House Tyrell is one of the most powerful houses of Westeros. The Tyrells are Lords of Highgarden and have dominion over the Reach, the most fertile and perhaps most valuable land of all the Seven Kingdoms. House Tyrell are also wardens of the South. They are one of the largest houses and can field one of the largest armies. The combination of their military supremacy and land’s fertility makes House Tyrell one of the most powerful houses of the Seven Kingdoms, perhaps only surpassed by House Lannister. The sigil of House Tyrell is a golden rose upon a green field. Their words are “Growing Strong.”

The Tyrells trace their bloodline back to the ancient nobility of House Gardener, the first kings of the Reach. During Aegon’s Conquest, House Gardener joined forces with House Lannister in an attempt to defeat Aegon and his dragons. During the Field of Fire, the Lannisters and Gardeners were brutally defeated by Aegon, and House Gardener was wiped out altogether. Harlen Tyrell, who at the time was high steward to House Gardener, wisely surrendered to Aegon. In return, Aegon granted House Tyrell the seat of Highgarden and made them Lords of the Reach and Wardens of the South.

During Robert’s Rebellion, House Tyrell again aligned with House Lannister, remaining loyal to the Mad King and fighting against the the rebels of House Baratheon and House Stark. After the Mad King was defeated and the Targaryens were removed from the throne, Robert forgave House Tyrell and let them retain their titles.

SIGNIFICANT TYRELL CHARACTERS

Lord Harlen Tyrell wisely surrendered to Aegon after the the original Kings of the Reach, House Gardener, were defeated by Aegon during the Field of Fire. After pledging fealty to Aegon, Harlen Tyrell  was named first Lord of Highgarden and given dominon over The Reach, while also being named Warden of the South.

Lord Mace Tyrell is current head of House Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South. During the battle of the War of the Five Kings, Mace Tyrell marched his armies behind Renly Baratheon, in hope of his daughter, Margaery, becoming queen of the Seven Kingdoms when Renly overtook the Iron Throne. After Renly’s death, Mace joins forces with Tywin Lannister and their armies arrive at King’s Landing during the Battle of Blackwater Bay just in time to push back the armies of Stannis Baratheon. Mace plans to cement the ties between House Tyrell and House Lannister by marrying his daughter to King Joffrey.

Lady Olenna Redwyne is the mother of Mace Tyrell and matriarch of the Tyrell family. Though very old, Lady Olenna is still cunning and often orchestrates strategic plans to further the interests of House Tyrell. With a sharp tongue, Lady Olenna is commonly referred to as the Queen of Thorns. Upon her arrival at King’s Landing, Lady Olenna questions Sansa about Joffrey’s true nature and learns of his cruel demeanor.

The Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna

Ser Loras Tyrell, also known as the Knight of Flowers, is the youngest son of Mace Tyrell and is regarded as one of the greatest knights in all of the Seven Kingdoms. In his younger days, Loras served as squire to Renly at Storm’s End, which is likely how their secret romance began. Once House Tyrell joins House Lannister at King’s Landing, Ser Loras Tyrell joins the Kingsguard.

The Flower Knight, Loras Tyrell, at the Hand’s Tourney where he defeated Gregor Clegane, aka The Mountain

Margaery Tyrell is the only daughter of Mace Tyrell. Pretty, intelligent and kind, Margaery is ambitious to become queen. She first married Renly Baratheon in hope of becoming his queen, but after his death, arranged to marry King Joffrey. It is unclear whether her kindness is genuine or a ploy to achieve her goals.

Margaery Tyrell