HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Unveils Dunk’s Legacy

The upcoming HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into the lineage of Ser Duncan the Tall, revealing his connection to a prominent character from Game of Thrones. This spinoff, based on George R.R. Martin’s novella The Hedge Knight, aims to clarify the familial ties between Duncan and Brienne of Tarth, enhancing the narrative by intertwining familiar faces from the original series.

Unlike its predecessor, House of the Dragon, which primarily focused on the Targaryen lineage, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms shifts focus to the experiences of the common folk. As Duncan participates in the tournament at Ashford, he becomes increasingly intertwined with the Targaryens and the nobility of Westeros, paving the way for viewers to better understand his relationship with Brienne, a character beloved by fans.

In 2016, at Balticon, Martin confirmed that Brienne is indeed a descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall. This revelation has fueled numerous fan theories over the years. Brienne’s tall stature and combat skills have led many to speculate about her connection to Dunk. Subtle hints in Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series further support this theory, including striking similarities between Dunk and Brienne, as well as shared experiences of hardship.

Both characters have faced challenges in their lives; Brienne endures ridicule for her appearance while Duncan grows up as an orphan in Flea Bottom. Despite their confirmed connection, Brienne remains unaware of her lineage by the end of the Game of Thrones series. Fans are hopeful that upcoming works, such as the long-anticipated The Winds of Winter, may reveal more about this relationship.

As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms progresses, the show could finally clarify the nature of Duncan and Brienne’s bond. Speculation abounds regarding the details of their connection. One theory suggests that Dunk may have had a romantic liaison with Rhae, the sister of King Aegon V Targaryen. While it is established that Rhae married and had children, the identity of her spouse remains unconfirmed. This ambiguity opens the possibility that she could have had a child with Dunk, who was subsequently raised as her husband’s heir.

Another theory posits that Brienne’s connection to Dunk stems from her mother’s lineage, claiming that her mother was a bastard daughter of Dunk and Rhae. This theory suggests that Brienne’s mother eventually married Lord Selwyn Tarth, further intertwining the family histories. As the series unfolds, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms might introduce Dunk to other characters from the Tarth lineage, providing opportunities to explore these theories in greater depth.

Additionally, there are intriguing speculations regarding other characters being linked to Ser Duncan the Tall. Some fans theorize that Hodor may also be a descendant of Dunk. This theory is based on the travels of Dunk and Egg to Winterfell, where they encounter Old Nan, Hodor’s great-grandmother. Notably, there is a moment in A Song of Ice and Fire where Bran has a vision of a young woman kissing a knight of Dunk’s stature, further fueling the speculation.

The timeline of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms may take time to reach the events surrounding Dunk’s journey to Winterfell, potentially extending to a third or fourth season. However, the series provides a unique opportunity to confirm or challenge these theories before Martin’s next novella is released.

Created by Ira Parker and George R.R. Martin, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms represents a significant addition to the expanding universe of Game of Thrones. As anticipation grows for its release in January 2026, viewers are eager to see how the narratives of these beloved characters will unfold, particularly the intricate connections that define their legacies in Westeros.