Difference between revisions of "High Septon"

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[[Image:HighSepton.jpg|thumb|300px|The High Septon in his crystal crown - by Amoka©]]  
 
[[Image:HighSepton.jpg|thumb|300px|The High Septon in his crystal crown - by Amoka©]]  
The '''High Septon''' is the head of the [[Faith of the Seven]]. Historically the High Septon ruled from the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]]. However, after the invasion of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]], the [[High Septon (War of Conquest)|High Septon at that time]] threw his support behind Aegon and the position was eventually relocated to the new capital of [[King's Landing]].   
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The '''High Septon''' is the head of the [[Faith of the Seven]]. Historically the High Septon ruled from the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]]. However, after the invasion of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]], the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon at that time]] threw his support behind Aegon and the position was eventually relocated to the new capital of [[King's Landing]].   
  
==Relationship with the Targaryens==
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==Position==
The High Septon was not especially "beholden" to the Targaryens and was in fact a dangerous rival to them - until the reign of [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]], at least.<ref>[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1183/ So Spake Martin] October 28, 2001, Concerning Dorne.</ref>
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The High Septon and the [[Most Devout]] convene in the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] in [[King's Landing]], a vast building of white marble with seven crystal towers.  Prior to being stationed in [[King's Landing]], and before the arrival of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], the seat of the Faith was the ornate [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]], which was constructed of black marble with stained glass windows set in pointed arches.
  
==Headquarters==
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The High Septon was not especially "beholden" to the Targaryens and was often a dangerous rival to them, until the reign of [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1183/ Concerning Dorne (October 28, 2001)]</ref>
The High Septon and the [[Most Devout]] convene in the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] in [[King's Landing]], a vast building of white marble with seven crystal towers.  Prior to being stationed in [[King's Landing]], and before the advent of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], the seat of the Faith was the ornate [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]], which was constructed of black marble with stained glass windows set in pointed arches.
 
  
==Selection of a new High Septon==
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The selection of a new High Septon is traditionally in the hands of the Most Devout but the will of past Targaryen kings has sometimes influenced their choice. This was most notable during the reign of [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]], who had [[High Septon (stonemason)|a stoneworker]] and later an [[High Septon (child)|eight-year old boy]] chosen for the office.  
The selection of a new High Septon is traditionally in the hands of the [[Most Devout]] but the will of past Targaryen Kings has sometimes influenced their choice, most notably during the reign of [[Baelor I|Baelor the Blessed]] who had a stoneworker and later an eight-year old boy chosen for the office.  
 
  
==An avatar of the gods==
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A new High Septon extends the practice of septons giving up their family names by renouncing any kind of individual name. This is due to the belief that the individual becoming High Septon is no longer a man but an avatar of the gods. This leads to trouble distinguishing between various past holders of the office, as one can only refer to them by descriptions such as "the stonemason one" or "[[High Septon (fat one)|the fat one]]" or the "one before the fat one." High Septons usually wear a great crown made of crystal and gold while performing their duties.
A new High Septon extends the practice of septons giving up their family names by renouncing any kind of individual name. This is due to the belief that the individual becoming High Septon is no longer a man but an avatar of the gods. This however leads to trouble distinguishing between various past holders of the office, as one can only refer to them by descriptions such as "The stonemason one" or "the fat one" or the "one before the fat one." High Septons usually wear a great crown made of crystal while performing their duties.
 
  
 
