Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Septa Unella, also known as the “Shame Nun,” left a lasting mark on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Despite her relatively small role, this character became a pop culture icon for a memorable scene involving Cersei Lannister. Let’s delve into the significance of Septa Unella in the world of Westeros.

The Shame Nun’s Arrival and Infamous Scene

Introduced in Game of Thrones season 5, Hannah Waddingham brought life to Septa Unella, a devoted member of the Faith of the Seven clergy and a loyal follower of the High Sparrow. However, her nickname, the “Shame Nun,” stems from a pivotal moment in the series. Unella plays a central role in Cersei Lannister’s walk of atonement, a harrowing sequence where Cersei is stripped naked and forced to march through King’s Landing while Unella relentlessly rings a bell and chants “shame.” This severe punishment is inflicted upon Cersei for her sins, particularly adultery with her cousin Lancel.

The Twisted Fate of Septa Unella

Cersei Lannister, never one to forget a debt, eventually turns the tables on Septa Unella. After orchestrating the destruction of the Sept of Baelor and reclaiming her position as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Cersei imprisons Unella. She cruelly reminds the nun of her earlier promise – that her face would be the last thing Unella sees before her demise. Cersei takes it further by introducing Ser Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane into Unella’s cell, leaving viewers to imagine the gruesome torture that follows.

Hannah Waddingham’s Appreciation for Unella’s Aesthetic

Despite the grim fate of her character, Hannah Waddingham found satisfaction in portraying Septa Unella, particularly due to Unella’s unglamorous appearance. She embraced the character’s disheveled and somber look, emphasizing that a character’s appearance should suit their role. In Waddingham’s words, “I liked the fact that in Game of Thrones, I looked like I’d just been dug up, exhumed from somewhere” (via CinemaBlend). This stark contrast highlights Waddingham’s versatility as an actress, transitioning from the austere Shame Nun to the confident and fashionable Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso. Notably, she even kept the infamous shame bell as a memento of her time on Game of Thrones.

Septa Unella’s impact on the series, coupled with Hannah Waddingham’s dedicated portrayal, solidified the character as a standout in the complex tapestry of Game of Thrones. Despite her modest screen time, the Shame Nun’s presence continues to resonate with fans of the show.