Margaery Tyrell

She wed three kings to secure her family's power, only to fall in the fire of her own ambition.

Margaery Tyrell is a fictional character in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, portrayed by Natalie Dormer. First mentioned in A Game of Thrones (1996) and appearing in A Clash of Kings (1998), she is the daughter of Mace Tyrell and Alerie Hightower. As a member of House Tyrell, the second wealthiest Great House, she leverages her beauty and family influence to secure power. Guided by her shrewd grandmother, Lady Olenna, Margaery marries three kings—Renly Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, and Tommen Baratheon—becoming a pivotal political figure whose rivalry with Cersei Lannister drives much of the narrative conflict.

Quick Facts

Series

A Song of Ice and Fire character; Game of Thrones

Last

Television:
"The Winds of Winter" (2016)
Video game:
"The Ice Dragon" (2015)

Creator

George R. R. Martin

Portrayed by

Natalie Dormer

Also known as

The Little Queen
The Little Rose
Maid Margaery

Gender

Female

Family

House Tyrell
House Baratheon
House Lannister

Spouse

Renly Baratheon
Joffrey Baratheon (unconsummated)
Tommen Baratheon

Lore & Background

Margaery Tyrell hails from House Tyrell, the second wealthiest and largest Great House in Westeros. Her brothers include Willas, the heir to Highgarden; Ser Garlan the Gallant; and Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of Flowers. She is mentored by her paternal grandmother, Lady Olenna of House Redwyne, known as the Queen of Thorns, who arranges Margaery's marriages and teaches her court intrigue. In the novels, Margaery is not a point-of-view character; her actions are witnessed through Sansa Stark and Cersei Lannister.

She uses generosity and charm to win the common people's favor. Her story involves switching allegiance from Renly Baratheon after his assassination in A Clash of Kings to marrying Joffrey Baratheon in A Storm of Swords (2000), where she learns of his true nature through Sansa. After Joffrey is poisoned at their wedding, she marries Tommen in A Feast for Crows (2005), sparking a power struggle with Cersei that ends with Margaery being framed for adultery.

Reader's Guide

Margaery Tyrell is defined by her adaptability and use of public perception as a weapon. Unlike Cersei, who relies on fear, Margaery courts the masses through visible charity and warmth, appearing as a benevolent figure while maneuvering for the throne. Her marriages follow her family's alliances: first to Renly Baratheon, whose claim the Tyrells supported, then to King Joffrey after Renly's assassination, and finally to Joffrey's younger brother Tommen, whom she encourages to assert himself as king. Her death occurs in Season 6 when wildfire ignites beneath the Sept of Baelor on Cersei's orders, killing Margaery, Loras, and hundreds instantly. This event prompts Olenna to ally with Dorne and support Daenerys Targaryen's invasion.

Did You Know?

In the books, Margaery is a teenager when she first appears, whereas Natalie Dormer portrays her as an adult in the TV series.
Lady Olenna Tyrell admits to masterminding the poisoning of King Joffrey at his wedding feast, though Margaery keeps this secret during Tyrion's trial.
Margaery was killed instantly when wildfire set beneath the Sept of Baelor by Qyburn on Cersei's orders engulfed the building in flames.