The Explosive Scheme: Unveiling Cersei's Wildfire Plot at The Sept Of Baelor - Game Of Thrones Explained

Highlights

Cersei's plan to align with the Faith and use the High Sparrow backfires when the Sparrows become out of control and cause chaos in King's Landing.

Cersei conspires to reduce the members of the small council and manipulates the High Sparrow and his followers as instruments in her scheme, resulting in the imprisonment of Ser Loras and Queen Margaery.

Reaching the pinnacle of her plan, Cersei detonates Wildfire, obliterating the Sept of Baelor and eliminating both the High Sparrow and her adversaries. However, this act also tragically claims the life of her son, Tommen.

In Game of Thrones season 5, episode 3 "High Sparrow," Cersei Lannister's decision to align the crown's interests with the Sparrows, a religious sect within the Faith, proves to be a detrimental move. Seeking the aid of the Sparrows, who maintain a strict interpretation of the Seven, Cersei is unaware of the consequences that lie ahead. The High Septon, leader of the Faith of the Seven, warns Cersei and the small council about the potential dangers posed by these zealous followers. Should the High Sparrow continue unchecked, the situation could escalate further. Unconcerned with the consequences of her actions and driven by her own hidden motives, Cersei grants the High Sparrow unrestricted authority in King's Landing, leading to disastrous outcomes.

Cersei's Plotting

Cersei aims to manipulate the small council by surrounding herself with yes-men and gaining the trust of the High Sparrow. In Game of Thrones season 5, episode 4 "Sons of the Harpy," she meets with the High Sparrow and expresses her desire to restore the power of the Faith Militant. Despite the High Sparrow reminding her that the Targaryens disarmed the Faith Militant centuries ago, Cersei assures him that her son, King Tommen Baratheon, will willingly authorize a decree to arm the believers. This would create an army devoted to the gods and to the High Sparrow, who is seen as their chosen representative amongst the Seven.

As the High Sparrow emerges, he establishes himself as the chosen representative. Subsequently, zealous armed individuals launch an attack on Littlefinger's establishment in King's Landing, pouring wine into the streets and destroying the idols. Cersei informs the High Sparrow about Ser Loras Tyrell, who is later apprehended due to this tip-off. Cersei's cousin, Lancel Lannister, is revealed to be involved in these operations. The Gold Cloaks turn a blind eye to the chaos, resulting in Ser Loras Tyrell being imprisoned.

Despite Tommen's efforts, he cannot secure the release of his brother-in-law. Lord Baelish cautions Cersei against arresting the heir to Highgarden. In "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken," episode 6 of Game of Thrones season 5, Ser Loras' trial commences, where he denies charges of "fornication" and "blasphemy" while Margaery defends his innocence. However, Olyvar testifies that Margaery once walked in on them, suggesting her awareness of her brother's activities. Consequently, the Faith arranges a formal trial for both Ser Loras and Queen Margaery, charging her with perjury.

Cersei's Arrest, Atonement, And Trial

King Tommen is unsuccessful in reclaiming the Sept, the central place of religious devotion for the Faith and the headquarters of the High Sparrow. Following Cersei's visit to Margaery in her prison cell in Game of Thrones season 5, episode 7 "The Gift," Cersei herself is apprehended after her cousin Lancel confesses to their romantic involvement. Later, Qyburn pays her a visit and informs her of the charges she faces: "fornication, treason, incest, and the murder of King Robert." Despite being her uncle and serving as the Hand, Kevan Lannister refuses to visit Cersei, while Tommen remains secluded in his chambers.

In Game of Thrones season 5, episode 10 "Mother's Mercy," Cersei finally admits to committing adultery, resulting in the High Sparrow granting her permission to return to the Red Keep. However, she is compelled to undergo a humiliating Walk of Atonement through the streets of King's Landing all the way to the Red Keep. Qyburn awaits her at the gates of the castle and welcomes her back, introducing her to the resurrected Ser Gregor, the newest member of the Kingsguard. Cersei's trial is slated to occur in Game of Thrones season 6, but Qyburn has devised a scheme against their adversaries.

In "Oathbreaker," the third episode of Game of Thrones season 6, Qyburn springs into action. He enlists the help of the same "Little Birds," young informants who previously served Lord Varys as the Master of Whisperers. Within the small council, there is a clear divide between Kevan Lannister, Olenna Tyrell, Grand Maester Pycelle, and Mace Tyrell, while Cersei, Jaime, and Qyburn make unwelcome appearances. Insisting that Cersei must face trial before the Seven Septons, the High Sparrow creates tension. Meanwhile, Margaery devises a plan to liberate herself and her brother from the clutches of the High Sparrow.

Cersei Blows Up The Sept Of Baelor

In episode 6 of Game of Thrones season 6, titled "Blood of My Blood," Jaime and Mace Tyrell unite to lead the Tyrell army towards the Sept of Baelor in order to halt Margaery's anticipated Walk of Atonement. However, to their surprise, the High Sparrow declares that her walk will not be necessary, as she has already atoned by bringing someone else into the Seven. It is revealed that the High Sparrow and King Tommen have forged an agreement, where the crown and the Faith will share equal authority. As a result, Tommen commands Jaime to confront the Blackfish in the Riverlands, while Olenna departs for Highgarden and refuses to assist Cersei in her battle against the High Sparrow.

In the Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 8 titled "No One," Cersei refuses to meet the High Sparrow at the Sept, resulting in the undead Clegane killing a Sparrow who attempts to take her forcefully. Soon after, Tommen announces the trial of Loras and Cersei Lannister and outlaws Trial by Combat, leaving Cersei with no choice but to plan a war against the Sparrows. Qyburn confirms the existence of Wildfire barrels beneath the Sept of Baelor, prompting them to proceed with their Wildfire plot.

In Episode 10, "The Winds of Winter," the day of Cersei and Loras' trial arrives. Loras faces the Seven Septons, but Cersei and Tommen are nowhere to be found. Loras renounces the Tyrell name, while the High Sparrow has the symbol of the Faith carved into his forehead. Attendees include Margaery, Mace Tyrell, Kevan Lannister, and the people of King's Landing. Tommen is confined to his chambers in the Red Keep, with the High Sparrow ordering Lancel to bring Cersei to the Sept. Pycelle is killed by Qyburn's Little Birds, and Lancel is lured away by one of them while on his way to the Red Keep. He discovers barrels of Wildfire in a dark passageway, ultimately being stabbed and crawling towards burning candles on puddles of Wildfire.

Margaery grows suspicious and tries to warn the High Sparrow, but she is prevented from leaving the Sept. She urges everyone to evacuate, but the Sparrows block the exits. As Cersei watches, the Wildfire is ignited and the Sept of Baelor is obliterated. Enjoying her victory, Cersei sips wine while her son removes his crown and leaps out the window as the episode, "The Winds of Winter," concludes.