Trial of Seven History & Every Member of Dunk & Aerion’s Teams in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Explained

by

Just as “Game 7” is the most thrilling phrase in American sports, “Trial by combat” might be the most exciting in the world of Game of Thrones. First seen in Season 1 with Tyrion Lannister, this concept always promised a spectacular fight. Thrones consistently delivered on that promise, with memorable battles like Bronn versus Ser Vardis Egen, Sandor Clegane versus Beric Dondarrion, and the iconic duel between Oberyn Martell and Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane.

In Season 1, Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the show introduces a unique twist on a traditional conflict. After a fight with Aerion Targaryen, Ser Duncan the Tall requests a trial by combat, which he’s entitled to. However, Aerion unexpectedly asks for a trial of seven – a rare and more complex legal process. With Episode 5 promising a large-scale action scene, let’s break down the two sides and what’s at stake. Warning: Spoilers follow.

What Exactly Is A Trial Of Seven & Has It Appeared In Game Of Thrones Or House Of The Dragon?

According to Baelor, the practice of trial by seven came to Westeros with the Andals, who invaded roughly 6,000 years ago, as described in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Along with their invasion, the Andals brought the Faith of the Seven – now the main religion in Westeros – and the trial by seven itself. This system was designed to offer a fairer outcome, as each side in a trial could appoint a representative for each of the seven gods.

Trials by seven – where seven champions fight on each side – are incredibly rare. Aside from the one featuring Ser Duncan the Tall, the only other famous example involved King Maegor Targaryen, nicknamed Maegor the Cruel. He fought members of the Warrior’s Sons, a militant religious order (known for causing trouble for Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones) who believed he was an unworthy ruler. In that battle, the gods favored House Targaryen, and Maegor won.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to defeat all seven members of the team – only those making or facing the accusations. As seen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, this means either Daeron and Aerion need to drop their claims and give up, or be defeated. If Dunk is killed, it’s considered a sign that the gods believe he was guilty.

Who Is On Aerion & Daeron’s Trial Of Seven Team In A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms

Ser Duncan faces accusations from two opponents, Aerion and Daeron, who will challenge him in combat. He must defeat them both, or convince them to drop their claims, to be proven innocent. Besides these two, his group also includes:

Prince Maekar Targaryen

Daeron and Aerion’s father is a highly capable fighter, particularly when using a mace. Though his youngest son, Aegon, nicknamed Egg, favors Dunk, he’ll support his brothers’ claims to avoid bringing shame to their family.

Three Members Of The Kingsguard

Several Targaryen princes are present, along with members of the Kingsguard. Three of those Kingsguard will fight on the Targaryen side during the upcoming trial: Ser Donnel of Duskendale, Ser Roland Crakehall, and Ser Willem Wylde. Dunk previously met and spoke with Donnel and Roland in an earlier episode. While Donnel was kind to Dunk, he’s obligated to serve the royal family.

Ser Steffon Fossoway

Ser Steffon initially sided with Dunk, thinking Aerion was acting unfairly and, like his cousin Raymun, didn’t care for the Targaryens. But Raymun has revealed Steffon’s true nature – he always supports whoever seems likely to win. The promise of land, wealth, and status is enough to make him switch to Aerion’s side.

Who Is On Dunk’s Trial Of Seven Team In A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms

Dunk isn’t a Targaryen prince himself, which makes gathering a team of seven challenging. Luckily, he has a prince – Egg – who helps recruit most of the members, and a final unexpected addition finishes the group.

Ser Lyonel Baratheon

It wasn’t a surprise to see Lyonel Baratheon on Dunk’s team, and he quickly became good friends with the hedge knight during the tournament at Ashford. They’ve spent time drinking, dancing, and even competing in a playful tug of war. Lyonel is eager to prove himself against some of the more established knights and make a name for himself in this unusual competition.

Ser Raymun Fossoway

Raymun Fossoway is a genuinely good person and has become a true friend to Dunk, fiercely loyal and determined to prove his cousin wrong. He strongly dislikes the Targaryens – in fact, he launched into a passionate rant against them in Episode 3, famously calling them “incestuous aliens.” Though newly knighted by Lyonel and lacking experience, Raymun is eager to prove himself with courage and determination.

Ser Robyn Rhysling

Robyn is an experienced, battle-worn knight, clearly marked by old injuries – he lost an eye in a jousting match. He unexpectedly became an ally to Egg after they met in Episode 3, which hinted at his role here as a knight known to the young prince.

Ser Humfrey Hardyng

Harding is a remarkably talented knight known for his skill in tournaments. He’s even defeated one of the Kingsguard, Ser Donnel, in a past competition. Sadly, he’s severely injured – he was the knight Aerion fought in a joust, and his leg was broken when Aerion’s horse fell on him. Despite this, he’s determined to compete as long as he can stay mounted, seeing this tournament as his only opportunity for revenge.

Ser Humfrey Beesbury

This knight is another participant in the tournament, and he’s known for a particularly exciting fight with Humfrey Hardyng that the audience loved. He’s a young warrior eager to make a name for himself, and it turns out he’s connected to Hardyng – they’re brothers-in-law.

Prince Baelor Targaryen

The biggest surprise in the trial of seven is the appearance of Baelor Targaryen, the future king. Even though his brother and two nephews are opposing him, Baelor’s decision shows how much he values honor and fairness – qualities not always found in his family. He believes in leading by doing what’s right, and he sees defending Dunk as the honorable thing to do. It’s also a smart strategy, because the Kingsguard on the other side can’t attack him, giving his team a slight advantage in numbers.

New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release Sundays at 10 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2026-02-06 16:18