Ormund Hightower (James Norton) has been one of the biggest newcomers in House of the Dragon season 3, and yet his character has been a big question mark during the first four episodes. He swore loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) but decided to backstab her anyway. He has now taken over the city of Tumbleton, and no one is quite sure why. He seemed to be perfectly reasonable as the head of House Hightower... until his true colors were revealed at the end of episode 4. At this point in the story, he's a big wildcard, and this isn't helped by the fact that he possess an important captive.
But before we continue, be warned: There will be SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 3, episode 4 ahead. If you don't want any surprises ruined, it's best to turn away now.
Still here? Then you know Ormund could prove to be a very big threat moving forward, as he's holding a dragon as a "prisoner."
Why is Ormund Hightower keeping Tessarion captive in House of the Dragon?
House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal has compared Ormund Hightower to Tywin Lannister, as the two are among the wealthiest men across the Seven Kingdoms and command some of the largest armies of their respective times. These are normally the two elements necessary to come out victorious from a war. However, money and soldiers aren't enough to take you far in a world where a single dragon can kill thousands of men and burn any riches in an instant. Ormund knows this, and now he needs to adapt accordingly.
As revealed in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 4, Ormund has always seen the Hightowers as the "superior men" when compared to the Targaryens. He considers himself a highly intelligent and calculating figure worthy of the Iron Throne. However, Ormund also knows he will never be a King due to one single detail: he isn't a Targaryen dragonrider, and dragons command power. As such, he'll need to rely on his ward, Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), and his dragon, Tessarion, to do the dirty work.
A big opportunity has been presented to Ormund. The former king Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) has been proclaimed dead by Rhaenyra, and nobody is sure about the whereabouts of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell). The latter's disappearance initially proves a problem for Ormund, given that he can no longer count on the help of Aemond's dragon, Vhagar. However, Daeron is now the only son of Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) who could succeed the Iron Throne, unless Aegon or Aemond re-emerge.
Just as Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) once used Alicent to get closer to the crown and have some level of influence over it, Ormund could look to do the same with Daeron. However, none of this works if his ward's dragon isn't available to take over the Red Keep or lay waste to anyone standing in his way.
Furthermore, Vhagar and Sunfyre are both seemingly out of the picture, meaning Tessarion is now more important than ever. After all, Tessarion is the only dragon of fighting age that the Greens could have on their side aside from Dreamfyre, who is unlikely to fly into battle, as the pacifist Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) is her rider.
Ormund is in a very interesting position because he didn't have a big role in George R. R. Martin's novel Fire & Blood, As such, the adaptation can take creative liberties with his character, making him all the more unpredictable. However, one thing is for certain: if Ryan Condal compared this new antagonist to Tywin Lannister, then he's bound to be a force to be reckoned with.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max.
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