‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ makes a surprising storytelling choice in episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef,” by changing how Ser Arlan of Pennytree is seen and understood.
The series refuses to keep him as a distant figure who only exists in Dunk’s memories. Instead, it brings Arlan directly into the story, changing how his life, his failures, and his influence on Dunk are viewed.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Introduces A New Side Of Ser Arlan
Episode 2 begins by showing Ser Arlan of Pennytree, played by Danny Webb, in a flashback that immediately stands out. In George R.R. Martin’s novellas, Arlan never appears directly. Readers only know him through Dunk’s memories of their travels together.
The show changes this approach by putting Arlan on screen for the first time. Right away, the series avoids presenting Arlan as a heroic figure. He looks older, worn down, and very human.
That opening scene takes away any ideal image Dunk may have carried and replaces it with something more grounded. Arlan comes across as a man who spent his life on the road rather than a knight known for glory.
Soon after, the episode builds on this idea through a montage of Dunk and Arlan traveling across Westeros. Dunk approaches several great lords at the Ashford tourney, trying to remind them of Arlan’s long service. Each attempt fails. Meanwhile, Arlan’s health continues to worsen.
Why Ser Arlan’s ‘Forgotten’ Plot Becomes The Main Focus
As the episode continues, the series makes its intentions clear. The lords do not remember him, and that absence of recognition becomes the heart of his story. Egg voices the hard truth after yet another rejection. He suggests that Arlan must have been a “s— knight.” Although the line stings, it reflects how the world judged Arlan. Shortly after, Egg adds that Dunk is being forced to relive his master’s death again and again, which explains why each failed plea cuts so deeply.
Because of this, Arlan’s story becomes a warning as well as a memory. Dunk is not only defending his master’s name. He is also confronting the fear that his own life could end the same way. That fear stays until Dunk meets Prince Baelor. Baelor remembers Ser Arlan and speaks of him respectfully.
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Later in the episode, the story brings Arlan’s influence into relief. The jousts begin, full of noise and excitement, yet Dunk quickly loses interest. His thoughts return to Arlan’s death by the side of a muddy road.
At the campfire that night, Dunk finally speaks openly. He admits Arlan was not especially skilled, drank too much, made few friends, and never became a champion. By presenting Ser Arlan of Pennytree as flawed, overlooked, and real, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ turns him into the emotional foundation of Dunk’s journey rather than a distant memory.
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