Why Baelor Targaryen Joins Dunk’s Side in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (1 Cut Scene Would’ve Made It Better)

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In Season 1, Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Baelor Targaryen makes a courageous choice by siding with Ser Duncan the Tall during the trial by combat. While Targaryens are known for their internal conflicts, as seen in the civil war depicted in House of the Dragon, this isn’t a repeat of that large-scale struggle. Baelor isn’t fighting his brother, Maekar, or nephews, Daeron and Aerion, for the Iron Throne or the kingdom itself. He’s fighting over something smaller, but ultimately more meaningful.

Maekar feels obligated to support his sons and protect his family’s reputation. Baelor, however, has no reason to get involved – no one would expect him to fight in a trial by combat, especially not for a common knight. But that’s precisely the point: if the future king doesn’t act with honor, why should anyone else? It’s simple to talk about doing the right thing, but much harder to actually do it. Dunk already showed himself to be a true knight by protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves, and now Baelor needs to do the same.

A Missing Book Scene Adds More Weight To Baelor Targaryen Joining Dunk’s Side

It’s tempting to think Baelor supports Dunk simply because it’s the honorable thing to do, and that’s certainly a big reason – he genuinely believes Dunk is protecting the innocent. While he doesn’t have much respect for Aerion, that’s not the main reason for his support, even if Aerion does deserve some humbling. There’s also a clever strategic element at play: the Kingsguard are involved in the trial, and since Baelor is royalty they’re sworn to protect, they can’t harm him, giving Dunk’s side an edge.

Baelor is destined to be king, inheriting the throne from Daeron II, which means he’ll need to learn how to rule effectively. A deleted scene from George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight would have highlighted this need more powerfully. Before the tournament teams are announced and Dunk delivers his famous line, “Are there no true knights?”, there’s a heartwarming exchange between him and the common people.

The stands were starting to fill with nobles, who wrapped their cloaks tightly around themselves against the cold morning air. Commoners were also arriving, already gathering along the fence. Dunk thought with a pang of bitterness that they all came to watch him die, but he was mistaken. As he walked on, a woman wished him good luck. An old man shook his hand and wished him strength, and a beggar blessed his sword. A young woman even kissed his cheek. Confused, Dunk asked Pate, “Why? What have I done to deserve this?” The smith replied, “You’re a knight who kept his promises.”

This scene is central to the book’s themes and perfectly captures who Dunk is as a person. Despite not being a highborn knight – he might not even be a knight – he embodies true chivalry more than anyone else. This is especially clear when compared to the Targaryen princes who accuse him: Daeron is pleasant but often drunk, and Aerion is cruel and arrogant, having hurt a woman and won his joust unfairly, causing the common people to revolt.

Okay, so the Targaryens aren’t quite the force they once were. There are no dragons around in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and they just barely survived a rebellion thirteen years before the story really kicks off – a rebellion where a lot of people turned against them, and Baelor actually fought in it! Honestly, their whole presence at the tourney feels like a reminder of their past glory. But Baelor gets that they need a new strategy. Aerion’s approach just isn’t going to cut it. They need to show everyone – the common folk especially – that they still care about honor, kindness, and doing the right thing. And Baelor feels like it’s up to him, as the future of both the family and the Seven Kingdoms, to be that example. It’s not just about doing what’s right for him anymore, it feels like a real obligation.

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

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2026-02-09 04:10