Why Tommen and Cersei Could Not Order the Kings Army to Kill the High Sparrow

In the Wiki of Westeros, Game of Thrones (GOt) presents a complex political landscape where even the most powerful figures often face significant challenges. Two such figures, Tommen Baratheon and Cersei Lannister, confronted a formidable adversary in the High Sparrow and his supporters, the Sparrows. Understanding the reasons why they could not simply order the kings army to eliminate the High Sparrow requires delving into various critical factors.

Public Support for the High Sparrow

The plight of the common people, or the smallfolk, in Westeros was a significant driving force behind the High Sparrow's rise to power. His advocacy for the grievances of the common folk against the nobility garnered him substantial support. This support was not an insignificant consideration for Tommen and Cersei.

Attacking the High Sparrow could have led to widespread public outrage and unrest. The common folk revered the High Sparrow as a champion, and a violent crackdown could easily turn them into staunch adversaries. This would undoubtedly undermine the authority of the crown and threaten the stability of King's Landing.

Political Consequences

Cersei Lannister, in particular, was acutely aware of the political ramifications of such an action. The Faith Militant, led by the High Sparrow, held significant influence over the population and the Faith itself. A direct assault on the High Sparrow could result in political backlash that would unify the Faith and the people against the crown. The spread of dissent among the clergy and the populace would severely weaken the Lannister hold on power.

Tommens Weakness

Tommens Baratheon's portrayal as a weak and indecisive ruler was a stark reality. He was heavily influenced by those around him, notably the High Sparrow and Cersei. His inability to assert his authority made it extremely difficult for him to take decisive military action against the High Sparrow or any external threats.

His lack of firm resolve and decisiveness meant that any order to the kings army was likely to result in inaction or inconsistent application of force. This further compounded the challenges of mounting a decisive offensive against the High Sparrow and his supporters.

Cerseis Strategic Calculations

While Cersei was willing to use violence to achieve her goals, she also understood the strategic value of the High Sparrow's influence. She believed that manipulating the High Sparrow and the Faith to her advantage was a more effective strategy than outright elimination. This allowed her to maintain a degree of control over the situation while undermining her enemies' support base gradually.

Religious Implications

The High Sparrow was the face of the Faith of the Seven, a religion with significant power in Westeros. Attacking him could be seen as an affront to the faith itself, leading to dire consequences for the legitimacy of the crown. Such an attack would not only challenge the well-being of Tommen and Cersei’s rule but also risk alienating the clergy and the common people who revered the High Sparrow.

In conclusion, the combination of the High Sparrow's public support, the political implications, Tommen's weakness, Cersei's strategic thinking, and the religious ramifications of violent actions made it infeasible for either Tommen or Cersei to order a full-scale military assault on the High Sparrow and his followers. The complex interplay of political, social, and religious factors ensured that patience and manipulation were preferred over force.