Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1. If you haven’t watched the first episode, please proceed at your discretion.
The wait is finally over. After almost two years, House of the Dragon has returned with Season 3 and the Targaryen civil war is no longer just around the corner. The new season picks up exactly where the previous one left off with Rhaenyra Targaryen and Team Black preparing to strike while Aemond and the Greens continue to strengthen their side after taking control of King’s Landing. The stage is now set for one of the bloodiest chapters in Westeros.
Along with bigger battles and new alliances, the premiere also introduces a new face who is expected to shape the war ahead: Lord Ormund Hightower, played by Happy Valley actor James Norton.
In case you missed it. #HOTD pic.twitter.com/hh3J6JT8XD
— HBO Max (@hbomax) June 22, 2026
If you were wondering why everyone is already talking about him despite his limited screen time, here’s everything you need to know.
Who Is Ormund Hightower?
Ormund belongs to the powerful House Hightower which is said to be one of the richest and most influential families in Westeros. He is Otto Hightower’s nephew which makes him Alicent and Gwayne Hightower’s cousin.
Fans may remember Hobert Hightower from the first season. Hobert was Ormund’s father and briefly appeared before his death. Following that, Ormund inherited the title of Lord of House Hightower and now leads one of the biggest military forces fighting for Team Green.
First look at Daeron Targaryen with Ormund Hightower in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 pic.twitter.com/8Ovk20LWKm
— Thrones Updates (@ThronesUpdates) June 22, 2026
Unlike many characters introduced so far, Ormund isn’t fighting for the throne himself. Instead, he commands the Hightower army. This makes him one of Aemond’s biggest military allies as the Dance of the Dragons enters full scale war.
Ormund Hightower’s First Scene Says A Lot About Him
Ormund makes his first appearance in the Season 3 premiere while camped with thousands of Green soldiers. The massive army is waiting near a river when a messenger finally arrives with orders from King Aemond.
Opening the letter, Ormund reads, “Aemond says we are to make camp here and await further word. He shall join us in three days time.”
His companion immediately asks, “So, Aegon’s dead then?”
Without much emotion, Ormund simply replies, “One king is as good as another.”
The exchange lasts only a few moments but it reveals a lot about him. Rather than reacting emotionally to the change in power, he appears calm and completely focused on the war ahead.
Why Is Ormund Hightower Important?
Season 2 finale revealed that the Hightower forces were marching from Oldtown. Ormund now commands a massive force that has officially joined Team Green’s campaign. His arrival significantly strengthens Aemond’s position as both sides prepare for major battles that fans of George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood have been waiting to see on screen.
The premiere also offers a glimpse of a dragon among the Hightower forces. The dragon doesn’t belong to Ormund himself. It is linked to Daeron Targaryen, Alicent’s youngest son, who has spent much of the story away in Oldtown. After being mentioned for two seasons, Daeron is finally expected to play a much bigger role in the episodes ahead. It was revaled that he is not giving one of those momens in the episodes. What he will do will be revaled later but it is clear that Ormund will defionitelt turn out one of the most important characters in the season.
When Will House Of The Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Release In India?
The second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 will premiere in the US on HBO on Sunday night. In India, it will be available to stream on JioHotstar on Monday, June 29, from 6:30 AM IST.
