Game of Thrones Explained is your guide to the world of the show, whether you are a new viewer or a reader of the books wanting to refresh your memory. These articles describe the cultures, the families, and the setting.
Note: This article describes House Tyrell as of the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2. It contains some season 1 spoilers for the character of Loras, the only Tyrell to be featured in that season.
House Tyrell
The Tyrells of Highgarden have a less storied lineage than most of the other great houses of Westeros, but that does not make them weak. They rule over the most populous of the seven kingdoms, the Reach, a fertile land of chivalry. Their lord, Mace Tyrell, is an ambitious man who values alliances with other powerful players in the game of thrones. His son Loras is a member of the Kingsguard, and his beautiful daughter Margaery is bound to be married to some important young lord. This article explains the house’s members, origins, and land holdings.
Motto: Growing Strong
Sigil: Golden rose on a green field
Ancient History
The Tyrells rose to power in the Reach upon the arrival of Aegon Targaryen, the Conqueror. Aegon’s dragons slew Mern Gardener, King of the Reach, and defeated his army at the Field of Fire. Mern’s steward, Harlen Tyrell, quickly surrendered, and was named Lord of Highgarden and the Reach by Aegon.
Recent History
During Robert’s Rebellion, the Tyrells remained loyal to the Targaryens who had first raised them to lordship. They inflicted a major defeat on Robert’s forces at the Battle of Ashford (nominally under the command of Mace Tyrell, but largely due to the leadership of his commander Randyll Tarly). Afterward, Mace Tyrell led the siege of the Baratheon castle of Storm’s End, but Stannis Baratheon held out for a year. The war was winding to a close when Ned Stark’s army arrived at Storm’s End, and Lord Tyrell surrendered and was pardoned. Since then, the House has stayed in the good graces of the ruling Baratheon family.
The Reach and its Families
The Reach is the kingdom of Westeros that would likely be the most impressive to a foreign visitor. It contains the ancient city of Oldtown, still one of the greatest in the realm, home to the Citadel (where the learned Maesters are trained before being sent to serve as advisors to lords across the continent). Oldtown was home to the Faith until Aegon came and has many septs. It is also home to the famous, gigantic lighthouse called Hightower, and is ruled a family of the same name, who are perhaps the most powerful vassal family in the Seven Kingdoms.
The lands of the Reach are made fertile but the great river Mander, allowing both for beautiful flowery landscapes and for harvests to support a large population, and a large army. The tradition of knighthood is popular there in many families such as the Florents (one of whom is married to Stannis Baratheon) and the Tarlys (led by stern Randyll Tarly, father of Samwell of the Night’s Watch), and the Reach holds many tourneys. The islands off the coast also provide a strong fleet led by families such as the Redwynes, whose island of the Arbor is also known for its delicious vintages.
Current Tyrells
Mace Tyrell: Lord of Highgarden, Mace is ambitious but not particularly canny, but the support of intelligent family members and vassals gives his house strength.
Olenna Tyrell: Mace’s elderly mother, called “the Queen of Thorns”, is still sharp of mind, and wields a great deal of influence in her house.
Willas Tyrell: Mace’s eldest son was crippled in a joust, but he is scholarly and well-liked.
Garlan Tyrell: Mace’s second son is called “the Gallant”, and is a skilled warrior.
Loras Tyrell: Mace’s third son, also a talented fighter, is a member of the Kingsguard, and was once squire to Renly Baratheon. Since then, they have become much closer than knight and squire, and Loras is fiercely loyal to his lover.
Margaery Tyrell: Mace’s daughter is beautiful, intelligent, and beloved.
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