Motherhouse
A motherhouse is a monastic community of the Faith of the Seven for septas[1], silent sisters,[2] and novices[3] similar to a convent. The leader of the community bears the title of Mother. A similar community for men is called a septry.
History
Humfrey I Teague, King of the Rivers and the Hills, founded septs and motherhouses in the riverlands in his efforts to stamp out worship of the old gods.[4] Merle I Gardener, King of the Reach, encouraged construction of septries, septs and motherhouses in the Reach.[5]
Princess Rhaella Targaryen was a novice at the motherhouse attached the Starry Sept in Oldtown. Septa Karolyn prevented Ser Orryn Baratheon from absconding with the girl.[3]
Queen Elinor Costayne gave up all claims to nobility later in life, becoming Mother Elinor at the great motherhouse in Lannisport.[6]
In 54 AC Queen Alysanne Targaryen was hosted by silent sisters at their motherhouse in Oldtown for a day of prayer and contemplation.[2]
Maegelle Targaryen was a pious princess who became a septa. Her sister Saera, however, ran away from the Oldtown motherhouse in 85 AC while still a novice.[7]
During the Dance of the Dragons, Prince Aemond Targaryen used Vhagar to destroy the motherhouse at Bechester.[8]
Lady Jeyne Arryn died at the Motherhouse of Maris in Gulltown in 134 AC.[9]
The journey of King Baelor I Targaryen to Dorne is remembered in songs popularized by septries and motherhouses.[10]
Recent Events
A Storm of Swords
The great-aunt of Lady Ravella Smallwood is a septa at a motherhouse in Oldtown. Ravella sends her daughter, Carellen Smallwood, to the city for safety during the War of the Five Kings.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 22, Arya IV.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Andals in the Reach.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.