==Historical High Septons==
 
==Historical High Septons==
* Septon [[Robeson]], who became regent for Lord [[Triston Hightower]] and became the first High Septon.
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* Septon [[Robeson]], who ruled [[Oldtown]] as regent for Lord [[Triston Hightower]] for twenty years, eventually becoming the first High Septon.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}}
* [[High Septon (War of Conquest)|High Septon]] during the [[War of Conquest]]
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* The [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] during the [[Aegon's Conquest]]. He died in {{Date|11}}.{{Ref|tsotd}}
* [[High Septon (Hightower)|High Septon]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]].  
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* The [[High Septon (Aegon I)|High Septon]] during the reign of [[Aegon I Targaryen]], who opposed the possible marriage of Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor Targaryen]] to Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}{{Ref|tsotd}}
* [[High Septon (stonemason)|High Septon]] that was a stonemason
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* The [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]] during at least the later years of the reign of Aenys I and the early years of Maegor I, who mysteriously died in {{Date|43}}.{{Ref|tsotd}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen King: Aenys I}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen King: Maegor I}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}}
* [[High Septon (child)|High Septon]] that was a child
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* Septon [[Pater]], who was named [[High Septon (Pater)|High Septon]] in {{Date|43}} at the age of ninety and died the next year.{{Ref|tsotd}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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* The [[High Septon (High Lickspittle)|High Septon]] during the later years of Maegor I's reign, who was elected High Septon in {{Date|44}} after the death of Septon Pater.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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* Septon [[Alfyn (septon)|Alfyn]], who worked to make the [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]] an official tenet of the Faith.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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* The [[High Septon (brother of Donnel Hightower)|High Septon]] who was brother to Lord [[Donnel Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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* The High Septon during the reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], who forbade the marriage between Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] and his step-mother, [[Samantha Tarly]].{{ref|fab|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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* The High Septon during the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen, who was elected in {{date|144}} and reversed the ruling of his predecessor.{{ref|fab|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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* The [[High Septon (stonemason)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] who had been a stonemason, whom the [[Most Devout]] elected after Baelor insisted he had had a vision.{{Ref|affc|28}}
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* The [[High Septon (child)|High Septon]] who was elected at the age of eight at the behest of King Baelor I.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
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After the death of the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] who annointed Aegon I in {{Date|11}} six other High Septon's followed until Aegon I's own death in {{Date|37}}.{{Ref|tsotd}} This included at least [[High Septon (Aegon I)|the uncle]] of [[Ceryse Hightower]] who opposed a possible marriage between Maegor and Rhaena.
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
Thus far three High Septons have appeared in person during the story:
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===''A Game of Thrones''===
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The [[High Septon (fat one)|High Septon]], known as the fat one, is a grossly fat man who has been High Septon for many years. He is regarded by many lords and smallfolk as corrupt.{{ref|affc|7}}
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===''A Clash of Kings''===
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The fat High Septon is killed in the [[riot of King's Landing]].{{ref|ACOK|41}} His crystal crown is destroyed by thieves.
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
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The [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|new High Septon]], who was selected by [[Tyrion Lannister]],{{ref|affc|7}} weds King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] to [[Margaery Tyrell]] and wears a grander crystal crown gifted by Lord [[Tywin Lannister]].{{ref|ASOS|60}}
  
* The [[High Septon (Fat One)|First High Septon]] (known as the Fat One). He was a grossly fat man who had been High Septon for many years before being killed in the [[Riot of King’s Landing]]. He was regarded by many Lords and smallfolk as fat and corrupt.{{ref|affc|7}}  
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===''A Feast for Crows''===
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Tyrion's High Septon is regarded as a weak willed but good man. He prayed with Ser [[Lancel Lannister]] when he was injured and near death. Lancel confesses his sins to him, such as bedding Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] and giving King [[Robert I Baratheon]] a more potent wine than he was used to which resulted in his death. The High Septon said he must forgive her though. Cersei, paranoid about what Lancel may have told him, orders the High Septon's death. [[Osney Kettleblack]] sneaks into the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] and suffocates the man with a pillow while he sleeps.{{ref|affc|17}}  
  
* The [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|Second High Septon]]. The replacement was selected by [[Tyrion Lannister]].{{ref|affc|7}} He was regarded as a weak willed but good man. He prayed with [[Lancel Lannister]] when the boy was injured and near death. Lancel confessed his sins to him, such as bedding [[Cersei Lannister]] and giving the King a more potent wine than he was used to which resulted in his death. The High Septon said he must forgive her though. Queen Cersei, paranoid about what Lancel may have told him ordered his death. [[Osney Kettleblack]] snuck into the great sept and suffocated the man with a pillow while he slept.{{ref|affc|17}}
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The next High Septon is imposed on the Most Devout by the "[[sparrows]]" who turn up as refugees from the [[War of the Five Kings]]. He's dubbed the [[High Sparrow]]{{ref|affc|17}}{{ref|affc|28}} The [[Faith Militant]] is reinstated during his term when Queen Cersei wants the crown's debt to the Faith settled.
  
* The [[High Sparrow|Third High Septon]], known as the High Sparrow. The latest High Septon was also not to Cersei's liking, as he was one of the "[[sparrows]]" who had turned up as refugees after the events of the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{ref|affc|17}}{{ref|affc|28}} A truly devout and holy man with an iron will, he arrested Cersei and [[Margaery Tyrell|Margaery]] due to accusations of infidelity and adultery.{{ref|affc|43}}{{ref|adwd|3}} Also, the Faith Militant was reinstated during his term when Queen Cersei wanted the crown's debt settled.
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A devout and holy man with an iron will, the High Sparrow has much of the Faith's riches, such as crowns and rings, sold to raise funds for the poor.{{ref|AFFC|28}} He has Cersei and Margaery arrested due to accusations of infidelity and adultery.{{ref|affc|43}}{{ref|adwd|3}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|The gods’ own voice on earth.{{Ref|TSS}}}} - Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]],
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{{Quote|Our good High Septon was taken, the gods' own voice on earth, with a third of the [[Most Devout]] and near all our [[silent sisters]].{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] to [[Duncan the Tall]] regarding the [[Great Spring Sickness]]}}
 
