [[Robert I Baratheon]], after the defeat of the Targaryens.
  
House Hightower continues to be patrons of both the Citadel and the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} They are as rich as [[House Lannister]] and can field three times as many swords as other Tyrell bannermen, as well as the manpower of Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|45}} The four-decked ''[[Honor of Oldtown]]'' is the flagship of the Hightower fleet.
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Lord Leyton attended the [[tourney at Lannisport]] to watch his sons joust. [[Lynesse Hightower|Lynesse]] accompanied her father, meeting and marrying [[Jorah Mormont]], Lord of [[Bear Island]]. [[Mormont Keep|Mormont's hall]] proved underwhelming, however, and Lynesse eventually became the chief concubine of [[Tregar Ormollen]] in [[Lys]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}}
  
The current head of the house, Lord [[Leyton Hightower|Leyton]], has not descended from the High Tower in over a decade.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}} His fourth and current wife is [[Rhea Florent]]. Besides her family, the Hightowers are connected to several prominent Reach houses; Leyton's second daughter, [[Alerie Hightower|Alerie]], is wed to their liege, [[Mace Tyrell]].
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House Hightower continues to be patrons of both the [[Citadel]] and the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} They are as rich as [[House Lannister]] and can field three times as many swords as other Tyrell [[bannermen]], as well as the manpower of [[Oldtown]]. The four-decked ''[[Honor of Oldtown]]'' is the flagship of the Hightower fleet.{{Ref|AFFC|45}}
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Lord Leyton has not descended from the [[High Tower]] in over a decade.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} His fourth and current wife is Lady [[Rhea Florent]]. Besides her family, the Hightowers are connected to several prominent Reach houses; Leyton's second daughter, Lady [[Alerie Hightower|Alerie]], is wed to their liege lord, [[Mace Tyrell]].{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[Alerie Hightower]]'s daughter, [[Margaery Tyrell]], marries [[Renly Baratheon]] at [[Highgarden]].{{ref|AGOT|69}}
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[[Alerie Hightower]]'s daughter, [[Margaery Tyrell]], marries [[Renly Baratheon]] at [[Highgarden]].{{Ref|AGOT|69}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
At the start of the  [[War of the Five Kings]], the Hightowers follow the Tyrell lead in supporting Renly.{{ref|ACOK|31}} The Hightowers do not change to [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s side after [[siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly's assassination]].  
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At the start of the  [[War of the Five Kings]], the Hightowers follow the Tyrell lead in supporting Renly.{{Ref|ACOK|31}} The Hightowers do not change to [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s side after [[siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly's assassination]].
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[[Daenerys Targaryen]] reminds the exiled Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] of his second wife, [[Lynesse Hightower]].{{ref|ACOK|12}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Following the [[battle of the Blackwater]], the [[small council]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] grants some lands from the defeated to Lord [[Leyton Hightower]].{{ref|ASOS|19}}
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[[File:Leyton Hightower.jpg|thumb|Lord [[Leyton Hightower]], by Anna Christenson © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], the [[small council]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] grants some lands from the defeated to Lord [[Leyton Hightower]].{{Ref|ASOS|19}}
  
With the Tyrells allied with [[House Lannister]], Alerie travels to [[King's Landing]], where she attends the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of Margaery to Joffrey, during which the king dies.{{ref|ASOS|60}}  
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With the Tyrells allied with [[House Lannister]], Alerie travels to [[King's Landing]], where she attends the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of Margaery to Joffrey, during which the king dies.{{Ref|ASOS|60}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Alerie attends the funeral of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]{{ref|AFFC|7}} and Margaery's wedding to the new king, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]].{{ref|AFFC|12}}  
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Alerie attends the funeral of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]{{ref|AFFC|7}} and Margaery's wedding to the new king, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]].{{Ref|AFFC|12}}  
  
