The Historical Evolution of Castle Hightower: From Unknown Origins to Dragon-Slayers
Castle Hightower, a towering structure with a rich and mysterious past, has stood as a testament to the history of Westeros. Its origins are as ancient and shrouded in mystery as the secrets it holds, making it one of the oldest and most respected names in the realm.
Unknown Ancient Origins - 'Zero-th' Men
The ancient beginnings of House Hightower remain veiled in the mists of time. 'Zero-th' Men, indigenous to Westeros, are said to be the original inhabitants of this land. House Hightower is believed to be the oldest House in Westeros, predating even the First Men Houses established some 6,000 years ago. Their lineage stretches back centuries, if not millennia, and they were already well-established when King Garth Greenhand, the legendary First King, entered the historical record.
Dragon-slayers and the Hightower Name
The history of the Hightower name is marked by a tale of heroism and legend. Located on Battle Isle in the Whispering Sound at the mouth of the Honeywine, the site was once a roost for dragons. It is said that a local King of Oldtown drove the dragons away and built a fifty-foot wooden tower, taking the name Hightower as a family name.
Over time, the tower was rebuilt in stone and eventually reached a height of 200 feet. By the time of King Uthor I, the Hightower was already in its fourth iteration, indicating that the line of Hightowers predates even the First Men by hundreds or thousands of years. The story suggests that the Hightowers might have been descendants of colonists from the Summer Isles, adding a unique maritime influence to their ancient heritage.
Uthor the Long Night and the Aftermath
Uthor I ruled for an extended period during the Long Night, a time of great darkness and strife. He had at least two sons and commissioned Brandon "Son of Brandon" the Builder to construct a fifth iteration of the tower, which soared to a height of 200 feet and was made of stone. This grand structure served as a symbol of the Hightowers' power and prestige.
In the aftermath of the Long Night, Uthor's sons, King Urrigon and Prince Peremore "The Twisted," played crucial roles in establishing the Maesters. Urrigon set aside land for their citadel, while Peremore brought wise men from across the Known World to populate it. Peremore's efforts would eventually form the esteemed Maesters, a body of learned men who would advise the rulers of Westeros.
Lymond II: Sea Lion and the Hightower Kingdom
During the reign of Lymond II, also known as "The Sea Lion," the Hightower Kingdom faced a significant challenge. Forced to pay tributes to the Ironborn, Lymond II reasserted the Hightower's independence by defeating the Ironborn King Theon Greyjoy III and forcing his army into Ironborn-style thralldom. A double marriage then brought House Hightower under the rule of the Gardner Kings, marking the end of the Hightowers' independence and the beginning of their vassal state.
The Andals and the Faith
The Gardners and Hightowers dealt with the Andal invaders through marriage and the embrace of the Faith of the Seven. Under their influence, the Starry Sept in Oldtown was constructed, serving as the headquarters of the Faith until the Targaryens built the Sept of Baelor. This gesture showed a willingness on the part of the Hightowers to adapt to the changing religious landscape of Westeros.
The Targaryen Conquest
When the Gardners were wiped out at the Field of Fire, the Hightowers wisely opened their gates to the Dragonlords. Lord Manfred of House Hightower entered into a meeting with the High Septon, who was Manfred's brother, and the Targaryens joined the Faith of the Seven. Manfred's daughter became one of the wives of Maegor the Cruel, further entrenching the Hightowers in the political landscape.
The Hightowers played a significant role in the Dance of the Dragons, backing the Green faction, which resulted in a complex and tumultuous period in House Hightower's history. Despite these challenges, the Hightowers have always managed to remain a force to be reckoned with in the realm, their history a tapestry of ancient legends and modern strategies.