High Septon (Faith Militant uprising)


 * This article is about the character during the Faith Militant uprising. For the title see High Septon (title).

"One morning, Maegor was found dead on the Iron Throne. No one knows how. Maegor's cruelty died with him. His successor saw the wisdom of a united crown and faith, and his Hand reached an accord with the High Septon. As long as the Iron Throne defended the Faith, the Faith would put aside its own swords... and its condemnation of the Targaryens. Perhaps the High Septon felt he had no course but compromise."

- High Sparrow

The High Septon is an unseen character in Game of Thrones. He is not expected to appear in the series, being long dead when it begins. He held the title during the Faith Militant uprising.

Biography
The High Septon held the position during the reign of King Maegor Targaryen. Following a long conflict with the Faith Militant, Maegor was found dead on the Iron Throne through unknown circumstances. Maegor's successor Jaehaerys I Targaryen saw the advantages of a union between the crown and the Faith of the Seven and the Hand of the King Septon Barth reached an accord with the High Septon. They agreed that the Iron Throne would defend the Faith on the condition that the Faith put aside its swords and no longer condemned House Targaryen. The Faith Militant was then outlawed and hunted, becoming a shadow of its former self over time.

In the books
In the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, this High Septon was originally a member of House Hightower, though his name was eventually forgotten as High Septons abandon their real names once they rise to the position. However, he is known to have been the uncle of Ceryse Hightower and the brother of Martyn Hightower, Lord of Oldtown, and Ser Morgan Hightower, Commander of the Warrior's Sons.

He was the High Septon during the reigns of Aenys Targaryen and Maegor Targaryen. He died mysteriously in 44 AC, though his death and the election of a new more passive High Septon did not end the uprising.