Olenna Tyrell

Olenna Tyrell, nee Olenna Redwyne, is a character in the third season. She is played by Diana Rigg.

While very old, throughout her life Lady Olenna has been a master of court politics and intrigue par excellence. As a result, Lady Olenna is popularly nicknamed the Queen of Thorns.

Background
Olenna Tyrell is the widow of Luthor Tyrell and the mother of Mace Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden and the head of House Tyrell. She is the grandmother of his children Willas, Garlan, Loras and Margaery. She was born into House Redwyne.

Behind the scenes
She first appeared in the House Tyrell family tree issued by HBO, though she was confirmed to be cast in Season 3. She will be portrayed by actress Diana Rigg.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, her family remains the same. She is described as a wizened, cunning old woman with a wicked wit and a sharp tongue. She is known as the "Queen of Thorns" for the rose thorns in the sigil of House Tyrell. Despite this she has a loving relationship with her family, including her grandchildren. Olenna is particularly close with her granddaughter Margaery Tyrell, whom she has mentored in the skills of court intrigue.

"Olenna" is pronounced "Oh-lee-an-ah", not "Oh-lenn-ah".