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The''' silent sisters''' is an order of women belonging to the [[Faith of the Seven]].  They are sworn to the service of the [[Stranger (the Seven)|Stranger]] and have taken the vows of chastity and silence.  They are not to be confused with [[septa]]s.  The silent sisters attend to the dead. {{Ref|aDwD|65}}
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The''' silent sisters''' is an order of women belonging to the [[Faith of the Seven]].  They are sworn to the service of the [[Stranger (the Seven)|Stranger]] and have taken the vows of chastity and silence.  They are not to be confused with [[septa]]s.  The silent sisters attend to the dead.{{Ref|aDwD|65}}
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==About==
 
==About==
Silent sisters are sometimes referred to as 'Wives of the Stranger' or 'Death’s Handmaidens.' They are shrouded in grey and keep their faces cowled except for their eyes. {{Ref|aCoK|39}}  It is said that theirs is a serene life, a life of prayer and contemplation and good works.  They bring solace to the living and peace to the dead. {{Ref|aFfC|32}}
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Silent sisters are sometimes referred to as 'Wives of the Stranger' or 'Death’s Handmaidens'. They are shrouded in grey and keep their faces cowled except for their eyes.{{Ref|aCoK|39}}  It is said that theirs is a serene life, a life of prayer and contemplation and good works.  They bring solace to the living and peace to the dead.{{Ref|aFfC|32}}
  
One of the silent sisters main functions is the collection and handling of the bodies of the dead, preparing them for funerals. The silent sisters are known to remove bowels and organs, drain the body of blood. {{Ref|aFfC|17}}  They often clean the corpses of the noble slain before returning them to their kin. {{Ref|aDwD|65}}
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One of the silent sisters' main functions is the collection and handling of the bodies of the dead, preparing them for funerals. The silent sisters are known to remove bowels and organs, drain the body of blood.{{Ref|aFfC|17}}  They often clean the corpses of the noble slain before returning them to their kin.{{Ref|aDwD|65}}
  
People of [[Westeros]] are uneasy about and wary of the silent sisters. The silent sisters prepare men for the grave, and it is considered ill fortune to look on the face of death. {{Ref|aGoT|30}}  
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People of [[Westeros]] are uneasy about and wary of the silent sisters. The silent sisters prepare men for the grave, and it is considered ill fortune to look on the face of death.{{Ref|aGoT|30}}  
  
It is said that the silent sisters are always glad to welcome widows. {{Ref|aFfC|32}} Years ago, during the rein of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], King Aegon promised Ser [[Quentyn Ball]] a place in the [[Kingsguard]], so Quentyn made his wife join the silent sisters in order to facilitate this. <ref>The Citadel. ''Private Meeting'' Santa Fe, NM (May 4, 2004), [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2004/05/ So Spake Martin]</ref>
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It is said that the silent sisters are always glad to welcome widows.{{Ref|aFfC|32}} Years ago, during the rein of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], the king promised Ser [[Quentyn Ball]] a place in the [[Kingsguard]], so Quentyn made his wife join the silent sisters in order to facilitate this.<ref>The Citadel. ''Private Meeting'' Santa Fe, NM (May 4, 2004), [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2004/05/ So Spake Martin]</ref>
  
A daughter of Ser [[Elys Waynwood]] was seduced by a [[sellsword]], lost her bastard child by him and joined the silent sisters.{{Ref|aGoT|41}} [[Tyrion]] recalls that there is supposed to be a female dwarf amongst the silent sisters. {{Ref|aDwD|33}}   
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A daughter of Ser [[Elys Waynwood]] was seduced by a [[sellsword]], lost her bastard child by him and joined the silent sisters.{{Ref|aGoT|41}} [[Tyrion Lannister]] recalls that there is supposed to be a female dwarf amongst the silent sisters.{{Ref|aDwD|33}}   
  
It is rumoured that their female parts are cold and wet as ice. {{Ref|aFfC|4}} When [[Podrick Payne]] mentions that he has heard that silent sisters do not have tongues septon [[Meribald]] smiles and says that mothers have been cowing their daughters with that tale since he was Pod’s age. {{Ref|aCoK|31}}
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It is rumoured that their female parts are cold and wet as ice.{{Ref|aFfC|4}} When [[Podrick Payne]] mentions that he has heard that silent sisters do not have tongues Septon [[Meribald]] smiles and says that mothers have been cowing their daughters with that tale since he was Pod’s age.{{Ref|aCoK|31}}
  
 
During the [[the Great Spring Sickness]] nearly all of the silent sisters in [[King's Landing]] died of the plague.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 978-0345456441, page 115 of 73-152}}
 
