The world of Westeros has never lacked spectacle. But ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is a refreshingly personal approach to fantasy. No huge battles, dragon-to-dragon combat, and power politics. Rather, the series is based on dusty roads, clumsy conversations, and the silent fantasies of ordinary people.
Nowhere is that shift clearer than in the puppet shows featured in the first two episodes, small moments that quietly reveal just how deep Westeros’ history runs. These performances may appear at first sight as background color or a bit of medieval street entertainment. However, they are doing something far wiser, basing this lighter, character-driven tale on the ancient myths that formed the Seven Kingdoms.
The Quiet Genius Behind ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Puppet Scenes
In the first episode, Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg are introduced to a puppet show in which a knight is confronting a terrible dragon. The story is immediately familiar to those who read the books, as it is the legend of Serwyn, the Mirror Shield, a hero who is claimed to have lived in the Age of Heroes. It narrates that Serwyn sharpened his shield until it shone like glass, using it to confuse the dragon long enough to land the killing blow.
Related: ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Breaks Tradition To Prove Westeros Can Change
It does not really matter whether the legend is historically sound or not, and the show is aware of it. The Age of Heroes was even before knighthood, and probably even dragons. However, these contradictions are the point. The puppet show indicates the way stories are preserved in Westeros. They are twisted, idealized, and transmitted not by textbooks, but by songs and performances that are supposed to evoke awe.
The tradition is repeated in the second episode, with a second performance dedicated to Florian the Fool. Florian is another character who is remembered as a low-born knight who fell in love with a noble damsel. His story is not about fighting but rather about feeling, filled with the themes of love, social status, and idealism. These mimic the experiences of Dunk himself.
Why These Small Moments Matter More Than Dragons
The effectiveness of these puppet shows is not only due to the accuracy of their lore, but also to their location. ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is a tale based on marginal people. Dunk is not to be crowned to the Iron Throne, and the Egg’s future significance remains unknown.
These legends represent the world as they understand it, larger-than-life heroes whose stories give meaning to their struggles. It is also beautiful to see the characters respond to these myths in real time.
In case you missed it: What Is The Grand Maester Conspiracy In The World Of Westeros?
The clumsy flirting of Dunk on the stage, the attentive audience, and the puppets made by the hands of the artisans all support the notion that Westeros is even more alive outside the royal courts and war councils.
Instead of creating endless prequel series about ancient wars, the show lets history be what it would be in a real medieval society: flawed, overblown, and all the more loved. These puppet shows not only entertain, but they remind us that stories are how the past survives.
You might also like to read: ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Introduces Westeros’ Most Disturbing Targaryen And His Death Is Horrifying