 
  
{{Quote|The High Septon speaks for [[the Seven]] here on earth. Strike at him, and you are striking at the gods themselves.{{Ref|aDwD|54}}}} - [[Kevan Lannister]]
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{{Quote|[[High Sparrow|The High Septon]] speaks for [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] here on earth. Strike at him, and you are striking at the gods themselves.{{Ref|aDwD|54}}|[[Kevan Lannister]] to [[Cersei Lannister]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
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==References==
 
{{references}}
 
{{references}}
  
{{Template:High Septons}}
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{{High Septons}}
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{{Faith of the Seven}}
  
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[[Category:Clergy]]
 
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[[Category:Titles]]
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[[fr:Grand Septon]]
 
[[fr:Grand Septon]]
 
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Revision as of 23:11, 27 February 2019

The High Septon in his crystal crown - by Amoka©

The High Septon is the head of the Faith of the Seven. Historically the High Septon ruled from the Starry Sept in Oldtown. However, after the invasion of Aegon Targaryen, the High Septon at that time threw his support behind Aegon and the position was eventually relocated to the new capital of King's Landing.

Position

The High Septon and the Most Devout convene in the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing, a vast building of white marble with seven crystal towers. Prior to being stationed in King's Landing, and before the arrival of the Targaryens, the seat of the Faith was the ornate Starry Sept in Oldtown, which was constructed of black marble with stained glass windows set in pointed arches.

The High Septon was not especially "beholden" to the Targaryens and was often a dangerous rival to them, until the reign of Maegor the Cruel.[1]

The selection of a new High Septon is traditionally in the hands of the Most Devout but the will of past Targaryen kings has sometimes influenced their choice. This was most notable during the reign of Baelor the Blessed, who had a stoneworker and later an eight-year old boy chosen for the office.

A new High Septon extends the practice of septons giving up their family names by renouncing any kind of individual name. This is due to the belief that the individual becoming High Septon is no longer a man but an avatar of the gods. This leads to trouble distinguishing between various past holders of the office, as one can only refer to them by descriptions such as "the stonemason one" or "the fat one" or the "one before the fat one." High Septons usually wear a great crown made of crystal and gold while performing their duties.

Historical High Septons

After the death of the High Septon who annointed Aegon I in 11 AC six other High Septon's followed until Aegon I's own death in 37 AC.[3] This included at least the uncle of Ceryse Hightower who opposed a possible marriage between Maegor and Rhaena.

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

The High Septon, known as the fat one, is a grossly fat man who has been High Septon for many years. He is regarded by many lords and smallfolk as corrupt.[12]

A Clash of Kings

The fat High Septon is killed in the riot of King's Landing.[13] His crystal crown is destroyed by thieves.

A Storm of Swords

The new High Septon, who was selected by Tyrion Lannister,[12] weds King Joffrey I Baratheon to Margaery Tyrell and wears a grander crystal crown gifted by Lord Tywin Lannister.[14]

A Feast for Crows

Tyrion's High Septon is regarded as a weak willed but good man. He prayed with Ser Lancel Lannister when he was injured and near death. Lancel confesses his sins to him, such as bedding Queen Cersei Lannister and giving King Robert I Baratheon a more potent wine than he was used to which resulted in his death. The High Septon said he must forgive her though. Cersei, paranoid about what Lancel may have told him, orders the High Septon's death. Osney Kettleblack sneaks into the Great Sept of Baelor and suffocates the man with a pillow while he sleeps.[15]

The next High Septon is imposed on the Most Devout by the "sparrows" who turn up as refugees from the War of the Five Kings. He's dubbed the High Sparrow[15][10] The Faith Militant is reinstated during his term when Queen Cersei wants the crown's debt to the Faith settled.

A devout and holy man with an iron will, the High Sparrow has much of the Faith's riches, such as crowns and rings, sold to raise funds for the poor.[10] He has Cersei and Margaery arrested due to accusations of infidelity and adultery.[16][17]

Quotes

Our good High Septon was taken, the gods' own voice on earth, with a third of the Most Devout and near all our silent sisters.[18]

The High Septon speaks for the Seven here on earth. Strike at him, and you are striking at the gods themselves.[19]

References

  1. So Spake Martin: Concerning Dorne (October 28, 2001)
  2. 2.0 2.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 The Sons of the Dragon.
  4. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen King: Aenys I.
  6. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen King: Maegor I.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  13. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  14. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  16. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  17. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  18. The Sworn Sword.
  19. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 54, Cersei I.