Who Are the Seraphites and Their Prophet?

Notice: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 3 of “The Last of Us,” which premiered on April 27.

Season 2 of “The Last of Us” has already introduced new characters, with more to come.

The third episode of this post-apocalyptic series, inspired by the acclaimed video game, showcased a new group not previously seen: the Seraphites.

“You catch a glimpse of them in this episode,” Tati Gabrielle, who plays Nora, shared with TODAY.com during a special screening hosted by Max and Complex.

In a specific scene, a man with a shaved head communicates with another group using a whistle. He then inquires of a young red-headed girl what the whistle signifies.

“No one following, all clear, keep moving,” she responds, before asking why she can’t know their destination.

“Because we don’t know yet,” the man replies. “I explained the reason for our journey.”

“I understand,” the girl responds, adding, “Why can’t she just keep us safe?”

The man, revealing her name is Constance, mentions that the “prophet” has been gone for ten years, suggesting they shouldn’t rely on her for protection.

Constance also references a supporter of the prophet named Ezra, insisting that the prophet is “eternal.”

“A prophet isn’t magic. They are merely individuals who reveal truths hidden from others and share that wisdom at any cost,” the man explains. “So it was with our Prophet, and we maintain her legacy by following her words, adhering to her teachings, while ensuring our own safety.”

A whistle signals danger, prompting the Seraphites to take cover. When Constance queries if the threats are “demons,” the man clarifies, “wolves.”

Here, he refers to the WLF, the Washington Liberation Front, known as wolves, the militant group that Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her team are part of.

By the end of the episode, the group, including Constance and the man, meets their demise.

Who are the Seraphites?

The Seraphites appear in “The Last of Us Part II” video game as a primitivist cult and antagonistic faction that conflicts with the WLF.

The group adheres to the teachings of their prophet, who, as noted in the game’s Wiki, believed the Cordyceps brain infection served as punishment for humanity’s sins.

Gabrielle, who plays the games that inspired the series, commented to TODAY that the Seraphites “possess their own beliefs and practices that they adhere to.”

The actress indicated that it’s fascinating to observe what various groups in this world “rely on to ensure their survival.”

“Do they turn to faith? Do they rely on military order? Or do they focus on family life, as shown in Jackson?” Gabrielle questioned. “With the Seraphites, their approach to life is distinctly different.”

While Season 1 exclusively depicted the community of Jackson, Wyoming, and the Fireflies, Gabrielle noted that introducing a new faction into the narrative “broadens the universe and expands perspectives.”

“I believe it grounds the show in this reality even more because in the real world, we don’t have just one type of person or belief system,” Gabrielle stated.

“Upon encountering the Seraphites, it’s evident they possess a unique identity that sets them apart from all previous groups.”

It remains to be seen how their backstory will unfold in the forthcoming episodes.