Game of Thrones Spin-Off Explains the Role of a Hedge Knight in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Key Points

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set 100 years before Game of Thrones, following Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
• Hedge Knights are wandering knights who serve no lord or house, seeking work across Westeros.
• Episode 1 introduces Ser Dunk’s mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, a hedge knight who embodied the “truest kind of knight.”
• Showrunner Ira Parker describes the series as a gritty, grounded look at the life of hedge knights.
• The series streams exclusively on HBO.

A New Chapter in Westeros

HBO’s latest Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, takes audiences back a century before the events of the original series. Created by Ira Parker and George R. R. Martin, the show follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his young squire, Egg, as they journey across Westeros during the reign of the Targaryens.

What Is a Hedge Knight?

Unlike traditional knights sworn to noble houses, hedge knights are wanderers. They pledge loyalty to no master, instead traveling from town to town in search of employment and opportunities to prove their honor.

In Episode 1, Dunk recalls his mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, who embodied the ideals of a hedge knight. “Ser Arlan always said a hedge knight was the truest kind of knight,” Dunk explains, noting that his master fought for many lords but never tied himself permanently to one. Hedge knights, he adds, aim to protect the vulnerable and uphold their vows to the realm, even without the privileges of land or wealth.

The Contrast With True Knights

While knights sworn to noble houses enjoy stability, land, and aristocratic protection, hedge knights live a far harsher reality. They are often seen as lesser figures, struggling to survive without the backing of powerful patrons. This perception adds complexity to Dunk’s journey, as he seeks to prove that honor and courage are not defined by status.

Showrunner’s Perspective

In an interview with Deadline, showrunner Ira Parker emphasized the grounded nature of the series. “This is a very gritty look at what the experience would have been like for a hedge knight and an up-jump squire riding into a new town where he doesn’t know anybody,” Parker said. He compared Dunk’s journey to “walking into Madison Square Garden to play for the Knicks tonight and he’s never played before.”

Why It Matters

The hedge knight concept adds depth to Westeros’ lore, highlighting the struggles of ordinary knights outside the aristocracy. By focusing on Dunk and Egg, the series offers fans a fresh perspective on honor, loyalty, and survival in a world dominated by dynasties and power struggles.

What Happens Next?

With Dunk and Egg’s journey just beginning, viewers can expect encounters with new enemies, shifting alliances, and adventures that expand the mythology of Westeros. As the spin-off unfolds, the hedge knight’s role will serve as a lens into the broader themes of justice and resilience in the Seven Kingdoms.