House Hightower's caution changes in response to the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoy]] [[taking of the Shields]] and attacks on the Reach. Old Lord Leyton stays in his tower with [[Malora Hightower|Malora]] the Mad Maid, supposedly researching books of spells, and sends forth his sons with varying tasks. [[Baelor Hightower|Baelor Brightsmile]] is building ships, [[Gunthor Hightower|Gunthor]] is building up the harbor's defenses, [[Garth Hightower|Garth Greysteel]] is training men, and [[Humfrey Hightower|Humfrey]] is traveling to his sister [[Lynesse Hightower|Lynesse]] in [[Lys]], where he hopes to hire [[sellsail]]s. [[Euron Greyjoy]]'s [[ironborn]] conquer parts of the [[Arbor]] and attempt to blockade the [[Honeywine]]. One attack on Oldtown's harbor is repulsed by the defenders, but the city remains under serious threat.{{ref|AFFC|45}}
+
House Hightower's caution changes in response to the [[taking of the Shields]] and attacks on the Reach by [[House Greyjoy]]. Old Lord Leyton stays in his tower with [[Malora Hightower|Malora the Mad Maid]], supposedly researching books of spells, and sends forth his sons with varying tasks. [[Baelor Hightower|Baelor Brightsmile]] is building ships, [[Gunthor Hightower|Gunthor]] is building up the harbor's defenses, [[Garth Hightower|Garth Greysteel]] is training men, and [[Humfrey Hightower|Humfrey]] is traveling to his sister [[Lynesse Hightower|Lynesse]] in [[Lys]], where he hopes to hire [[sellsail]]s. The [[ironborn]] of King [[Euron Greyjoy]] conquer parts of the [[Arbor]], however, and attempt to blockade the [[Honeywine]]. One attack on Oldtown's harbor is repulsed by the defenders, but the city remains under serious threat.{{Ref|AFFC|45}}
  
 
==House Hightower at the end of the third century==
 
==House Hightower at the end of the third century==
 
 
The known Hightowers during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
 
The known Hightowers during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
  
* Lord [[Leyton Hightower]], called the ''Old Man of [[Oldtown]]''.
+
* Lord [[Leyton Hightower]], called the Old Man of [[Oldtown]].
 
** Lady [[Rhea Florent]], his fourth wife.
 
** Lady [[Rhea Florent]], his fourth wife.
*** Ser [[Baelor Hightower]], his eldest son and heir. Called ''Baelor Brightsmile''. Married to [[Rhonda Rowan]].
+
*** Ser [[Baelor Hightower]], his eldest son and heir. Called Baelor Brightsmile. Married to [[Rhonda Rowan]].
*** [[Malora Hightower]], his eldest daughter. Called the ''Mad Maid''.
+
*** [[Malora Hightower]], his eldest daughter. Called the Mad Maid.
 
*** [[Alerie Hightower]], his second daughter. Married to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]].
 
*** [[Alerie Hightower]], his second daughter. Married to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]].
*** Ser [[Garth Hightower]], his second son. Called ''Garth Greysteel''.
+
*** Ser [[Garth Hightower]], his second son. Called Garth Greysteel.
 
*** [[Denyse Hightower]], his third daughter. Married to Ser [[Desmond Redwyne]].
 
*** [[Denyse Hightower]], his third daughter. Married to Ser [[Desmond Redwyne]].
 
*** [[Leyla Hightower]], his fourth daughter. Married to Ser [[Jon Cupps]].
 
*** [[Leyla Hightower]], his fourth daughter. Married to Ser [[Jon Cupps]].
Line 85: Line 119:
 
*** Ser [[Gunthor Hightower]], his third son. Married to [[Jeyne Fossoway]].
 
*** Ser [[Gunthor Hightower]], his third son. Married to [[Jeyne Fossoway]].
 
*** Ser [[Humfrey Hightower]], his fourth son.
 
*** Ser [[Humfrey Hightower]], his fourth son.
* Ser {[[Gerold Hightower]]}, called the ''White Bull''. [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]] under kings, [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]] and [[Aerys II Targaryen]]. His uncle. [[Showdown at the Tower of Joy|Slain]] at the [[tower of Joy]] in {{date|283}}.
+
* Ser {[[Gerold Hightower]]}, called the White Bull. [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]] under kings, [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]] and [[Aerys II Targaryen]]. His uncle. [[Combat at the tower of joy|Slain]] at the [[tower of Joy]] in {{Date|283}}.
  
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch:  
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch:  
* Maester {[[Walys Flowers]]}, son of a Hightower girl and an [[Maesters|Archmaester]] of the [[Citadel]]. Maester to the late Lord [[Rickard Stark]].  
+
* Maester {[[Walys Flowers]]}, son of a Hightower girl and an [[Maesters|archmaester]] of the [[Citadel]]. Maester to the late Lord [[Rickard Stark]].  
  
