It makes me want to read the new characters in HBO’s House of the Dragons through the lens of Game of Thrones and see the dragon-riding princess Raenira (played by Milly Alcock in her youth) as the new Daenerys (Emilia Clarke). Other similarities exist between the two shows, but they’re probably less obvious.
Take the Hightowers, a minor presence in the “Thrones”. Based on the Sunday series premiere of “Dragon” set nearly 200 years ago, the family was apparently once a major player in Westeros’ deepest sanctuary of power. do you
From the first episode of “Dragon,” from “Thrones,” and from George R.R. Martin’s book, there’s already a lot to glean from the new series without ruining it. Let’s take a deeper look.
Who are the Hightowers?
The Hightowers may not be familiar to you, but we are already familiar with this ancient and noble lineage. tower of joy flashback Ser Gerold Hightower (Eddie Eyre) and two of the Tyrells, Margaery (Natalie Dormer) and Loras (Finn Jones), shared Hightower’s mother.
Otto Hightower (Rhys Effans) resembles Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) in many ways. Like Tywin, he is the hand of a widower, and just as Tywin used his daughter Cersei (Lena Headey), Otto uses his daughter Aricent (played by Emily Carey as a youth). ) as the king’s bait.
Details of “House of the Dragon”
HBO’s long-awaited first “Game of Thrones” spin-off debuted on August 21st.
But the tense and opportunistic Otto is more powerful than Tywin. he is richer He has greater influence over a major Westerosi institution called the Oldtown Triad (Citadel, Faith, and House Hightower). And he convinced the king that he was a worthy man, as King Viserys (Paddy Considine) called him — “an unwavering and loyal hand.”
By the end of the series premiere, Viserys’ brother Damon (Matt Smith) looks poised to become the king’s main antagonist. Daemon is indeed formidable — and he is mean. But the king should probably also look to his own hand, who has an excellent spy network.Who will Maester whisper to first?Demon backs it up when he makes a silly remark in the brothel Who will hear it from his three witnesses?
And what is the mysterious letter that Otto sent to Oldtown? From what we’ve seen so far, Otto looks like his Littlefinger, Varys and Tywin to us.
But Otto is not the lord of Hightower. It was his older brother, Hobart (Stephen Lordri), who was first glimpsed swearing allegiance to King Viserys’ daughter, Laenira.
Mastermind of Maester?
House Hightower aided in the discovery of the Citadel, the center of learning in Westeros, and provided ongoing financial support, giving the patriarch the title “Defender of the Citadel”. It’s an honorable title, and its role is more like a protector than a protector. Maesters who are supposed to disown family allegiance will feel some gratitude. that’s all.
there is already conspiracy theory Prowls around Grand Maester Melos (David Horovitch), like Grand Maester Pycelle in “The Throne,” if he furthers Hightower’s agenda, causing death or death to those in his care suggests that there is even stretch? perhaps. But there may be some corruption in the Citadel, as we find out in the A Song of Ice and Fire books. Maesters who control much of Westeros’ information and are stationed in noble houses may be in danger. Otto may benefit from their eyes and ears.
have faith
The era of Westerosi history depicted in House of the Dragons takes place before the construction of the September of Balor, the cathedral where Cersei began her walk of disgrace. At that time, the Star Moon Festival was the center of religious power, and the city of Oldtown was considered a sacred place. In addition to contributing many of his sons to the priestly ranks, Hightowers also served Starry Sept.
This church has a long history with the Targaryens who worshiped various gods when they conquered them. At the premiere, Otto said the demons could be “the second Meigor, or worse,” recalling the wars of religion started by the cruel Meigor, the third king of the Targaryens, when Hightower led the Church. warns that there is
money talk
Just as the Lannisters and Tyrells were one of the richest families of their time, the Hightowers and Bellarions were one of the richest families of their time. Dominating the trading center of one of the richest agricultural regions, the Hightowers represent old money, while the Bellaryons wield new wealth. This makes Corliss his Lord Velarion (Steve Toussaint) a threat to Otto.
However, Otto’s alliance is stronger among the other Small Council members. Lionel Strong (Gavin Spokes), master of law and Lord of the Great Castle of Harren, also studied at the Citadel. and Lyman Beasbury (Bill Patterson), Master of Coin and Lord of Honeyholt, a sworn vassal of House Hightower.
one day heir
In the first episode, Otto seems adamant about weeding out candidates for the line of succession that he has no control over. Dismisses the idea that she should become queen, but proposes to name Rainilla as heir. (Obviously, it’s not just about gender.) He’s also campaigned against Damon, who was the heir presumptive.
But Otto wages war by spilling ink instead of blood. Hightower Street. And in a battle of words, Otto could wield a more powerful sword, much like scheming wedding planner Tywin.