House of the Dragon Season 3: Introducing Ormund Hightower
House of the Dragon season 3 introduces several new power players into the world of the Game of Thrones prequel. One of these key characters is Ormund Hightower, portrayed by James Norton, known for his work in Happy Valley. While Ormund's screen time is limited in the season's opening episode, showrunner Ryan Condal has hinted at his significant role in shaping the narrative moving forward.
Who Is Ormund Hightower?
Ormund Hightower is a character from George R.R. Martin's lore, but his presence in the source material is minimal. In season 3, he is introduced in the first episode, where he is stationed on the battlefield. During this brief appearance, he receives a letter from King Aemond, instructing him to await further orders. The scene highlights Ormund’s limited experience with the harsher realities of war, as he struggles with the scent of a messenger while appearing quietly pleased about Aemond's ascension to the throne.
Ormund's Connection to the Hightower Legacy
Canonically, Ormund is Otto Hightower's nephew and the cousin of Alicent and Gwayne Hightower. Speaking about the character, Ryan Condal revealed to SFX magazine that Ormund’s role in Fire and Blood—George R.R. Martin's book—was minor. However, in the series, he will play a much more substantial role.
"He's the Lord of the Hightower, basically the Tywin Lannister [Charles Dance] of this world," Condal explained. "He's the richest guy who's not sitting on a throne somewhere. Ormund has the largest standing army left in Westeros and a dragon, so he is going to introduce a big old wrinkle into this."
Condal further elaborated that Ormund's character was essentially a sketch in the book, which gave the creative team the opportunity to develop him into a multi-dimensional figure. This allows the show to explore new layers of political and military complications within the story.
Ormund in the Source Material
In Fire and Blood, Ormund Hightower is briefly mentioned as a supporter of Aegon II during the Dance of the Dragons. The book provides limited details about him, with much of the focus being on his personal life.
- Ormund was married to the mother of his four children, but she tragically died during childbirth.
- He later remarried Samantha Tarly, a woman young enough to be his daughter.
- Their marriage was strained, as Samantha's family sided with Rhaenyra during the civil war.
- Reports suggest Samantha had an affair with Ormund's son, Lyonel, adding further complexity to his family dynamics.
Ormund’s Role in Season 3
As season 3 progresses, Ormund is poised to become a pivotal character. With his wealth, the largest standing army in Westeros, and a dragon at his disposal, his influence could significantly alter the balance of power in the ongoing conflict. His introduction adds a layer of political intrigue and military strength to the unfolding drama.
Release Details
House of the Dragon season 3 premieres on HBO in the U.S. on June 21, with streaming available on HBO Max. In the UK, the show will be accessible via Now from June 22.
For more insights, check out our House of the Dragon season 3 review and explore our guide to all upcoming Game of Thrones movies and shows.
