A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms introduces Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Caffery), who is familiar to sharp-eyed and eared fans of Game of Thrones. The latest Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is executive-produced by Ira Parker and George R.R. Martin and premieres on January 18, 2026, on HBO Max.
In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Ser Duncan the Tall is a hedge knight sworn to no great house who ekes out a meager existence in Westeros. The first season focuses on Ser Duncan trying to improve his fortunes at a tournament at Ashford Meadow.
Ser Duncan meets a young bald boy named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who becomes his squire and loyal friend. Dunk and Egg star in three novellas penned by George R.R. Martin, The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight, which the first three seasons of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms plan to adapt.
When Was Ser Duncan The Tall Mentioned In Game Of Thrones?
Ser Duncan the Tall is mentioned in Game of Thrones, taking place about 90 years after A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. By the start of Game of Thrones season 1, he has already faded into legend, but the hedge knight-turned-Lord Commander of the Kingsguard is referenced throughout the series.
The first mention occurs in Game of Thrones season 1, episode 3, “Lord Snow,” when Old Nan (Margaret John) offers to tell the injured Bran Stark (Isaac Hemstead-Wright) a story about Ser Duncan, whom she claims was Bran’s favorite.
The second reference happens in Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords,” when King Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) flips through the Book of Brothers to taunt Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) about the blank pages in his entry.
The Book of Brothers is maintained by the Lord Commanders of the Kingsguard. Joffrey seeing Ser Duncan’s entry is the first time Game of Thrones provides context that Ser Duncan was Lord Commander.
In Game of Thrones season 8, episode 2, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” Jaime Lannister knights Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), bidding her to rise as a knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
In the series finale, “The Iron Throne,” Brienne of Tarth updates Jaime Lannister’s entry in the Book of Brothers and flips through the pages about Ser Duncan the Tall.
Is Egg Also Mentioned In Game Of Thrones?
Egg is also mentioned once in Game of Thrones, by Maester Aemon (Peter Vaughan). When the 100-year-old Maester of the Night’s Watch was on his deathbed in Game of Thrones season 5, episode 7, “The Gift,” Aemon yelled out, “Egg!“
The series reveals that Maester Aemon was Aemon Targaryen and that he was a boy during the time of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas explain how Aemon is related to Egg, which is a pivotal part of Egg’s story in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
What Does A Knight Of The Seven Kingdom’s Trailer Show About Westeros?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms showcases Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg in areas of Westeros not often seen in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The previous series largely focused on major locales like Winterfell, Dragonstone, and King’s Landing.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms explores new and unexplored corners of Westeros.
The adventures of Ser Duncan with Egg avoid great castles in favor of everyday troubles and hopes faced by a hedge knight. Powerful members from Targaryen and Baratheon families cross paths with Dunk and Egg, but A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ventures into new territories within Westeros.
Why Is Ser Duncan The Tall Important In Game Of Thrones History?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will depict that despite his size, Ser Duncan is an everyman in the world of Game of Thrones. Born into poverty in Flea Bottom, he is not particularly bright nor were much expectations placed upon him, but he possesses a good heart and believes in knighthood principles.
Ser Duncan proves to be a survivor who faces significant setbacks but also experiences good fortune. The series has already established that he achieved high honors by becoming Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
The story of Ser Duncan embodies perseverance and maintaining one’s honor.
The narrative surrounding Ser Duncan illustrates perseverance and upholding honor amidst treachery, deceit, and malevolent forces within Westeros. He also forms loyal friendships and powerful alliances, with Egg being pivotal despite initial friction in their relationship.
The three novellas by George R.R. Martin that will be adapted do not conclude with Ser Duncan’s ultimate fate. However, if HBO’s series continues for multiple seasons, it suggests that a good man can prevail in Westeros.
