The House of the Dragon season 3 finale delivered a bloodbath, with the brutal Battle of Tumbleton causing mass destruction and major losses for both Team Black and Team Green. Among the casualties was Ormund Hightower, portrayed by James Norton, who met a horrifying end—burnt alive by a dragon after Roderick 'Roddy' Dustin, played by Tommy Flanagan, plunged his sword into him. Despite his despicable nature, fans and critics alike are mourning the loss of one of the season's most compelling characters.
Ormund's Brutal Demise and Fan Reaction
Ormund, who made his debut this season, was a tormentor from the start, exerting his slimy power over Daeron Targaryen, the youngest child of his cousin Alicent Hightower. His death, while satisfyingly sticky, has left many viewers irked. Sabrina Barr, TV Editor, expressed her frustration: 'I was furious that he had perished. He was one of the best parts of the latest season, and I’m irked that we won’t see more of him in the fourth and final outing.'
Fans took to social media to share their disappointment. One Instagram user, naat.kpz, commented: 'We will miss Ormund. Thank you for portraying him so well. He made season 3 or as I should say, you made season 3 very interesting.' Another, albadivision, remarked: 'Bro carried the entire season and he deserved a much better death. RIP, Ormund.'
The Villain's Impact on the Series
Barr highlighted that Ormund was one of the best villains the show has seen, comparing him to iconic Game of Thrones antagonists like Cersei Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon, and Ramsay Bolton. She noted that his scheming mastermind tactics made him a formidable opponent to Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith. His performance added depth to the season, and his premature death leaves a void in the narrative.
James Norton's portrayal of Ormund showcased his talent for playing dark characters, following his chilling role as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley and his turn as Sean Rafferty in House of Guinness. His ability to bring complexity to villainous roles made Ormund a standout, and fans are eager to see more of his backstory, including his relationships with Alicent and Gwayne, and his plans to put Daeron on the Iron Throne.
What's Next for House of the Dragon
While Ormund's death was abrupt, it was memorable, giving James an unforgettable end to a fascinating character. He took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes picture with Tommy Flanagan, captioned 'Ruined by Roddy,' along with a selfie showing his face covered in fake blood. The season 3 finale has set the stage for the fourth and final season, leaving fans to speculate on the fates of remaining characters like Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is descending into mercilessness, and Daemon Targaryen.
House of the Dragon is available to watch on HBO Max, Sky, and NOW. The show continues to captivate audiences with its intricate political intrigue and dramatic battles, and the loss of Ormund Hightower will undoubtedly be felt as the series heads toward its conclusion.
