Unveiling the Prophet: The Mysterious Seraphite Leader in The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2 introduces viewers to a chilling new faction, the Seraphites, led by the enigmatic figure known as the Prophet. This religious cult, pivotal in The Last of Us Part II, shapes the post-apocalyptic landscape with its fervent beliefs and violent practices.

In this article, we dive deep into the Prophet’s role in the game, exploring her backstory, ideology, and impact, while speculating on what HBO’s adaptation might bring to this shadowy character. From her founding of the Seraphites to her lasting legacy, here’s everything you need to know about the Prophet and what to expect in The Last of Us Season 2.

Who Is the Prophet in The Last of Us Part II?

The Prophet is the founder of the Seraphites, a religious cult in The Last of Us Part II that thrives in the ruins of Seattle. Though she never appears in person, her presence looms large through murals, symbols, and the devotion of her followers.

Described as a woman with a vision for a utopian, egalitarian society, the Prophet emerged shortly after the Cordyceps outbreak, advocating a return to a simpler life free from modern technology and physical pleasures.

Her teachings emphasized living off the land and rejecting the pre-apocalyptic world’s excesses. She was also a fierce fighter, saving many from the infected, which bolstered her following. However, her radical ideas posed a threat to the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a rival faction. The WLF captured and executed her before the events of The Last of Us Part II, turning her into a martyr.

Despite her death, the Prophet’s legacy endures. Her followers, known as “Scars” due to their ritual facial scarring, continue to uphold her vision—albeit in a distorted, violent form under the Elders’ leadership. Murals bearing the phrase “Feel her love” and symbols like the Seraphite emblem are scattered across Seattle, underscoring her enduring influence.

What Are the Seraphites’ Beliefs and Practices?

The Seraphites, or Scars, are defined by their strict adherence to the Prophet’s teachings, which blend spirituality with survivalism. They believe in a natural order, rejecting technology and modern comforts. Their rituals include “holy mortification,” where members scar their cheeks as a sign of loyalty, a practice even young children like Constance undergo.

The group communicates through a sophisticated whistling language and prefers melee weapons like hammers and stealthy bows over firearms, reflecting their anti-technology stance. They hang dissenters and leave gruesome displays, such as WLF members riddled with arrows or disemboweled, to spread fear and devotion to the Prophet’s cause.

In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie and Dina encounter these chilling scenes, including a blood-written message, “Feel her love,” tied to the Prophet’s spiritual mantra. The Seraphites’ rivalry with the WLF has escalated into a brutal civil war, with both sides committing atrocities. The Prophet’s original vision of peace has been corrupted, as the Elders have twisted her teachings to justify violence and polygamous practices, straying far from her egalitarian ideals.

How Does the Prophet Influence the Story of The Last of Us Part II?

Though the Prophet is long dead by the time Ellie and Dina reach Seattle, her influence drives the Seraphites’ actions, shaping the game’s narrative. Her martyrdom fuels their guerrilla warfare against the WLF, creating a tense backdrop for Ellie’s revenge quest. The Seraphites’ encounters with Ellie and Dina highlight their fanaticism, as they attack with bows and melee weapons, whistling to coordinate.

Key characters like Lev and Yara, Seraphite siblings introduced later in the game, offer deeper insight into the Prophet’s impact. Their stories reveal the cult’s internal struggles and the Elders’ corruption of her teachings, adding moral complexity to the faction. The Prophet’s murals and symbols, found on Martyr’s Gate and carved into trees, serve as constant reminders of her vision, even as it’s been warped.

Her absence in the game makes her a mythic figure, with players piecing together her story through environmental storytelling. This approach heightens her mystique, making her a fascinating unseen force in The Last of Us Part II.

What Can We Expect from the Prophet in The Last of Us Season 2?

In The Last of Us Season 2, the Seraphites debut in episode 3, where Ellie and Dina encounter a group of scarred, hooded figures on a forest trail to Seattle. The show confirms the Prophet’s death, noting she’s been gone for 10 years, and her followers now operate under the Elders’ violent rule.

A Seraphite leader explains to a young girl, Constance, that the Prophet “sees truths hidden from others,” but her absence leaves the group vulnerable to WLF attacks.

HBO’s adaptation has a history of expanding game characters, as seen with Bill and Frank in Season 1. Showrunner Neil Druckmann has teased that a “prominent character” from The Last of Us Part II will have a bigger role in The Last of Us Season 2, with the Prophet as a prime candidate.

A potential flashback episode could explore her backstory, detailing her rise, vision, and execution by the WLF. Such an episode could attract major talent, given the role’s gravitas.

However, without a casting announcement for the Prophet, her presence in The Last of Us Season 2 may remain limited to references and symbols, much like the game. Lev and Yara, who deepen the Seraphite narrative, are unlikely to appear this season, as no casting has been confirmed, suggesting their debut in Season 3.

Still, the show could introduce original Seraphite characters or expand on figures like Constance to flesh out the cult’s dynamics.

The Prophet’s role will likely tie into the season’s themes of vengeance and justice, mirroring the game’s exploration of cyclical violence. Her martyrdom could underscore the Seraphites’ motivations, contrasting with Ellie’s and Abby’s personal quests.

Fans can expect chilling visuals—like the Seraphite symbol in blood—and tense encounters that highlight the cult’s eerie devotion.

Why Is the Prophet a Compelling Figure for The Last of Us Season 2?

The Prophet’s allure lies in her ambiguity. As an unseen character, she embodies the power of ideology in a broken world, her vision both inspiring and destructive. Her story raises questions about faith, leadership, and how ideals can be corrupted—themes that resonate deeply in The Last of Us Season 2’s narrative of revenge and moral ambiguity.

HBO’s knack for deepening game lore suggests the Prophet could become a standout element, whether through flashbacks or expanded Seraphite storylines. Her influence on the Seraphites makes her a linchpin for understanding the faction’s role in Ellie’s journey, promising a mix of mystery and horror that fans of The Last of Us Part II will eagerly anticipate.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As The Last of Us Season 2 unfolds on HBO, the Prophet’s legacy will likely captivate viewers, offering a haunting glimpse into a cult shaped by a visionary leader.

Whether she remains a spectral presence or steps into the spotlight, her story enriches the show’s post-apocalyptic tapestry.

Tune in to Max on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET to see how her shadow looms over Seattle’s scarred survivors.