Game Of Thrones: 12 New Characters Set For Season 5

6. High Sparrow

Religion has played an interesting role in Game of Thrones. There is no lack of denominations for the characters to choose from, and certain arcs are actually driven by belief in one god or another. The most obvious example, of course, has been Melisandre and her Lord of Light influencing the military campaign of Stannis Baratheon. Less prominent but ever-present are the old gods and their powers beyond the Wall. Personified by carved faces in white weirwood trees, they now seem to be guiding young Bran Stark as he travels farther and farther north. And then there are the Seven. Despite the fact that faith in the new gods is clearly more widespread than the Lord of Light or the old gods or even the Drowned God of the Iron Islands, the Seven - comprised of Father, Mother, Smith, Crone, Maiden, Stranger, and Warrior - have received the least attention of any of the main religions. Aside from the occasional wedding, blessing, and funeral, we haven't been exposed to much of the Faith of the Seven. At least, not until next season, when a new character called the High Sparrow will appear in several episodes. He will be a member of a religious movement revolting against the materialism of former leaders of the faith (see photo above) who have paid homage to rulers of the state rather than the gods, dismissing the plight of the poor and suffering in the process. When popular support allows him to ascend to the position of High Septon, he will institute a number of changes that will seriously alter the interactions of the faith with both the crown and the people, and pose a serious problem for Cersei as she struggles with her role in Tommen's life.