Difference between revisions of "Walk of atonement"

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Cersei's penance walk from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep - by Marc Simonetti ©

A Walk of Shame or a Penance Walk is a punishment in the Westeros usually reserved to punish, humiliate and shame a woman publicly for either adultery or whoring. The act is usually performed as both a punishment and a way to degrade a woman and rob her of her pride and power.

History

When Tywin Lannister's father Tytos died. Tywin found his father's mistress trying on one of his late mother's gowns. A common-born woman and the daughter of a chandler, the mistress had dominated Tytos utterly, ordering the household knights about, dismissing servants and helping herself to his late wife's jewelery.[1] Tywin had her stripped naked and forced the sobbing woman to perform a Walk of Shame through the streets of Lannisport to confess to every man she met that she was a thief and a harlot before banishing her from the Westerlands. The walk spelled an end to her power. [2]

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

Cersei Lannister is forced to perform a Walk by the High Septon of the Faith of the Seven from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep. Cersei is shaved of hair from her entire body, then stripped naked. Just prior to the walk. An escort of Warrior's Sons, Poor Fellows, and several septas protect her from the leering and jeering crowds that have flocked to see her shame.

Quotes

“Vain and proud she was, before so haughty you’d think she’s forgot she came from dirt. Once we got her clothes off her, though, she was just another whore.”

Lannister guardsman on Tytos Lannister's mistress


The wickedness of women is well-known, and all women are wantons at heart, given to using their wiles and their beauty to work their wills on men. [3]

- The High Sparrow to Cersei


Cersei was soiled goods now, Her power at and end.[4]

- Kevan Lannister after his niece's Penance Walk


They think that this will break my pride, that it will make an end to me, but they are wrong. [5]

-Cersei Lannister's thoughts during the Walk.

See also

  • Customs for additional information on customs and traditions of Westeros.

References and Notes