‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ takes fans back to a time when the Targaryens were still on the Iron Throne, but cracks were already showing. Even though the wars are mostly over, the damage they caused hasn’t disappeared. Old rebellions hadn’t yet faded, and family drama inside the royal house often caused just as much trouble as enemies outside it.
As Dunk and Egg travel across Westeros, they come face-to-face with Prince Baelor Breakspear, besides wandering knights and local lords. He’s a senior Targaryen whose presence immediately stands out. Again and again, Baelor steps into moments where justice is questioned and chooses fairness over pride, even when it puts him in danger. That raises an important question: Who exactly is this man, and why does he matter so much?
The Tragic Tale Of Prince Baelor Breakspear
Prince Baelor Breakspear, also known as “The Hammer,” was born in 170 AC to King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell. As Daeron’s eldest son, Baelor carried major titles such as Prince of Dragonstone, Hand of the King, and Protector of the Realm. Naturally, this placed him next in line for the Iron Throne. Thanks to his Dornish mother, he had darker features than most Targaryens, which made him stand out at court.
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However, Baelor became known for far more than his appearance. At just seventeen, he earned the nickname “Breakspear” after defeating Daemon Blackfyre in a tilt. While that victory proved his skill as a fighter, people admired him even more for his calm and fair nature. He fought with tourney lances instead of war lances and often showed mercy to honorable enemies. Later, his marriage to Jena Dondarrion strengthened ties with the Stormlands, and his father named him Hand of the King, trusting his judgment.
That trust was seriously tested during the Blackfyre Rebellion. Baelor tried to argue for mercy toward his uncle Daemon Blackfyre, while Bloodraven pushed for a much harsher response. When fighting became unavoidable, Baelor led Dornish spearmen and Stormlander forces into battle. At the Redgrass Field, he fought alongside his brother Maekar, and together they trapped the rebels using the famous “hammer and anvil” plan. Afterward, Baelor treated the defeated side with respect, and by then, his role among the Targaryens felt impossible to ignore.
Where Does Prince Baelor Fit Into The Targaryen Family
In ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘, Baelor appears alongside familiar Targaryen faces, such as King Daeron II and his brothers Maekar I and Aerys I. The show also introduces him as Prince Aegon’s uncle, which adds another layer to the already messy family dynamics fans expect from this house. His close bond with his father especially surprised fans, compared with the colder relationships elsewhere in the family.
Just like in the books, the big battles take a back seat to conversations and decisions that change everything. Baelor’s growing connection with Ser Duncan the Tall feels especially meaningful because it shows how much he values honor over titles. Even visually, his Dornish roots come through in armor that blends Targaryen and Martell styles. Everything comes to a head at the Ashford tournament.
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When Ser Duncan clashes with Prince Aerion, Baelor steps in after remembering a past joust against Duncan’s former master. He believes Duncan acted honorably, and because of that, he chooses to support him in the Trial of Seven even though it means standing against his own family.
During the trial, Baelor wears his son’s armor instead of his own, not realizing how dangerous that decision will be. Even so, he offers tactical advice and understands the strengths and limits of the Kingsguard. He also gives Duncan’s side real credibility by joining the fight himself. He later makes it clear that Duncan protected the weak, which he believes every true knight should do. And he leaves the final call to the gods. The trial ends in victory, but the price is heartbreaking. A blow from Baelor’s brother, Maekar, proves fatal, and Baelor dies in 209 AC at Ashford.
