Before Daenerys Targaryen ever dreamed of taking back the Iron Throne, a wandering knight and a boy were already writing the future of Westeros. ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ takes us back to a time when Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg hide a royal lineage that will change everything.
Set nearly a century before ‘Game of Thrones‘, this prequel promises fewer fire-breathing beasts and more heart. But where exactly does this new tale fit in the timeline, and how does it tie back to the original show?
When Does ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Take Place?
The new HBO prequel takes place in 209 AC, around 90 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’. The dragons are gone. The Targaryens still rule, but their fire has dimmed. And the realm hasn’t truly healed since the civil war that nearly tore it apart.
Related: Spring Is Coming: Why ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Feels Nothing Like ‘Game Of Thrones’
Based on George R. R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ explores the political chaos where Dunk, a hedge knight, wanders after the death of his master. Eventually, his path crosses with a bald-headed boy named Egg, who would later turn out to be Aegon Targaryen V. The man who will one day wear the crown and, generations later, become the great-grandfather of Daenerys herself.
At this point in history, Aerys I Targaryen sits on the throne, the son of King Daeron II and Queen Myriah Martell. The realm is still nursing the wounds of the war, and this version of Westeros is stripped bare. There are no dragons, no Red Keeps, no Iron Throne power plays!
The Thread That Connects New Spinoff To ‘House Of The Dragon’ And ‘Game Of Thrones‘
If ‘House of the Dragon‘ is about the downfall of dragons, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ is about what happens after the fire burns out. The story lands 80 years after ‘House of the Dragon‘ and 90 years before ‘Game of Thrones‘. It’s right in the middle of Westeros’ most fragile era. Even though the Targaryens still hold power, their grip is slipping. The dragons are dead. The magic is fading. And yet, the blood of Valyria still runs hot in the veins of the royal family.
In case you missed it: ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Will Expand The Legacy Of Targaryens With Another Aegon Targaryen
And if the title feels familiar, it’s because ‘Game of Thrones‘ Season 8, Episode 2, titled ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ has already given us a glimpse. In that haunting hour before the Battle of Winterfell, Podrick sings ‘Jenny’s Song.’ It’s a melody written for a Targaryen prince who gave up his claim to the throne for love. That prince, Duncan Targaryen, was named after none other than Ser Duncan the Tall.
Though the show may introduce new faces, Martin’s world always rewards those who look back. Egg’s older brother, Maester Aemon, is very much alive in this timeline. Before taking the black, he was next in line for the throne. But he gave it up to strengthen Egg’s claim.
There’s also a cameo you might not expect, a young, irritating Walder Frey, seen during a family wedding Dunk attends. Even Old Nan, the storyteller from Winterfell, may have roots in this story. And she often speaks of a “tall knight,” and her great-grandson, who shares that same height. Coincidences hardly ever happen in Westeroes.
If HBO continues the Dunk and Egg saga beyond one season, the web of connections could widen even more. For example, Barristan Selmy defeats an older Dunk in a tourney at just sixteen. While Olenna Redwyne (the future Queen of Thorns) almost marries one of Egg’s sons. Every thread ties back to the world fans already know! No dragons, no problem, we’re still eager to see what ‘A Knight of Seven Kingdoms‘ has to bring.
