Game of Thrones earned massive praise for its immersive worldbuilding. Fans felt transported to Westeros, from its geography to its politics. Though the series felt like a comprehensive walk through the well-realized fantasy continent, the franchise has more to offer than its original run. HBO will produce several planned spin-offs to explore new characters, events, and historical periods. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to start filming this spring with a world of source material to pull from.
House of the Dragon had a lot riding on it when it premiered. The final seasons of Game of Thrones went down in history as one of TV’s most iconic disasters. Everyone wanted a return to Westeros, but the audience expected the worst. When the series hit and brought back the joy of Game of Thrones‘ first few seasons, fans returned in droves. Game of Thrones may never return to its peak, but its new normal could stay excellent for years.
What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms about?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a collection of three novellas released in 2015. Each story was released in a previous anthology in the 90s or 2000s. The 2015 edition includes illustrations and additional details. The stories follow Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon V Targaryen, the future King of Westeros. George R. R. Martin intended to write several stories about these traveling heroes, nicknamed Dunk and Egg. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms covers the first three, but more could come from this series. The three stories include:
- “The Hedge Knight”: Dunk, the young squire of a traveling Hedge Knight, adopts his mentor’s quest to participate in a tourney. He meets a bald boy nicknamed Egg and takes him as his squire. After Dunk attacks Prince Aerion to save a little girl, Egg reveals his identity as Aegon V and works to summon champions for his trial by combat. The story culminates with a duel to the death for the fate of Dunk and Egg.
- “The Sworn Sword”: Dunk and Egg pledge their service to an old knight. During a terrible drought, they must negotiate the destruction of a dam that could leave a kingdom without water. As the tension mounts, dozens train for a seemingly inevitable battle as Dunk races to find a less fatal solution.
- “The Mystery Knight”: Dunk and Egg encounter a group of eccentric travelers who invite them to a feast. Dunk participates in a tournament while disguised and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to unseat the current king. This story ends on a cliffhanger that has not yet been paid off, but George R. R. Martin has publically planned to continue Dunk and Egg’s adventures.
When does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms take place?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. “The Hedge Knights” opens in 209 AC, while “The Mystery Knight” begins in 212 AC. The first Song of Ice and Fire book, A Game of Thrones, covers 297-299 AC. Ninety years before the death of Jon Arryn and the subsequent selection of Ned Stark as Hand of the King, Dunk and Egg began their quest. The most integral historical event in the narrative is the First Blackfyre Rebellion. That civil war saw Daemon Blackfyre, the legitimized bastard of Aegon IV Targaryen, engage in a bloody conflict to claim his place on the throne. Though Blackfyre fails, his attacks set the backdrop for the early 200s in Westeros. If A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms hits the screen, fans will see aspects of the rebellions for the first time.
HBO’s Planned Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will adapt the three novellas into seasons of TV. George R. R. Martin is attached to the series. Writing started in early 2023, but the Writer’s Strike delayed production significantly. HBO hasn’t announced a release date for the series, but it’s likely at least a year away. Martin has outlined his intention to adapt “The Hedge Knight” into the first season and test the waters for the two follow-ups. He also intends to write more stories about Dunk and Egg. Though he hasn’t listed a number, he could have several novellas in mind.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be a radically different experience for most Game of Thrones fans. While the original show and House of the Dragon are dour, haunting experiences with depressing plot details and endless character deaths, “The Hedge Knight” is closer to old-fashioned fantasy. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms would deliver a new tone to Westeros, altering the experience most fans have enjoyed. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could be a new horizon for the beloved fantasy series.
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