House Hightower, a formidable family from the South of Westeros, has long stood as a prominent force, overshadowing even their liege lords, the Tyrells of Highgarden. Their wealth and influence are renowned, with the head of the House bearing titles like Beacon of the South and Defender of the Citadel. In House of the Dragon, the Hightowers trace their lineage back to ancient independent monarchs who once reigned as kings of the High Tower.
Legend has it that the Hightower kings relinquished their crown to become lords after a strategic marriage alliance orchestrated by King Garland II Gardener of the Reach. This marriage pact saw the Hightowers pledge allegiance to House Gardener, with a mutual agreement to safeguard the revered city of Oldtown. Meanwhile, the Hightowers flourished in commerce and religious diplomacy, wielding their Valyrian steel longsword, Vigilance, as a symbol of their supremacy within the Reach.
House Hightower's Strategic Moves During the Targaryen Conquest
Amidst Aegon's Conquest of Westeros, House Hightower found itself entwined in the fate of King Mern IX Gardener, who allied with Loren I Lannister, the King of the Rock. While a coalition of forces clashed with the Targaryens near the Goldroad, the Hightowers diverged from their allies, opting for neutrality under the counsel of the High Septon of Oldtown. The arrival of Aegon and his dragons marked a pivotal turn of events at the Field of Fire, leading to the downfall of the Gardener lineage and the ascension of new rulers in the Reach.
Transitioning to the era depicted in House of the Dragon, the narrative unfolds with Lord Hobert Hightower and his intricate maneuvers within the Targaryen court. Otto and Hobert strategically deploy Lady Alicent to secure House Hightower's interests, ultimately influencing key royal decisions and succession dynamics in Westeros.
The Enigma of Vigilance: House Hightower's Valyrian Steel Legacy
Unraveling the Battle On The Honeywine
Vigilance, the illustrious Valyrian steel sword of House Hightower, plays a pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the Dance of the Dragons. Ormund Hightower, wielding Vigilance, commands forces aligned with the Greens, leading to decisive battles and heroic acts that shape the course of history. Notably, the valor displayed by Ormund and the significance of Vigilance in knighting Prince Daeron Targaryen underscore the sword's legendary status in Westeros.
The Vanishing Act of Vigilance
As tales from the Dance of the Dragons echo through history, the ultimate fate of Vigilance remains shrouded in mystery following the tumultuous First Battle of Tumbleton. Amidst betrayals and battlefield losses, the Hightowers faced a significant blow with the loss of Ormund and the enigmatic disappearance of their cherished Valyrian steel sword, Vigilance, leaving a lingering question mark over its whereabouts.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is set to premiere on HBO in June 2024, promising further revelations and unraveling of the intricate tapestry of House Hightower's legacy.