 
+
{{Template:Hightower tree}}
{{Template:Hightower_tree}}
 
  
 
==Historical Members==
 
==Historical Members==
 +
===Before the Conquest===
 
* King [[Uthor of the High Tower]], a legendary figure of the [[Dawn Age]], credited with the building of the first stone [[Hightower]].
 
* King [[Uthor of the High Tower]], a legendary figure of the [[Dawn Age]], credited with the building of the first stone [[Hightower]].
 
** King [[Urrigon Hightower]], his eldest son and successor, who bequeathed lands for the foundation of the [[Citadel]].
 
** King [[Urrigon Hightower]], his eldest son and successor, who bequeathed lands for the foundation of the [[Citadel]].
** Prince [[Peremore Hightower]], called the ''Twisted'', who brought a group of scholars together, who, in the end, would go on to found the Citadel.
+
** Prince [[Peremore Hightower]], called the Twisted, who brought a group of scholars together, who, in the end, would go on to found the Citadel.
 
* King [[Otho II Hightower]], who strengthened the defenses of [[Oldtown]] to prevent further sacking by foreign forces.
 
* King [[Otho II Hightower]], who strengthened the defenses of [[Oldtown]] to prevent further sacking by foreign forces.
* King [[Lymond Hightower]], called the ''Sea Lion'', who defeated an invasion of [[ironborn]] raiders and married the daughter of [[Garland II Gardener]], thus bringing Oldtown under the power of [[Highgarden]]. Afterwards he ruled as the first Lord of Oldtown.
+
* King [[Lymond Hightower]], called the Sea Lion, who defeated an invasion of [[ironborn]] raiders and married the daughter of [[Garland II Gardener]], thus bringing Oldtown under the power of [[Highgarden]]. Afterwards he ruled as the first Lord of Oldtown.
 
* Lord [[Jeremy Hightower]], who fostered trade and doubled his house's wealth.
 
* Lord [[Jeremy Hightower]], who fostered trade and doubled his house's wealth.
** Lord [[Jason Hightower]], his son and heir, who rebuild the Hightower a hundred feet higher.
+
** Lord [[Jason Hightower]], his son and heir, who rebuilt the Hightower a hundred feet higher.
 
* Lord [[Dorian Hightower]], who set aside his wife for an [[Andal]] princess and the stability of trade.
 
* Lord [[Dorian Hightower]], who set aside his wife for an [[Andal]] princess and the stability of trade.
 
** Lord [[Damon Hightower]], called the Devout, his grandson, who was the first to accept the [[Faith of the Seven]].
 
** Lord [[Damon Hightower]], called the Devout, his grandson, who was the first to accept the [[Faith of the Seven]].
 
*** Lord [[Triston Hightower]], his son, who was fostered by the Faith and raised the [[Starry Sept]].
 
*** Lord [[Triston Hightower]], his son, who was fostered by the Faith and raised the [[Starry Sept]].
 
**** Lord [[Barris Hightower]], his son, who gave the [[High Septon]] his first crystal crown.
 
**** Lord [[Barris Hightower]], his son, who gave the [[High Septon]] his first crystal crown.
 +
* Lord Hightower, ruling during the reign of King [[Garth XI Gardener]]. His comment led people to refer to the king as "Garth the Painter".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Andals in the Reach}}
 
* [[Runcel Hightower]]. He was [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]] and tried to bequeath [[Night's Watch|the Watch]] to his bastard son.
 
* [[Runcel Hightower]]. He was [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]] and tried to bequeath [[Night's Watch|the Watch]] to his bastard son.
* Lord [[Manfred Hightower]], was the head of House Hightower during [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
+
 
