HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 is diving into new, darker territories. In Episode 3, the series not only picks up Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) personal quest for vengeance against Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) but also introduces a strange, mysterious new group: the Seraphites. There is a possibility that you are curious about the identities of these individuals if you have not yet played the video game The Last of Us Part II.
There is a religious group called the —Seraphites— that has given up the comforts and technologies of the modern world. They are sometimes called the Scars. They follow the teachings of a woman called the Prophet and live a simple life. Her words still guide them even though she’s been dead for ten years. They don’t use guns, cars, or anything else from the old world like other factions do. Instead, they use low-tech weapons like bows, hammers, and knives.
The Seraphites’ First Appearance
In Season 2, Episode 3 titled “The Path”, viewers are taken away from the familiar setting of Jackson, Wyoming, and into a lush, green forest. A bald man with scars on his cheeks walks carefully along a trail, his green cloak marked with a symbol. He communicates with others by whistling, and those who are dressed similarly respond to him. These initial scenes provide an introduction to the style of the Seraphites, which includes their earthy clothing, their use of whistles rather than words, and the distinctive scars that are found on their faces.
We also meet a father (Michael Abbott Jr.) and his young daughter, Constance (Makena Whitlock). Their tender moment reveals the core of Seraphite beliefs. They follow the teachings of the Prophet, stay alert for danger, and rely on each other for survival. The father explains that they are not hiding from “demons” (the infected), but from “wolves” — a reference to the W.L.F. (Washington Liberation Front).
Sadly, their peaceful moment is short-lived. Later, Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) stumble across the bodies of these Seraphites, including little Constance, brutally killed. It’s a shocking discovery that hints at the brutal conflict between the Seraphites and the Wolves.
Who Are the Seraphites Really?
While the show is only beginning to reveal their story, players of The Last of Us Part II know much more. In the game, the Seraphites are locked in a bloody war with the W.L.F. in the ruins of Seattle. The Prophet, a woman who survived the early days of the Cordyceps outbreak, believed the infection was a divine punishment. She preached that humanity must reject the old world and return to a simpler, purer way of life.
Her message attracted followers, and over time, the Seraphites formed their own society, isolated from technology and modern ways. However, their rejection of violence didn’t last forever. As their numbers grew, so did their need for land and resources, putting them in direct conflict with the W.L.F.
The scars on their cheeks symbolize humility and their break from the sinful past. Men shave their heads, while women wear their hair braided like a crown, following their strict cultural codes. Their communication through whistling is designed to be silent and efficient, perfect for stealth in the dangerous world they live in.
What the Seraphites Mean in Season 2
The introduction of the Seraphites isn’t just about expanding the world of The Last of Us — it’s about showing the cost of survival. Ellie, who grew up in the relative safety of Jackson, is about to learn how chaotic and violent the outside world really is. The war between the W.L.F. and the Seraphites is brutal. Neither side is completely innocent. Both groups are willing to do terrible things to protect their own.
While the Seraphites appear peaceful in Episode 3, the series will likely reveal their darker side as the story moves forward. They are not simply victims; they are also capable of cruelty, especially towards outsiders who don’t follow their beliefs.
Getting caught in the middle of this war will be a major challenge for Ellie and Dina. It’s not just about fighting infected anymore. It’s about navigating the complicated and bloody conflicts between desperate human groups.
The Bigger Picture
The arrival of the Seraphites adds a new layer to The Last of Us Season 2. They represent how different people tried to make sense of the Cordyceps apocalypse. Some clung to old-world ideas like democracy and rebellion (like the Fireflies or W.L.F.), while others, like the Seraphites, turned to new forms of faith.
As we move deeper into Season 2, expect the Seraphites to play a major role in the battles and choices ahead. Their presence reminds us that in this world, danger doesn’t always come from the infected — sometimes, it comes from people trying to do what they think is right.
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