The Mysterious and Memorable Role of Septa Unella in Game of Thrones
a particularly striking figure. A character whose significance is not just in her actions but in the symbolism she represents, Unella is a minor yet memorable antagonist in the world of Westeros. Her role in the series, though not large, has been etched into the minds of fans for the tension she brought, the chilling way she embodies religious extremism, and the unforgettable scenes she participated in.
This article delves into the character of Septa Unella, examining her origins, role in the series, and the impact she made in Game of Thrones.
Origins and Background of Septa Unella
Septa Unella, portrayed by actress Hannah Waddingham, is a member of the religious order known as the Faith of the Seven, which plays a significant role in the political and social structure of Westeros. The Faith of the Seven is the dominant religion in the Seven Kingdoms, worshiping seven distinct aspects of a single deity: the Father, the Mother, the Maiden, the Crone, the Warrior, the Smith, and the Stranger.
Septa Unella is introduced as a stern and zealous follower of this faith, and her name, “Unella,” derives from the word “un” (meaning “one” in certain Old English dialects), alluding to her role as a representative of the Seven. As a member of the Septas (the female clergy of the Faith), she serves in a capacity similar to that of a nun, overseeing religious ceremonies and rituals in the hopes of guiding the people of Westeros toward a moral path.
Unella is first seen when she arrives in King’s Landing to serve under the High Sparrow, the leader of the religious movement known as the Sparrows. She quickly becomes an important ally of the High Sparrow, who is focused on purging the realm of sin, corruption, and decadence. Her role becomes increasingly prominent as she engages in the manipulation and punishment of key characters.
The Rise of the Sparrows and Septa Unella’s Role
In the seasons following the introduction of the Sparrows, Septa Unella becomes an unwavering enforcer of the religious orthodoxy represented by the Faith of the Seven. The High Sparrow, a man who values the power of the faith over personal ambition, seeks to challenge the established power structures, including the monarchy and the nobility. He uses his position to gather followers from the common people, thereby gaining significant influence in King’s Landing.
Septa Unella is shown to be fiercely loyal to the High Sparrow, often acting as his right hand. Throughout this period, she is involved in the religious trials and punishments of the Lannisters, specifically Cersei Lannister. This is where her role becomes particularly important in the unfolding of the show’s drama.
Unella’s Role in Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Atonement
Perhaps the most iconic and defining moment for Septa Unella occurs in Season 5, Episode 10, titled Mother’s Mercy. In this episode, Cersei Lannister is forced to undergo a public humiliation known as the “Walk of Atonement,” a punishment decreed by the High Sparrow as part of his religious reforms.
Cersei has been accused of various sins, including committing adultery with her cousin Lancel Lannister and other noblemen. As punishment for these alleged transgressions, she is stripped naked, made to walk through the streets of King’s Landing, and forced to atone for her sins by the people of the city. The Walk of Atonement is a brutal display of public shame, and it is Septa Unella who plays an instrumental role in this humiliation.
Throughout the walk, Unella follows behind Cersei, chanting the words “Shame! Shame!” with a voice full of contempt. Her actions in this scene are calculated to break Cersei’s spirit, pushing her to accept her supposed guilt in front of the people. The repetition of the word “shame” echoes through the streets of King’s Landing, making the scene one of the most powerful symbols of the show’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and power.
Unella’s presence in this moment is crucial—she embodies the idea of religious punishment, the moral righteousness of the Faith of the Seven, and the judgment passed on those who deviate from its path. Her role as an instrument of punishment reflects the rigid and unforgiving nature of the Faith, one that holds power over not only the actions of individuals but their very self-worth.
Septa Unella’s Conflict with Cersei Lannister
Unella’s relationship with Cersei Lannister is one of animosity and disdain. Unella sees Cersei as the epitome of corruption and sin, a woman who has long defied the moral standards set by the Faith of the Seven. Cersei, on the other hand, views Unella as an oppressive zealot who uses religion as a tool for control and manipulation.
Throughout Season 6, Unella continues to serve the High Sparrow, maintaining her position as one of his most loyal supporters. As Cersei’s trial for her sins approaches, the tension between the two women escalates. Unella is particularly zealous in her role as Cersei’s jailer, humiliating her at every opportunity and insisting that she repent for her perceived sins.
In a particularly intense moment, Unella takes pleasure in Cersei’s discomfort, even offering a chilling reminder that the Faith will not forgive her transgressions. As a character, Unella represents the extreme end of religious piety, a woman who believes in the righteousness of her actions regardless of the suffering she causes.
Septa Unella’s Capture and Death
Septa Unella’s ultimate fate comes in Season 6, Episode 10, titled The Winds of Winter. After the events surrounding the trial of Cersei Lannister and the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor, where Cersei orchestrates the explosion that kills the High Sparrow and many others, Unella finds herself captured and imprisoned by Cersei’s forces.
In a shocking and brutal turn, Cersei confronts Unella in the dungeons beneath the Red Keep. What follows is a scene that echoes the earlier moments of public shaming that Unella had imposed on Cersei. Unella, who once chanted “Shame!” now finds herself on the receiving end of Cersei’s wrath. Cersei, rather than killing her outright, decides to let Unella live—at least for a time—and keeps her imprisoned to face a fate far worse than death.
In a cruel twist of irony, Cersei tells Unella, “I want you to know that it was me,” implying that Unella’s suffering was not the result of some divine punishment, but a personal vendetta. Cersei then leaves Unella to be taken by Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, a terrifying enforcer of Cersei’s will.
Unella’s death is left to the imagination of the audience, but it is implied that she is violently killed by the Mountain. Her final moments stand as a stark reminder of the show’s ongoing theme of power, revenge, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Symbolism and Legacy of Septa Unella
Septa Unella may not have had as much screen time or as many lines as some of Game of Thrones‘ more prominent characters, but her role as a religious zealot is vital to the narrative. She is the embodiment of rigid religious dogma, a character whose moral absolutism and fervent devotion to the Faith of the Seven clash with the show’s recurring theme of moral ambiguity.
Unella’s presence also represents the show’s exploration of power dynamics, particularly the role religion plays in maintaining control over the people. Her interactions with Cersei highlight the tension between personal desire and the demands of society, as well as the vulnerability of those who attempt to wield power without empathy or understanding.
Her final moments, filled with humiliation and the fear of a painful death, serve as a reminder that those who seek to dominate others through cruelty often meet a similar fate. Cersei’s decision to leave Unella alive, to endure the kind of torment she once imposed on others, reflects the show’s bleak view of vengeance and justice.
Conclusion
While Septa Unella’s role in Game of Thrones is not as expansive as some of its other characters, her presence on the show has been impactful and unforgettable. She represents the extremes of religious fervor, the enforcement of power through fear, and the inevitable downfall that awaits those who use religion as a tool of control. Her final scenes alongside Cersei Lannister are some of the most chilling in the series, offering a poignant commentary on revenge, suffering, and the cyclical nature of cruelty in the world of Westeros.
