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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 (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]].   
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The '''High Septon''' is the head of the [[Faith of the Seven]], they held several honorary titles such as [[Father of the Faithful]], [[His High Holiness]] and [[Shepherd of the Faithful]]. 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]].   
  
 
==Position==
 
==Position==
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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. 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.  
  
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 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. According to [[Cersei Lannister]], it is possible to winkle out the birth names of High Septons but they do not appreciate it if you use them.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
 
 
==Historical High Septons==
 
* Septon [[Robeson]], who became regent for Lord [[Triston Hightower]] and became the first High Septon.
 
* [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] during the [[Aegon's Conquest]]. He died in {{Date|11}}<ref name=sons>''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/115696-spoilers-sons-of-the-dragon-reading-at-loncon-today/&do=findComment&comment=6134038 reading at LonCon 2014]</ref>
 
* [[High Septon (Aegon I)|High Septon]] during the reign of [[Aegon I Targaryen]], who opposed the marriage of Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor Targaryen]] to Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]
 
* [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]]
 
* [[High Septon (stonemason)|High Septon]] that was a stonemason
 
* [[High Septon (child)|High Septon]] that was a child
 
 
 
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 name=sons/> This included at least [[High Septon (Aegon I)|the uncle]] of [[Ceryse Hightower]].
 
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
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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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}}
 
   
 
   
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
The fat High Septon is killed in the [[riot of King's Landing]].{{ref|ACOK|41}} His crystal crown is destroyed by thieves.
+
The fat High Septon is killed in the [[riot of King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|41}} His crystal crown is destroyed by thieves.
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
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}}
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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}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''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.{{ref|affc|17}}  
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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 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 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.
  
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}}
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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}}
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 +
==Known High Septons==
 +
===Historical===
 +
* 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}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] during the [[Aegon's Conquest]] and the start of the [[Aegon I Targaryen]]'s reign. He died in {{Date|11}}.{{Ref|TSOTD}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
 +
* Six High Septons during the rest of Aegon I's reign,{{Ref|TSOTD}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} which include:
 +
** 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}}
 +
* 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}}
 +
* 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}}
 +
* The [[High Lickspittle]] during the later years of Maegor I's reign, who was elected High Septon in {{Date|44}} after the death of Septon Pater. Seton [[Moon (septon)|Moon]] claimed the title of "High Septon" in defiance of the High Lickspittle.{{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}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Jaehaerys I)|High Septon]] during the late reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], present at the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
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* The old and frail [[High Septon (Dance of the Dragons)|High Septon]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Regency of Aegon III)|High Septon]] during the [[Regency of Aegon III|regency]] and early reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] who forbade the marriage between Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]] and his step-mother, [[Samantha Tarly]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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* The [[High Septon (Aegon III)|High Septon]] during the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen, who was elected in {{Date|143}} and reversed the ruling of his predecessor.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
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* The first [[High Septon (Baelor I)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Baelor I Targaryen]], who dissolved Baelor's marriage to his sister, [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
 +
* The second [[High Septon (stonemason)|High Septon]] during the reign of King Baelor I, who had been a stonemason named Pate, whom the [[Most Devout]] elected after Baelor insisted he had had a vision.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}
 +
* The third and last [[High Septon (child)|High Septon]] during the reign of King Baelor I, who was elected at the age of eight at Baelor's behest.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Daeron II)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], who died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]].{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Maekar I)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]], who offered to absolve [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon Targaryen]] him from his maester's vows.{{Ref|ACOK|6}}
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* The [[High Septon (Aegon V)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]], who insisted King Aegon force his son and heir, Prince [[Duncan Targaryen|Duncan]], to choose between the [[Iron Throne]] and the woman he loved, [[Jenny of Oldstones]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
 +
* The [[High Septon (Aerys II)|High Septon]] during the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], who contributed to Aerys remaining faithful to his sister-wife, Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
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 +
===''A Song of Ice and Fire''===
 +
* The [[High Septon (fat one)|Fat one]]
 +
* [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|Tyrion's High Septon]]
 +
* The [[High Sparrow]]
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{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]]
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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]]}}
  
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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]]}}
  
{{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]]
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==References==
 
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{{References}}
==References and Notes==
 
{{references|2}}
 
  
 
{{High Septons}}
 
{{High Septons}}
 
{{Faith of the Seven}}
 
{{Faith of the Seven}}
  
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[[Category:Clergy]]
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[[Category:Faith of the Seven]]
 
[[Category:High Septons| ]]
 
[[Category:High Septons| ]]
[[Category:Faith of the Seven]]
 
[[Category:Clergy]]
 
 
[[Category:Titles]]
 
[[Category:Titles]]
  

Revision as of 10:21, 29 August 2019

The High Septon in his crystal crown - by Amoka©

The High Septon is the head of the Faith of the Seven, they held several honorary titles such as Father of the Faithful, His High Holiness and Shepherd of the Faithful. 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. According to Cersei Lannister, it is possible to winkle out the birth names of High Septons but they do not appreciate it if you use them.[2]

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.[3]

A Clash of Kings

The fat High Septon is killed in the riot of King's Landing.[4] His crystal crown is destroyed by thieves.

A Storm of Swords

The new High Septon, who was selected by Tyrion Lannister,[3] weds King Joffrey I Baratheon to Margaery Tyrell and wears a grander crystal crown gifted by Lord Tywin Lannister.[5]

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.[6]

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[6][2] 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.[2] He has Cersei and Margaery arrested due to accusations of infidelity and adultery.[7][8]

Known High Septons

Historical

A Song of Ice and Fire

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.[21]

The High Septon speaks for the Seven here on earth. Strike at him, and you are striking at the gods themselves.[25]

References

  1. So Spake Martin: Concerning Dorne (October 28, 2001)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  3. 3.0 3.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  4. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  5. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  7. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  8. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 The Sons of the Dragon.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  12. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  13. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen King: Aenys I.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen King: Maegor I.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  16. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  17. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  18. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  19. 19.0 19.1 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
  20. 20.0 20.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  21. 21.0 21.1 The Sworn Sword.
  22. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6, Jon I.
  23. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V.
  24. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  25. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 54, Cersei I.