** Lord [[Martyn Hightower]] eldest son and heir of Manfred.
+
===After the Conquest===
*** Lady [[Ceryse Hightower]], daughter of Martyn, first wife of [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. Died in {{date|45}}, possibly killed under Maegor's command.
+
* Lord [[Manfred Hightower (Aegon's Conquest)|Manfred Hightower]], was the head of House Hightower during [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
** Ser [[Morgan Hightower]]. Had recently joined the [[Warrior's Sons]] during the Conquest,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} and later became the Commander of the chapter at Oldtown. He was the sole Warrior's Son pardoned by Maegor I following the [[Faith Militant uprising]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}{{ref|TSotD}}
+
** Lord [[Addam Hightower]], eldest son and heir to Manfred.{{Ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}}
** A son who had recently taken the vows of a [[septon]] at the end of [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
+
*** Lord [[Manfred Hightower (son of Addam)|Manfred Hightower]], the son of Addam.<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [SPOILERS] Family trees and successions - [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152622-spoilers-family-trees-and-successions/&do=findComment&comment=8276294 "Addam Hightower is indeed the father of Manfred #2."]</ref>
** A son.
+
**** Lord [[Martyn Hightower]], Manfred's eldest son and heir.
** Unknown number of daughters. Manfred offered his youngest to [[Aegon I Targaryen]] upon opening the gates of Oldtown to him, which Aegon declined so as not to offend his Queens.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
+
**** Queen [[Ceryse Hightower]], the daughter of Manfred, and the first wife of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].
* Lady [[Patrice Hightower]], maiden sister of Manfred and aunt of Martyn. Suspected by some to have murdered the [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]], in {{date|43}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}{{Ref|TSotD}}
+
**** Ser [[Morgan Hightower]], Martyn's younger brother, and a member of the [[Warrior's Sons]].
* Ser [[Otto Hightower]]. He was the [[Hand of the King]] during the reigns of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. He was the uncle of Lord Ormund Hightower.{{ref|tpatq}}<ref>Ran's comment [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/113133-rogue-prince-or-kings-brother-part-ii/?p=5970769]</ref>
+
*** Lady [[Patrice Hightower]], Manfred's maiden sister and Martyn's aunt. Suspected by some to have murdered the [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]], in {{Date|43}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
** [[Alicent Hightower]], daughter of Ser Otto and the Queen of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], who gave him three sons and a daughter, including [[Aegon II Targaryen]], who was one of the claimants in the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|tpatq}}
+
** [[Garmon Hightower]], a younger son of Manfred and brother to Addam, slain by Ser Joffrey Dayne during the [[First Dornish War]].
** At least one other son.
+
** A son who had recently taken the vows of a [[septon]] at the end of Aegon's Conquest.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
** Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], the youngest brother of Queen Alicent.{{ref|tpatq}}  
+
** A son who had joined the Warrior's Sons.
* Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]. Lord of the Hightower during the Dance of the Dragons. He [[knight]]ed Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], using the [[Valyrian steel]] longsword [[Vigilance]], dubbing the prince Ser Daeron the Daring. He was killed by Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] at the [[first Battle of Tumbleton]].{{ref|tpatq}}
+
** Daughters. Manfred offered his youngest to [[Aegon I Targaryen]] upon opening the gates of Oldtown to him, which Aegon declined so as not to offend his Queens.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
** An unnamed number of sons.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
* Unknown male Hightower for which a betrothal to one of Lord [[House Tarth|Tarth]]'s [[Tarth triplets|triplet daughters]] was arranged by Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]], the foremost knight of Oldtown, cousin to Lord Ormund. Killed alongside Ormund by Lord Roderick Dustin at the first battle of Tumbleton.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
* Lord [[Donnel Hightower]], who ruled the Hightower during the early part of the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].
* Ser [[Hobert Hightower]], cousin to Lord Ormund. Sixty years old in {{date|130}}.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
** Ser [[Eustace Hightower]], Donnel's grandson.
* [[Garmund Hightower]], married to Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]] and had six daughters.{{ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
+
*** Eustace's wife and children.
* Lord [[Jon Hightower]], Lord of the Hightower, and Hand of the King in the final years of the reign of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{ref|twoiaf| Aegon IV}}
+
** Ser [[Norman Hightower]], Donnel's grandson.
* Ser [[Abelar Hightower]]. He was a participant of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] and heir of the Hightower.{{ref|thk}}
+
** [[High Septon (brother of Donnel Hightower)|High Septon]], a younger brother of Lord Donnel who became High Septon after [[Alfyn (septon)|Alfyn]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
* Lord [[Quenton Hightower]]. He ordered Oldtown closed and ordered anyone trying to leave to be killed to prevent the spread of the [[grey plague]] as it took half the city. Survivors of the plague killed him and his young son in the streets the day he had those orders rescinded.
+
** Other brother(s) of Lord Donnel.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
** Donnel's other relatives, including: uncles, nieces and at least 6 cousins and 2 nephews.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
* Lord Hightower ruling in {{Date|85}}. He sent his men to search for the escaped Princess [[Saera Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
 +
* Lord Hightower ruling in {{Date|89}}. He staged a [[tourney]] in honor of King Jaehaerys I.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
 +
* [[Lord Hightower]], the Lord of the Hightower during the late reign of King Jaehaerys I and the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon}}
 +
** Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], his son and successor. Lord of the Hightower during the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Married twice, second to Lady [[Samantha Tarly]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
 +
*** Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]], his son, Lord of the Hightower during the reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Second husband of Lady Samantha Tarly.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
 +
**** Six children.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
 +
**** Ser [[Myles Hightower]], Lyonel's cousin.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
 +
*** [[Martyn Hightower (son of Ormund)|Martyn Hightower]], his son.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
 +
*** [[Garmund Hightower]], his son, married to Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]].
 +
**** Six daughters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
 +
*** [[Bethany Hightower]], his daughter. One of the thirty-three maidens from the Reach proposed by Samantha Tarly as a suitable wife for King Aegon III Targaryen.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
 +
*** Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]], the foremost knight of Oldtown, cousin to Lord Ormund. Killed alongside Ormund by Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] at the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
 +
*** Ser [[Hobert Hightower]], cousin to Lord Ormund. Sixty years old in {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
 +
** Ser [[Otto Hightower]], his younger brother. He was the [[Hand of the King]] during the reigns of Jaehaerys I, Viserys I and [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. He was the uncle of Lord Ormund Hightower.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<ref>Ran's comment [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/113133-rogue-prince-or-kings-brother-part-ii/?p=5970769]</ref>
 +
*** [[Alicent Hightower]], daughter of Ser Otto and the Queen of King Viserys I Targaryen, who gave him three sons and a daughter, including Aegon II Targaryen, who was one of the claimants in the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 +
*** At least one other son.
 +
*** Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], the youngest brother of Queen Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 +
* Unnamed female Hightower, one of the thirty-three maidens from the Reach proposed by Samantha Tarly as suitable queens, alongside Bethany Hightower.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
 +
* Lord [[Jon Hightower]], Lord of the Hightower, and Hand of the King in the final years of the reign of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
* Ser [[Abelar Hightower]], a participant of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] and heir to Oldtown.{{Ref|THK}}
 +
* Lord [[Quenton Hightower]], Lord of the Hightower during the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]]. He ordered Oldtown to be closed and anyone caught trying to leave to be killed to prevent the spread of the [[grey plague]] as it took half the city. Survivors of the plague murdered him and his young son in the streets the day he had those orders rescinded.
 +
** His young son.{{Ref|AFFC|8}}
  
