The True Nature of the High Sparrow: Beyond Piety and Goodness

The Faith of the Seven in A Song of Ice and Fire is often portrayed as a force of piety and righteousness. However, the character of the High Sparrow raises troubling questions about the true nature of his motives and methods. In this article, we will explore the implications of the High Sparrow's actions and his underlying agenda within the story.

The Intrusive Nature of the Faith

From the beginning of the series, the Faith of the Seven has been depicted as an intrusive force in the lives of Westerosi. Accusations of murder and conspiracy under the guise of divine intervention were not new, even before King Aegon's arrival. The Faith was involved in the invasion of the North and the destruction of the Riverlands, both of which were devastating to the lands they affected. Furthermore, the Faith played a crucial role in staining the Targaryen dynasty with numerous rebellions against their rule.

These historical events set the stage for the High Sparrow's actions. When King Jaehaerys I made a truce with the Faith, it was under the condition that the templars be disarmed. However, Cersei Lannister's actions led to the rearming of the Faith, inadvertently bringing back its power and influence.

The High Sparrow's True Agenda

The High Sparrow is more than just a pious man. He is a purist of his own faith, determined to enforce his version of the Faith upon the realm. In his ambition, he is reminiscent of historical figures like Torquemada, the Inquisitor General of Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, and the Ayatollah Khomeini, who led the Islamic Revolution and was known for his strict enforcement of Islamic law.

Cersei underestimated the High Sparrow, believing him to be a fraud and, therefore, a tool to be manipulated. However, she failed to realize that he fully believed in his cause and would not be swayed simply by her offers of patronage. The High Sparrow has actively worked towards his goals, even when it meant manipulating and punishing those who stood in his way.

Manipulating the Faith Militant

One of the High Sparrow's primary goals is to use the Faith Militant, or the "sparrows," as a tool to enforce his version of the Faith. In the book "A Feast for Crows," an excerpt from the narrative, it is described how the High Sparrow organized the Faith Militant under his control. The knights of the Faith wore armor striped with the seven colors of the Faith, and even their longswords were adorned with crystals. Significantly, the banner used by the Faith Militant featured a rainbow-colored sword on a field of darkness, a symbol not seen in the Seven Kingdoms for centuries.

He succeeded in turning his followers into an army, and his influence within the Faith Militant allowed him to consolidate power. Even during Cersei's rebellion, the jewels of the High Sparrow were enough to quell riots and inspire loyalty among his followers. His control over the Faith Militant has made him an influential political figure, as is evident from his ability to control the Septons and the overall Faith.

Personal Motives and Background

While the High Sparrow's actions seem monumental in scale, his personal motivations are less clear. It has been speculated that he could be a smallfolk who yearns for justice and equal treatment, or a second or third son from a landed family who seeks revenge for an unhappy past. Despite Cersei's belief that he could be controlled, his single-minded pursuit of his goals and his ability to manipulate those around him suggest a more complex and cunning individual than a simple piety-driven leader.

It remains to be seen whether his true background and motives will be revealed in the remaining books or in the continuation of the TV series. For now, it is clear that the High Sparrow's true nature goes beyond the simple piety that he professes, making him a significant and deeply troubling figure within the narrative.