George R. R. Martin’s world of Westeros is expanding with a new perspective from his novella series, Tales of Dunk and Egg. HBO is developing a prequel to Game of Thrones titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set about a decade after the events of the Dance of the Dragons.
This upcoming spinoff will be based on Martin’s three novellas: The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. These stories follow Dunk and Egg as they journey across Westeros, from Ashford to Dorne and Winterfell.
Who is Dunk?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will start with the storyline from The Hedge Knight, featuring Peter Claffey as Dunk. Dunk is a wandering knight, known as a hedge knight because he isn’t sworn to any particular lord. Originally, he serves as a squire to the elderly Ser Arlan of Pennytree. After Ser Arlan’s death, Dunk inherits his armor, horses, and gold, and begins his journey as a hedge knight, taking on a squire of his own.
Dunk is described as being exceptionally tall, around seven feet, and while he may be seen as somewhat foolish and unintelligent by others, he is known for his loyalty, kindness, and bravery. Claffey, a former rugby player, will bring Dunk to life, though it remains to be seen if he can match the character’s described height.
As Dunk continues his travels, he vows to serve Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast and eventually helps Lord Stark in Winterfell to quell the Greyjoy Rebellion.
Who is Egg?
Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, is a young boy who Dunk meets during his travels. Initially, Egg’s true identity is hidden, but The Hedge Knight eventually reveals him to be a Targaryen prince, specifically Aegon V, who will later become King Aegon V.
Despite being in line for the Iron Throne, Egg’s relatives do not see him as a threat, and he even shaves his distinctive silver-blonde hair to avoid drawing attention to his royal heritage. Egg becomes Dunk’s squire by the end of The Hedge Knight, and their relationship is a central focus of the story. Dunk serves as a protector, while Egg often helps strategize and solve problems.
As the story progresses, Egg becomes King Aegon V Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Unlikely due to his distant claim to the throne. He is briefly mentioned in Game of Thrones by his brother, Maester Aemon. Upon becoming king, Aegon honors Dunk by making him the Lord Commander of his Kingsguard, cementing Dunk’s status as the titular Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
