HBO's hit TV series "Game of Thrones"—which returns for its sixth season this Sunday, April 24—features not only a plethora of complex characters, but also a number of different religions.
Many of the characters found in George R.R. Martin's novels and TV series are deeply religious, and some are even moved to go to battle and kill innocent lives because of it.
All of the families vying for a piece of the throne seem to practice their own religions, according to Religion News Service.
The Lannisters from King's Landing follow the Faith of the Seven—Mother, Father, Warrior, Maiden, Smith, Crone, and Stranger. The "High Sparrow," a monk who lives a strict yet simple life, leads the clergy men into ridding the city of corruption and lust, among many other sins.
During the previous season, even Queen Cersei Lannister was forced to walk naked throughout the city in repentance for her many sins.
As for the Lannisters' royal enemies, the Targaryens, they have long fled King's Landing. The family's remaining heir Daenerys Targaryen now leads a group of Dothraki (horse riders) as the "mother of dragons," although she has adopted their faith. The Dothraki actually follow a lot of unique practices, such as having pregnant women eat a beating horse's heart to ensure that their sons will become strong men.
They worship "The Great Stallion" and believe that the sun and moon are gods. They eagerly anticipate the arrival of a saviour they call "The Stallion Who Mounts the World."
Meanwhile, rebellious Arya Stark is now serving the Many-Faced God, who is focused on the dead. The followers of the Many-Faced God kill people either out of mercy or punishment. They believe in balance, and the fact that all people are equal in death.
As for Arya's uncle Stannis Baratheon, he served R'hllor, the Lord of the Light. The Lord of the Light's high priestess Melisandre caused him to do a lot of horrible things, including burning Stannis' only child Shireen at the stake. R'hllor is reportedly very demanding because he likes seeing people burning at the stake, but he just might be the one who will resurrect Jon Snow from the dead after the latter's surprise passing during the season 5 finale.