 
==Sworn Houses==
 
==Sworn Houses==
* '''[[House Beesbury]]'''of [[Honeyholt]]
+
{{plainlist|
* '''[[House Bulwer]]''' of [[Blackcrown]]
+
*{{coa|Beesbury|m}} [[House Beesbury]] of [[Honeyholt]]
* '''[[House Costayne]]''' of the [[Three Towers]]
+
*{{coa|Bulwer|m}} [[House Bulwer]] of [[Blackcrown]]
* '''[[House Cuy]]''' of [[Sunhouse]]
+
*{{coa|Costayne|m}} [[House Costayne]] of the [[Three Towers]]
* '''[[House Mullendore]]''' of [[Uplands]]
+
*{{coa|Cuy|m}} [[House Cuy]] of [[Sunhouse]]
 +
*{{coa|Mullendore|m}} [[House Mullendore]] of [[Uplands]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Quotes==
 +
{{Quote|The Hightowers are an ancient family, very rich and very proud.{{ref|ACOK|12}}|[[Jorah Mormont]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
{{Notes}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{references|2}}
+
{{References|2}}
  
 
{{HousesReach}}
 
{{HousesReach}}
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[[Category:Houses from the Reach|Hightower]]
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[[Category:Kings of the High Tower| ]]
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[[Category:Lords of the Hightower| ]]
 
[[Category:Noble houses|Hightower]]
 
