A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms just concluded in dramatic fashion, so here’s how it went down, plus what it all means.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has taken the Game of Thrones franchise into intriguing new territory.
By focussing in on two characters, and telling a grounded tale over short episodes, fans have a new way of watching events unfold in Westeros.
Following the Trial of Seven, Episode 5 ended with a tragic death, and Episode 6 deals with the fallout from that loss in emotionally-charged fashion.
The death of Prince Baelor
The death of Prince Baelor at the end of Episode 5 hangs over Episode 6, with characters expressing guilt, anger, and grief that could have far-reaching consequences.
Dunk struggles to understand why Baelor was taken and not him, and believes that he leaves a trail brings pain and suffering in his wake.
Maekar also clearly feels guilt about his brother’s death, but pushes it onto Ser Duncan, claiming that generations will blame him for the loss of a great future king.
But Dunk hits back by speculating that Baelor’s sacrifice might not be in vain, as the realm could one day need him.
Do Dunk and Egg reconnect at the end of Episode 6?
Yes, Dunk and Egg reunite at the end of the final episode, but they take a complicated route there.
Their separation initially came about when Egg revealed himself as Prince Aegon, which upset Dunk because his friend had lied. But Egg is in his corner for the Episode 5 Trial of Seven, and it’s clear that Ser Duncan still cares for the youngster.
In Episode 6, Maekar suggests Dunk again mentor him, but the Hedge Knight says he’s done with princes. Dunk then changes his mind, but says he’ll only do it away from the castles and servants of the Targaryens, and this time Maekar refuses, saying the young prince won’t live like a peasant.
But just as Ser Duncan is leaving town, Egg catches him up, and states that “My lord father says I am to serve you.”
Dunk is down with Egg’s return, little realising that the Targaryen has once again run away, leaving Maekar enraged, and doubtless wanting Prince Aegon back.
A major revelation about Ser Duncan
A brief flashback during Episode 6 concerns Dunk conversing with his mentor Ser Arlan, moments before his death.
Arlan tells the story of the Penny Tree from which he derives his name, and near the end of that tale, Dunk asks why Arlan never knighted him.
Which means Ser Duncan the Tall isn’t a Ser at all, and throughout the season he’s been pretending to be a knight, which explains all that self-doubt.
As for the “why,” Arlan dies before answering said question, so that too is hanging over Dunk.
The future of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Season 2 has already been greenlit, and will be based on the second Dunk and Egg novella ‘The Sworn Sword.’
The end of Episode 6 suggests where that story might begin, as Egg proposes the dynamic duo head over the Red Mountains to Dorne, largely because Tanselle is there, whom Dunk clearly has a crush on.
So if Season 2 commences soon after the events of Season 1, expect Dorne to be an early location, and Maekar to potentially be on Dunk and Egg’s tail.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 6 recap