A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Officially Confirms the Biggest Dunk Theory After 28 Years

by

The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ends with a major reveal about Ser Duncan the Tall, finally confirming a long-held fan theory. While the show has mostly stayed true to George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight (the first book in the Dunk and Egg series), it’s also added some extra details and expanded certain storylines. This includes giving more screen time to characters like Lyonel Baratheon and Ser Arlan of Pennytree, and culminates in a significant moment in the finale. Spoiler alert: This refers to events in the final episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1.

The final scene includes one last look back at Dunk’s time with Ser Arlan. We see a tradition where young knights heading into battle would hammer a penny into the tree near their homes – this is how Pennytree got its name. This is also where Arlan dies, setting the stage for the beginning of the show. Most importantly, the scene reveals that Duncan the Tall was never officially knighted, a secret long suspected by fans of the books.

Clues Dunk Wasn’t Really Knighted

Both the book and the TV show suggest Dunk never officially became a knight, largely through his actions and what he thinks about. For example, right after Ser Arlan dies, his first thought is to become a squire for another knight – something a knighted man wouldn’t usually consider.

Early in the show, whenever Dunk talked about something Arlan had done – like hitting him – the scene would immediately flash back. However, there was never a flashback showing Arlan being knighted, which quietly hinted that the event hadn’t actually happened.

There are also smaller, telling moments. For instance, he claims a sword is rightfully his, which Ser Steffon Fossoway finds strange. Later, after discovering Egg’s true identity, he reflects on the feeling of wanting something so much that someone might lie to get close to it. The story implies this lie relates to his claim of knighthood, as we don’t see any other instances of him being dishonest.

Because the books don’t outright confirm it, this sort of thing continues throughout the novellas, such as this passage in The Sworn Sword:

Ser Arlan of Pennytree, a wandering knight, took me on as his squire when I was young. He trained me in both knightly behavior and fighting.
“And was he the one who made you a knight?”
I shifted my weight, noticing my boot was coming undone. “No one else was going to do it,” I replied.

As a huge fan of the story, one thing that really struck me was the whole Raymun Fossoway knighting scene. Dunk could have easily knighted him – anyone can knight someone, technically – but he flat-out refuses. It’s not that he can’t, he feels like it would just be perpetuating a lie, and adding to his own sense of guilt. Then, right before everything is revealed at the end, Egg drops this hint that Dunk might not be the knight we thought he was, and BAM – we get the flashback that explains it all. It’s such a clever bit of foreshadowing, honestly!

Why Didn’t Ser Arlan Knight Dunk?

The books never directly state why Ser Arlan didn’t knight Dunk, especially since Arlan dies early on. While some fans believe Arlan might not have been a real knight himself – fitting the story’s exploration of true knighthood – I don’t think that’s likely. It feels contrived to have both characters be ‘fake’ knights, and historical details suggest Arlan was, in fact, a knight, having fought in battles like the one against Baelor.

I suspect Arlan didn’t want to lose Dunk’s help. He’d already lost his nephew, Roger, in battle, and needed a squire. If Dunk became a knight, he’d likely move on, leaving Arlan alone in his old age without anyone to assist him. It’s also possible Arlan had grown fond of Dunk, treating him like a son and wanting to keep him safe. Both explanations probably hold some truth.

It’s likely Arlan simply didn’t have time to knight Dunk before he passed away, and perhaps hadn’t felt he was quite ready yet. Arlan’s illness came on quickly, so even if he intended to knight Dunk in the future, he never got the opportunity. This explanation doesn’t rule out other possibilities, either.

The Meaning Of Dunk Not Being Knighted

It’s ironic – and a key idea throughout the story – that Dunk never officially becomes a knight, yet he embodies the true spirit of knighthood. He lacks the formal recognition, isn’t necessarily the most talented fighter, and doesn’t come from nobility. However, Dunk possesses all the qualities of a great knight: he’s honorable, kind, chivalrous, and always willing to defend those who can’t defend themselves, even at great personal cost. When you compare him to someone like Steffon Fossoway, a knight by title alone, it’s clear who is the more genuinely noble.

There’s a clear connection between this character and Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones. Similar to Dunk, Brienne isn’t officially a knight – she’s prevented from becoming one due to her gender (though this is later changed in the show). Despite this, she embodies the truest qualities of a knight, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, courage, and a dedication to protecting the vulnerable and keeping her promises. This isn’t accidental; Brienne is actually a descendant of Dunk, though the exact nature of their relationship hasn’t been revealed yet.

Will Dunk Eventually Be Knighted?

Eventually, Ser Duncan the Tall becomes Lord Commander of the Kingsguard – the most prestigious rank a knight can achieve. Interestingly, he reaches this position without ever officially becoming a knight. While no one knows his secret, holding such a high rank makes his deception even more difficult to bear.

I believe that once Egg becomes King Aegon V Targaryen, he’ll likely learn the truth from Dunk. As a king has the power to grant knighthoods, Egg probably secretly knights Dunk, finally making him a legitimate, official knight.

The fantasy drama A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been renewed for a second season, set to premiere in 2027. You can currently watch all six episodes of the first season on HBO Max.

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

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/feature/hbo-revives-a-cancelled-game-of-thrones-spinoff-in-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-episode-5-its-great/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-23 06:49