[[Category:Noble houses|Hightower]]
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[[Category:Royal houses|Hightower]]
  
 
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[[es:Casa Hightower]]
 
[[fa:خاندان های تاور]]
 
[[fa:خاندان های تاور]]
 
[[fr:Maison Hightower]]
 
[[fr:Maison Hightower]]
 +
[[it:Nobile Casa Hightower]]
 +
[[nl:Huis Hoogtoren]]
 +
[[pt:Casa Hightower]]
 
[[ru:Хайтауэры]]
 
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[[zh:&#28023;&#22612;&#23572;&#23478;&#26063;]]

Latest revision as of 20:17, 16 January 2024

House Hightower of the Hightower
House Hightower.svg
We Light the Way
Coat of arms A white tower topped with flames on smoke grey
(Cendrée, a tower argent, beacon inflamed gules)
Seat The Hightower, Oldtown
Head Lord Leyton Hightower
Region The Reach
Titles
Heir Ser Baelor Hightower
Overlord House Tyrell
Ancestral weapon Vigilance
Founder Uthor of the High Tower
Founded Dawn Age

House Hightower of the Hightower, also known as House Hightower of Oldtown,[1] is one of the most powerful of the noble houses in the Reach. Their seat is the Hightower, located in the city of Oldtown. The sigil of House Hightower is a stone white watchtower, with a fire on the top.[2][3] Their motto is "We Light the Way",[4] and they possess a Valyrian steel sword called Vigilance.[5]

The Hightowers are among the oldest and proudest of the Great Houses.[4] They have often preferred trade instead of war,[4] and have also avoided many wars because of their support for the Faith of the Seven.[6]

Traits

A proud family,[7] some Hightowers are said to have dabbled in alchemy and necromancy.[4] Members of House Hightower thus far described tend to have silver or golden hair.[N 1]

History

Hightower Kings

Urrigon Hightower, from Game of Thrones: Histories & Lore

The family is ancient, existing since the dawn of days when they were petty-kings. While most scholars believe they descend from the First Men, Maester Yandel posits they descend from the seafarers and traders that settled at the top of the Whispering Sound in an earlier time, men who came to Westeros before the First Men and seem to have founded the original incarnation of Oldtown. Whatever the truth, the Hightowers resided in the ancient black stone fortress of Battle Isle at the mouth of the Honeywine before the "Hightower" of stone was built.[6]

The Hightowers built four successive wooden beacon towers atop the fortress. The legendary King Uthor of the High Tower is said to have commissioned Bran the Builder or his son Brandon to design the fifth tower, one built entirely of stone. Uthor's sons, King Urrigon and Prince Peremore the Twisted, were integral in the foundation of the Citadel.[6][4]

During these early days Oldtown was threatened and sacked many times, including by ironborn raiders, Dornishmen, and the armies of the Kings of the Reach, House Gardener of Highgarden. The Kings of the High Tower raised strong walls and higher towers to keep any further invaders out. Oldtown was not brought into the realm of the Gardeners by conquest, but by marriage, during the reigns of King Lymond Hightower and King Garland II Gardener. Lymond the Sea Lion wed the daughter of Garland, while Garland put aside his own wives to marry Lymond's daughter.[8]

Gardener Era

During the coming of the Andals, the Hightowers and the Gardeners allied with the newcomers. Thus they were able to keep their wealth, lands and privileges. Protected by the might of Highgarden, the lords of Oldtown turned their eyes to trade and commerce and grew with every generation to become one of the richest and most powerful noble families in Westeros. The Hightowers were also one of the first great lords to accept the Faith of the Seven and thus gave their patronage to the establishment of the office of High Septon and the building of the Starry Sept as the center of the Faith.[6]

Through the centuries of the Kingdom of the Reach, the Peakes and Osgreys boasted about marrying their daughters to Hightowers.[9][10]

Targaryen Era

The Hightower at Oldtown by Ted Nasmith ©

During Aegon's Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms, Lord Manfred Hightower heeded the High Septon and did not join his liege lord, King Mern IX Gardener, on the march to the Field of Fire. Soon, Mern was dead and Highgarden surrendered, with the Tyrells replacing the Gardeners. When Aegon the Conqueror arrived at Oldtown on dragonback, Manfred opened his gates. Aegon spared the city, and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged House Targaryen's right to rule all Seven Kingdoms.[11][12]