During the [[the Great Spring Sickness]] nearly all of the silent sisters in [[King's Landing]] died of the plague.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 978-0345456441, page 115 of 73-152}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
===A Game of Thrones===
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===''A Game of Thrones''===
A silent sister attends to the body of Ser [[Hugh]] of the Vale. {{Ref|aGoT|30}}
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A silent sister attends to the body of Ser [[Hugh]] of the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]].{{Ref|aGoT|30}}
===A Clash of Kings===
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[[Theon Greyjoy]] tells his sister [[Asha Greyjoy]] that when he rules the [[Iron Islands]] he shall pack her off to the silent sisters. {{Ref|acok|24|p 394}}  
+
===''A Clash of Kings''===
===A Storm of Swords===
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[[Theon Greyjoy]] tells his sister [[Asha Greyjoy]] that when he rules the [[Iron Islands]] he shall pack her off to the silent sisters.{{Ref|acok|24|p 394}}
After the [[Red Wedding]] [[Sandor Clegane]] threatens to give [[Arya Stark]] to the silent sisters. {{Ref|aSoS|65}}
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===A Feast for Crows===
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[[Arya Stark]] sees silent sisters remove the body of Lord [[Medger Cerwyn]] from [[Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|30}}
Travelling to [[Duskendale]] at the beginning of her quest [[Brienne]] comes across a band of silent sisters, she asks them if they have seen [[Sansa|her sister]] but they shake their heads. {{Ref|aFfC|4}}
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 +
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 +
After the [[Red Wedding]] [[Sandor Clegane]] threatens to give Arya to the silent sisters.{{Ref|aSoS|65}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 +
Travelling to [[Duskendale]] at the beginning of her quest [[Brienne of Tarth]] comes across a band of silent sisters. She asks them if they have seen [[Sansa Stark|her sister]] but they shake their heads.{{Ref|aFfC|4}}
  
Later Brienne, Ser [[Illifer]] and Ser [[Creighton Longbough]] come across some [[poor fellow]]s marching to [[King’s Landing]].  The poor fellows tell them that even silent sisters have been molested. {{Ref|aFfC|4}} {{Ref|aFfC|28}} Ser Crayton remarks that a man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister, even to lay hands upon one. {{Ref|aFfC|4}}
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Later Brienne, Ser [[Illifer]] and Ser [[Creighton Longbough]] come across some [[poor fellow]]s marching to [[King's Landing]].  The poor fellows tell them that even silent sisters have been molested.{{Ref|aFfC|4}}{{Ref|aFfC|28}} Creighton remarks that a man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister or even to lay hands upon one.{{Ref|aFfC|4}}
  
During [[Jaime Lannister]]’s vigil over [[Tywin Lannister|his father’s body]] the silent sisters come single file down the Stranger’s Steps.  Death’s handmaidens are garbed in soft grey, their faces hooded and shawled so only their eyes can be seen.  They and the other devout make a circuit of the sept, worshipping at each of the seven altars to honour the seven aspects of the deity.  To each god they make a sacrifice and sing a hymn. {{Ref|aFfC|8}} When the funeral procession departs [[King’s Landing]] six silent sisters ride attendance on his bones. {{Ref|aFfC|16}}
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During [[Jaime Lannister]]’s vigil over [[Tywin Lannister|his father’s body]] the silent sisters come single file down the Stranger’s Steps.  Death’s handmaidens are garbed in soft grey, their faces hooded and shawled so only their eyes can be seen.  They and the other devout make a circuit of the sept, worshipping at each of the seven altars to honour the seven aspects of the deity.  To each god they make a sacrifice and sing a hymn. {{Ref|aFfC|8}} When the funeral procession departs King's Landing six silent sisters ride attendance on his bones.{{Ref|aFfC|16}}
  
Cersei suggests to [[Falyse Stokeworth]] that she join the silent sisters after [[Bronn]] ordered her gone from [[Stokeworth]].  Cersei then thinks of a better way to get rid of her and gives Falyse to [[Qyburn]]. {{Ref|aFfC|32}}
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[[Cersei Lannister]] suggests to [[Falyse Stokeworth]] that she join the silent sisters after [[Bronn]] ordered her gone from [[Stokeworth]].  Cersei then thinks of a better way to get rid of her and gives Falyse to [[Qyburn]].{{Ref|aFfC|32}}
  
The new [[High Sparrow|High Septon]] tells [[Cersei]] that even silent sisters have been raped. {{Ref|aFfC|28}}
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The new [[High Sparrow|High Septon]] tells Cersei that even silent sisters have been raped.{{Ref|aFfC|28}}
  
On [[Brienne]] and her companions way to the [[Quiet Isle]] talk turns to the silent sisters and septon [[Meribald]] explains to [[Podrick Payne]] that,  
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On Brienne and her companions way to the [[Quiet Isle]] talk turns to the silent sisters and Septon [[Meribald]] explains to [[Podrick Payne]] that,  
 
{{Quote|A vow of silence is an act of contrition, a sacrifice by which we prove our devotion to the [[the Seven|Seven Above]].{{Ref|aFfC|31}}}}
 
{{Quote|A vow of silence is an act of contrition, a sacrifice by which we prove our devotion to the [[the Seven|Seven Above]].{{Ref|aFfC|31}}}}
  
During Cersei's imprisonment three silent sisters hold [[Cersei]] down as septa [[Scolera]] strips her bare.  
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During Cersei's imprisonment three silent sisters hold her down as Septa [[Scolera]] strips her bare.  
  
