High Septon (Before the riot of King's Landing)


 * This article is about the character before the Riot of King's Landing. For the title see High Septon (title).

"May the Seven guide the Princess on her journey. May the Mother give her health. May the Crone give her wisdom. May the Warrior give her courage. May the Smith grant her strength..."

- The High Septon prays for Princess Myrcella

The High Septon is a background character in the first season and a minor one in the second. He is portrayed by an unidentified extra in "Baelor" and by David Verrey and in "The Old Gods and the New." "High Septon" is the title given to the head of the Faith of the Seven, the dominant religion of the Seven Kingdoms. It is a position of supreme authority within the church, but the holder has little power outside of the religion. This High Septon is killed in the riots of King's Landing. Simon Fisher-Becker was originally set to play him, but was replaced by David Verrey.

Season 1
The High Septon is present during the execution of Eddard Stark at the Great Sept of Baelor, standing between Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys. During his forced confession acknowledges the presence of the High Septon.

Season 2
The High Septon appears along with the Royal family in the docks as Princess Myrcella Baratheon is shipped to Dorne. The High Septon offers prayers for Myrcella's future well-being in the name of the Seven. On their way back to the Red Keep from the docks, the tensions of the suffering and starving smallfolk of King's Landing finally break, resulting in a massive riot that sweeps through the city. The High Septon is captured by an angry mob and is torn to pieces as one of his attackers holds up one of his arms.

Following his death, a new High Septon is chosen.

Appearances
* - Uncredited appearance

Behind the scenes
The High Septon was portrayed by an unidentified extra in the episode "Baelor".

In the books
In the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, the High Septon is an obese man who dresses opulently. In the TV Series, he is walking back to the Red Keep, but in the books he is always carried in a litter or carriage. Just as in the TV series, he is torn to pieces during the riot of King's Landing. As Tyrion quips, "starving men take a dim view of priests too fat to walk".

When a new High Septon assumes office, he renounces his given name and ever after becomes known simply as "the High Septon", so the name of this particular High Septon is never revealed. For the sake of differentiating one from another, he is usually referred to by a descriptive term: this High Septon is usually referred to simply as "The Fat One".

In the books, the High Septon is also present at the execution of Ned Stark and was offended by it. The High Septon had been assured that Eddard Stark was going to be shown mercy, that is why the trial was held on the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor. He gives the speech that was given by Grand Maester Pycelle in the TV series.

While the fat High Septon is rather corrupt, even he is outraged that Joffrey has Ned Stark executed on the very steps of the Great Sept of Baelor, violating holy ground. Cersei lists this as one of the problems that Eddard Stark's execution has caused her.

The crown of this High Septon, which contains valuable crystals, is lost in the riot that kills him. Tyrion sends men out to look for it and they eventually discover that the pieces were broken up and sold. The Lannisters subsequently replace it with a much larger crown.