After the High Septon objected against the suggested match between Prince Maegor Targaryen and Princess Rhaena Targaryen, he suggested instead his own niece as Maegor's bride: Ceryse Hightower, the daughter of Lord Manfred Hightower.[13] Ceryse and Maegor were wed in 25 AC. Maegor took a second bride in 39 AC, claiming that Ceryse was infertile. Lord Manfred objected to Maegor's second wedding. After Maegor had left Westeros in exile, and Septon Murmison had failed to make Ceryse fertile, Ceryse returned to the Hightower.[13]

In 41 AC, Lord Martyn Hightower succeeded his father Manfred. In 43 AC, Martyn's brother Ser Morgan was the sole Warrior's Son pardonned by Maegor, following the mysterious death of the High Septon and the yielding of Oldtown by Martyn to the Targaryens. That same year, Maegor and Ceryse were reunited, and Ceryse eventually returned to King's Landing with her husband, where she remained until her death in 45 AC.[13]

In 47 AC, Princess Rhaella Targaryen, the younger daughter of the deceased Prince Aegon Targaryen and Queen Rhaena Targaryen, was sent to Oldtown by King Maegor I Targaryen to be raised as a septa. When her mother Rhaena fled from Maegor in the night the next year, Maegor sent a rider to Oldtown commanding Lord Hightower to behead Rhaella as punishment for her mother's betrayal. Lord Hightower refused, however, and imprisoned the messenger instead. He then declared his support for Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen.[13]

Eustace Hightower's ship was the only one of the three in Alys Westhill's expedition of 56 AC across the Sunset Sea to return.[14]

In 85 AC, the ruling Lord Hightower sent his men to search for the escaped Princess Saera Targaryen.[15]

In 89 AC, the ruling Lord Hightower staged a tourney at Oldtown in honor of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, who was visiting the city during one of his royal progresses.[15]

The Dance of the Dragons

The greens, by Naomimakesart ©

The Hightowers were strong supporters of the greens against the blacks during the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. King Aegon II Targaryen was supported by his mother, the Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower, and Aegon's grandfather, Ser Otto Hightower, served as his first Hand of the King. Ser Gwayne Hightower, one of Otto's sons, served as second-in-command of the City Watch of King's Landing. Otto and Gwayne were killed amid the fall of King's Landing, however, and Alicent was taken captive by Aegon's rival, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.[5][16]

Meanwhile, Lord Ormund Hightower, Otto's nephew, commanded the greens' army from the Reach, which also included Ormund's cousins, Ser Bryndon and Ser Hobert Hightower. Three of the Hightowers' bannerhouses (the Costaynes, Mullendores and Beesburys) fought for the blacks, however.[5] Ormund knighted Prince Daeron Targaryen after the Battle on the Honeywine,[5] and the Hightower host fought at Longtable and Bitterbridge.[16] Ormund and Bryndon were both killed by Lord Roderick Dustin at First Tumbleton.[16] Although he was an ineffective leader, Hobert sacrificed himself during his poisoning of Ser Ulf White after Second Tumbleton. Lord Unwin Peake led the remnants of the Hightower host in retreat after the battle.[17]

Later History

Lord Ormund was succeeded by his son, Lord Lyonel Hightower, who caused relations to sour when he announced his intent to marry his widowed step-mother, Lady Samantha Tarly, denounced by the High Septon as a form of incest.[18] After the Rogare Bank collapsed in 136 AC, she founded the Bank of Oldtown.[19]

Following the death of her first husband, Lady Rhaena Targaryen married Garmund Hightower and had six daughters by him.[20]

House Hightower gave strong support to neither side during the First Blackfyre Rebellion, keeping a foot in both Targaryen and Blackfyre camps.[10]

Ser Abelar Hightower challenged Prince Valarr Targaryen in the first tilt of the tourney at Ashford Meadow and was defeated.[2]

Recent History

Ser Gerold Hightower, by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games

Prince Oberyn Martell and Princess Elia Martell visited Oldtown on their way to Casterly Rock where their mother was to broker their marriage to the Lannister twins, Cersei and Jaime. While in Oldtown they met Baelor Hightower, whom Elia fancied but Oberyn mocked after he farted in their presence.[21] Lord Tywin Lannister later offered his youngest son, Tyrion, as a match for a Hightower daughter, but Lord Leyton Hightower declined.[22]

During Robert's Rebellion, the Hightowers remained loyal to King Aerys II and the Targaryen dynasty.[7] Ser Gerold Hightower, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, was killed at the tower of joy.[23] The Hightowers knelt to the new king, Robert I Baratheon, after the defeat of the Targaryens.