At [[Riverrun]] [[Jaime]] dreams of a woman all in grey, a silent sister. A hood and veil conceal her features but he can see the candles burning in the green pools of her eyes, it is his [[Joanna Lannister|mother]]. {{Ref|aFfC|44}}
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At [[Riverrun]] [[Jaime Lannister]] dreams of a woman all in grey, a silent sister. A hood and veil conceal her features but he can see the candles burning in the green pools of her eyes; it is his [[Joanna Lannister|mother]].{{Ref|aFfC|44}}
  
===A Dance with Dragons===
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===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Ser [[Wylis Manderly]] threatens to send his daughter [[Wylla Manderly]] to the silent sisters if she does not speak her wedding vows to [[Walder Frey (Little)|Walder Frey]] on the appointed day. {{Ref|aDwD|19}}
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Ser [[Wylis Manderly]] threatens to send his daughter, [[Wylla Manderly]], to the silent sisters if she does not speak her wedding vows to [[Little Walder Frey|Walder Frey]] on the appointed day. {{Ref|aDwD|19}}
  
Before [[Cersei]]’s penance walk from the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to the [[Red Keep]] two silent sisters shave her head and body. {{Ref|aDwD|65}}
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Before Cersei’s penance walk from the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to the [[Red Keep]] two silent sisters shave her head and body.{{Ref|aDwD|65}}
  
In [[Meereen]] Ser [[Barristan]] considers what is to be done with [[Quentyn Martell]]’s body.  He thinks that the silent sisters would have seen to it at home, but this is [[Slaver's Bay]] and the nearest silent sister is 10,000 leagues away. {{Ref|aDwD|70}}
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In [[Meereen]] Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] considers what is to be done with [[Quentyn Martell]]’s body.  He thinks that the silent sisters would have seen to it at home, but this is [[Slaver's Bay]] and the nearest silent sister is 10,000 leagues away.{{Ref|aDwD|70}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|[[Wylla]], every time you open your mouth you make me want to send you to the silent sisters. {{Ref|aDwD|19}}}} - Ser [[Wylis Manderly]], to his daughter [[Wylla Manderly]]
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{{Quote|[[Wylla Manderly|Wylla]], every time you open your mouth you make me want to send you to the silent sisters.{{Ref|aDwD|19}}}} - Ser [[Wylis Manderly]], to his daughter [[Wylla Manderly]]
  
  
{{Quote|If I had any sense I’d give you to the silent sisters.  They cut the tongues out of girls who talk too much. {{Ref|aSoS|65}}}} - [[the Hound]], to [[Arya]]
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{{Quote|If I had any sense I’d give you to the silent sisters.  They cut the tongues out of girls who talk too much.{{Ref|aSoS|65}}}} - [[Sandor Clegane]], to [[Arya Stark]]
  
  
{{Quote|A man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister…Event to lay hands upon one…it’s said they are the [[Stranger (the Seven) |Stranger]]’s wives.}} - Ser [[Creighton Longbough]]
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{{Quote|A man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister … Even to lay hands upon one … it’s said they are the [[Stranger (the Seven) |Stranger]]’s wives.}} - Ser [[Creighton Longbough]]
  
 
==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==
 
{{Columns|2|
 
{{Columns|2|
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{{References}}}}
 
{{References}}}}
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[[Category:Religions]]
 
[[Category:Religions]]
 
[[Category:Organizations]]
 
[[Category:Organizations]]
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[[es:Hermanas Silenciosas]]
 
[[es:Hermanas Silenciosas]]

Revision as of 20:14, 4 October 2013

The silent sisters is an order of women belonging to the Faith of the Seven. They are sworn to the service of the Stranger and have taken the vows of chastity and silence. They are not to be confused with septas. The silent sisters attend to the dead.[1]

About

Silent sisters are sometimes referred to as 'Wives of the Stranger' or 'Death’s Handmaidens'. They are shrouded in grey and keep their faces cowled except for their eyes.[2] It is said that theirs is a serene life, a life of prayer and contemplation and good works. They bring solace to the living and peace to the dead.[3]

One of the silent sisters' main functions is the collection and handling of the bodies of the dead, preparing them for funerals. The silent sisters are known to remove bowels and organs, drain the body of blood.[4] They often clean the corpses of the noble slain before returning them to their kin.[1]

