Septry

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A septry is a monastic community of the Faith of the Seven, similar to a monastery. Brothers live in penitence, quiet contemplation, and prayer at septries, often taking a vow of silence. The leader of the community bears the title of Elder Brother, and he is assisted by proctors.[1] A similar community for women is the motherhouse.

Layout

Forty-four brothers live at a prosperous septry in the riverlands. They tend to a dozen milk cows and a bull, a hundred beehives, a vineyard, an apple arbor, a mill, and a brewhouse. The septry has wooden walls and a heavy slate roof.[2]

The septry at the Quiet Isle contains terraced fields, an apple grove, a stable, a windmill, cloisters, a common hall, and a wooden sept. Modest cottages are set aside for female visitors. Sheep graze on the island.[1]

History

The ancient septry at Peasedale contains fragments of Annals of the Rivers.[3] House Arryn, the Kings of Mountain and Vale, encouraged learning at the septs and septries in the Vale of Arryn.[4] Likewise, Merle I Gardener, King of the Reach, encouraged construction of septries, septs and motherhouses in the Reach.[5]

Prior to the reconciliation of the Faith through the efforts of Septon Barth, greedy septries and septons took advantage of lords and neighbors during the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[6]

The journey of King Baelor I Targaryen to Dorne is remembered in songs popularized by septries and motherhouses.[7]

Septon Meribald often stays at septries during his travels.[8]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

The battle at the burning septry in the riverlands involves the brotherhood without banners and the Brave Companions.[2]

A Feast for Crows

During the War of the Five Kings, northmen burn a holy house near Maidenpool. Sellswords later kill its brothers, aside from a pious dwarf who hides.[9] Brienne of Tarth visits the septry at the Quiet Isle and meets its Elder Brother.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI.
  2. 2.0 2.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 39, Arya VII.
  3. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands.
  4. The World of Ice & Fire, The Vale: House Arryn.
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Andals in the Reach.
  6. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  7. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  8. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 25, Brienne V.
  9. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 9, Brienne II.