Lord Leyton attended the tourney at Lannisport to watch his sons joust. Lynesse accompanied her father, meeting and marrying Jorah Mormont, Lord of Bear Island. Mormont's hall proved underwhelming, however, and Lynesse eventually became the chief concubine of Tregar Ormollen in Lys.[7]

House Hightower continues to be patrons of both the Citadel and the Faith of the Seven.[4] They are as rich as House Lannister and can field three times as many swords as other Tyrell bannermen, as well as the manpower of Oldtown. The four-decked Honor of Oldtown is the flagship of the Hightower fleet.[24]

Lord Leyton has not descended from the High Tower in over a decade.[25] His fourth and current wife is Lady Rhea Florent. Besides her family, the Hightowers are connected to several prominent Reach houses; Leyton's second daughter, Lady Alerie, is wed to their liege lord, Mace Tyrell.[4]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Alerie Hightower's daughter, Margaery Tyrell, marries Renly Baratheon at Highgarden.[26]

A Clash of Kings

At the start of the War of the Five Kings, the Hightowers follow the Tyrell lead in supporting Renly.[27] The Hightowers do not change to Stannis Baratheon's side after Renly's assassination.

Daenerys Targaryen reminds the exiled Ser Jorah Mormont of his second wife, Lynesse Hightower.[7]

A Storm of Swords

Lord Leyton Hightower, by Anna Christenson © Fantasy Flight Games

Following the Battle of the Blackwater, the small council of King Joffrey I Baratheon grants some lands from the defeated to Lord Leyton Hightower.[22]

With the Tyrells allied with House Lannister, Alerie travels to King's Landing, where she attends the royal wedding of Margaery to Joffrey, during which the king dies.[28]

A Feast for Crows

Alerie attends the funeral of Lord Tywin Lannister[29] and Margaery's wedding to the new king, Tommen I Baratheon.[30]

House Hightower's caution changes in response to the taking of the Shields and attacks on the Reach by House Greyjoy. Old Lord Leyton stays in his tower with Malora the Mad Maid, supposedly researching books of spells, and sends forth his sons with varying tasks. Baelor Brightsmile is building ships, Gunthor is building up the harbor's defenses, Garth Greysteel is training men, and Humfrey is traveling to his sister Lynesse in Lys, where he hopes to hire sellsails. The ironborn of King Euron Greyjoy conquer parts of the Arbor, however, and attempt to blockade the Honeywine. One attack on Oldtown's harbor is repulsed by the defenders, but the city remains under serious threat.[24]

House Hightower at the end of the third century

The known Hightowers during the timespan of the events described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 


Historical Members

Before the Conquest

After the Conquest

Sworn Houses


Quotes

The Hightowers are an ancient family, very rich and very proud.[7]

Notes

  1. Alerie Hightower has silver hair, despite being in her late thirties, early forties. Lynesse Hightower has golden hair and resembles Daenerys Targaryen. And in the end of his life, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen confused Alicent Hightower with his daughter Saera, who, although her appearance has not been described, was a Targaryen.

References

  1. So Spake Martin: The Arryns and the Hightower, May 8, 1999
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Hedge Knight.
  3. The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the Reach
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
  8. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: The Gardener Kings.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  10. 10.0 10.1 The Sworn Sword.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: Aegon's Conquest.
  12. Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  14. Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  17. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  18. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
  19. Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  20. 20.0 20.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.
  21. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
  23. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
  24. 24.0 24.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
  25. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  26. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  27. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
  28. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  29. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  30. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  31. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Andals in the Reach.
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  33. Fire & Blood, Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I.
  34. asoiaf.westeros.org: [SPOILERS] Family trees and successions - "Addam Hightower is indeed the father of Manfred #2."
  35. Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  37. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon.
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  40. Ran's comment [1]
  41. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
  42. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.