People of Westeros are uneasy about and wary of the silent sisters. The silent sisters prepare men for the grave, and it is considered ill fortune to look on the face of death.[5]

It is said that the silent sisters are always glad to welcome widows.[3] Years ago, during the rein of King Aegon IV Targaryen, the king promised Ser Quentyn Ball a place in the Kingsguard, so Quentyn made his wife join the silent sisters in order to facilitate this.[6]

A daughter of Ser Elys Waynwood was seduced by a sellsword, lost her bastard child by him and joined the silent sisters.[7] Tyrion Lannister recalls that there is supposed to be a female dwarf amongst the silent sisters.[8]

It is rumoured that their female parts are cold and wet as ice.[9] When Podrick Payne mentions that he has heard that silent sisters do not have tongues Septon Meribald smiles and says that mothers have been cowing their daughters with that tale since he was Pod’s age.[10]

During the the Great Spring Sickness nearly all of the silent sisters in King's Landing died of the plague.[11]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

A silent sister attends to the body of Ser Hugh of the Vale.[5]

A Clash of Kings

Theon Greyjoy tells his sister Asha Greyjoy that when he rules the Iron Islands he shall pack her off to the silent sisters.[12]

Arya Stark sees silent sisters remove the body of Lord Medger Cerwyn from Harrenhal.[13]

A Storm of Swords

After the Red Wedding Sandor Clegane threatens to give Arya to the silent sisters.[14]

A Feast for Crows

Travelling to Duskendale at the beginning of her quest Brienne of Tarth comes across a band of silent sisters. She asks them if they have seen her sister but they shake their heads.[9]

Later Brienne, Ser Illifer and Ser Creighton Longbough come across some poor fellows marching to King's Landing. The poor fellows tell them that even silent sisters have been molested.[9][15] Creighton remarks that a man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister or even to lay hands upon one.[9]

During Jaime Lannister’s vigil over his father’s body the silent sisters come single file down the Stranger’s Steps. Death’s handmaidens are garbed in soft grey, their faces hooded and shawled so only their eyes can be seen. They and the other devout make a circuit of the sept, worshipping at each of the seven altars to honour the seven aspects of the deity. To each god they make a sacrifice and sing a hymn. [16] When the funeral procession departs King's Landing six silent sisters ride attendance on his bones.[17]

Cersei Lannister suggests to Falyse Stokeworth that she join the silent sisters after Bronn ordered her gone from Stokeworth. Cersei then thinks of a better way to get rid of her and gives Falyse to Qyburn.[3]

The new High Septon tells Cersei that even silent sisters have been raped.[15]

On Brienne and her companions way to the Quiet Isle talk turns to the silent sisters and Septon Meribald explains to Podrick Payne that,

A vow of silence is an act of contrition, a sacrifice by which we prove our devotion to the Seven Above.[18]

During Cersei's imprisonment three silent sisters hold her down as Septa Scolera strips her bare.

At Riverrun Jaime Lannister dreams of a woman all in grey, a silent sister. A hood and veil conceal her features but he can see the candles burning in the green pools of her eyes; it is his mother.[19]

A Dance with Dragons

Ser Wylis Manderly threatens to send his daughter, Wylla Manderly, to the silent sisters if she does not speak her wedding vows to Walder Frey on the appointed day. [20]

Before Cersei’s penance walk from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep two silent sisters shave her head and body.[1]

In Meereen Ser Barristan Selmy considers what is to be done with Quentyn Martell’s body. He thinks that the silent sisters would have seen to it at home, but this is Slaver's Bay and the nearest silent sister is 10,000 leagues away.[21]

Quotes

Wylla, every time you open your mouth you make me want to send you to the silent sisters.[20]

- Ser Wylis Manderly, to his daughter Wylla Manderly


If I had any sense I’d give you to the silent sisters. They cut the tongues out of girls who talk too much.[14]

- Sandor Clegane, to Arya Stark


A man would need to be a fool to rape a silent sister … Even to lay hands upon one … it’s said they are the Stranger’s wives.

- Ser Creighton Longbough

References and Notes


  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 65, Cersei II.
  2. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 32, Cersei VII.
  4. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  6. The Citadel. Private Meeting Santa Fe, NM (May 4, 2004), So Spake Martin
  7. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 41, Jon V.
  8. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 33, Tyrion VIII.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 4, Brienne I.
  10. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
  11. The Sworn Sword, Legends II, ISBN 978-0345456441, page 115 of 73-152.
  12. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 24, Theon II, p 394.
  13. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 30, Arya VII.
  14. 14.0 14.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 65, Arya XII.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  16. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.
  17. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  18. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI.
  19. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 44, Jaime VII.
  20. 20.0 20.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 19, Davos III.
  21. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 70, The Queen's Hand.