Poor Fellows

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A red seven-pointed star is the Poor Fellows's sigil
The poor fellows are suppressed - by Marc Simonetti ©

The Poor Fellows is one of the two ancient military orders sworn to the Faith of the Seven, collectively known as the Faith Militant. A red seven-pointed star is their sigil.

Description

The Poor Fellows order is also known as the "Stars", due to the seven-pointed star that is their sigil. The red star has its origins in the days of the Andal Invasion of Westeros, when zealous warriors carved the seven-pointed star into their chests. Their counterparts are the "Swords" or Warrior's Sons.

Acting as a militant counterpart to the begging brothers, Poor Fellows became defenders of wayfarers on the road, escorting pilgrims between septs. The Poor Fellows only answer to the High Septon, as they believe the High Septon speaks for their god.

Unlike the Warrior's Sons they accept members from all ranks of society, regardless of birth, sex or station, though they are led in battle by the Warrior's Sons. Despite not being as trained, disciplined, or well-armed as the Warrior's Sons, the Poor Fellows are the bulk of the Faith's army. They are lightly-armed footmen who carry whatever weapons they can make or find, often axes or cudgels, and wear star badges, red on white. Some even scourge or brand the seven pointed star in their flesh.

History

The order were brutally suppressed by King Maegor the Cruel because of their involvement in the rebellions following Aegon the Conqueror's death. Afterwards, Jaehaerys the Conciliator pardoned all those who remained, and brought the order to its end. An unnamed septon wrote a discourse on Maegor the Cruel's war against the Poor Fellows. [1]

Restoration of the Order

During the War of the Five Kings a new High Septon was allowed to restore the Order after negotiating with Queen Regent Cersei Lannister, who overturned the law forbidding holy men from being armed, and the order was reborn. The bulk of the current Poor Fellows are Sparrows and they obey the new High Septon, known by many as the High Sparrow.

Quotes

"The Swords and Stars troubled even the Targaryens." [2]

- Genna Lannister

References and Notes

  1. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 11, The Kraken's Daughter.
  2. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.

See also