The 30 most iconic moments from Game of Thrones, ranked

13. Cersei takes her walk of atonement

Cersei’s walk of shame is a moment she’ll never forget, and it’s unlikely that Game of Thrones viewers will forget about it any time soon either. It’s one of the most iconic scenes in both George R.R. Martin’s book series and the television adaptation, and it’s one of the few times that fans are actually able to feel for Cersei.

Until the High Sparrow arrests her in season 5, Cersei had become a uniquely unlikable character. There are a few moments in the first few seasons that allow her some humanity, but as she loses her family members and gains power, she becomes more and more vile. Her motives are understandable, but it’s still hard to truly sympathize with her.

When the High Sparrow strips Cersei of her power, however, it becomes clear why she’s desperately clung to it for so long. The High Sparrow forces her to come face to face to complete powerlessness, and to do it in front of a city that doesn’t think terribly kindly of her. The scene is stark, and drags on for long painful minutes without musical accompaniment to distract us from the horror of what Cersei is experiencing. No what matter what she’s done, no one deserves that.

Cersei’s walk of atonement is also a demonstration of the High Sparrow’s political acumen, and of the double standards that plague the women of Westeros. The High Sparrow himself admits to having to atone for his sins, though we certainly don’t see him walking naked through the streets.

This scene also begins the countdown to Cersei’s revenge, as fans know she won’t allow the High Sparrow to get away with humiliating her. If Cersei’s walk hadn’t occurred, there’s a good chance she wouldn’t have blown up the Sept of Baelor, and figures like Margaery could have lived on. But the High Sparrow’s choices trigger her own, leading her to become the “Mad Queen.”