Highgarden

Highgarden is the seat of House Tyrell and the chief castle of the Reach, one of the most beautiful and storied strongholds in Westeros. It stands on a hill above the river Mander in the fertile heart of the Reach, surrounded by gardens, orchards, and fields, and is renowned for its splendor, its courtly culture, and its great wealth.

Highgarden was the seat of the Kings of the Reach, the ancient line of House Gardener descended in legend from Garth Greenhand, for thousands of years before Aegon's Conquest. After the last Gardener king fell at the Field of Fire, the castle and the rule of the Reach passed to House Tyrell, who had served the Gardeners as stewards.

Geography

Highgarden sits amid the richest farmland in Westeros, its three concentric rings of crenellated walls enclosing a castle famed for its terraced gardens, fountains, and flowering courtyards. A great hedge maze, briar labyrinths, and the singing of birds give it a reputation as the loveliest seat in the realm. The Mander flows past it, navigable far inland, linking Highgarden to Oldtown and the sea.

The castle's beauty is matched by its strength; its walls are formidable and its position commands the upper Mander.

History

For most of recorded history Highgarden was held by House Gardener, the green-handed kings. When King Mern Gardener died with all his sons at the Field of Fire, Aegon the Conqueror granted Highgarden and dominion over the Reach to Harlen Tyrell, the Gardeners' steward, who had yielded the castle. House Tyrell has held it ever since, ruling the Reach as its Lords Paramount.

In the story

Highgarden is the home of Mace Tyrell, his shrewd mother Olenna, the Queen of Thorns, and his daughter Margaery Tyrell, whose marriages make House Tyrell a kingmaker in the War of the Five Kings. Margaery weds first Renly Baratheon and later Joffrey and Tommen of House Lannister. The food and armies of Highgarden's domain are vital to sustaining the Iron Throne after Renly's fall.

Rulers

Highgarden is held by House Tyrell, Lords of Highgarden, Wardens of the South, and Lords Paramount of the Reach. Their words are "Growing Strong" and their sigil a golden rose on a green field.