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Even dedicated die-hards might be amazed to hear that Game of Thrones was making covert references to Ser Duncan the Tall years before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms finally put his adventures on the screen! Early in the show, observant viewers could catch nods to this legendary knight, who would go on to be the centerpiece of George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg books.
The first time Ser Duncan the Tall is mentioned by name in Game of Thrones occurs in Season 1, Episode 3, “Lord Snow,” when Old Nan tells Bran Stark a story about him, noting that he was one of Bran’s favorite heroes from Westerosi history.
Season 4 then comes along, and Joffrey flips through the Book of Brothers as a reminder to the viewer that Dunk had become the favored position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
These small things quietly made Dunk a legend, before viewers were able to witness his whole adventures unfold in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Even more interestingly, passing mentions of Dunk's universe extend beyond him. When Maester Aemon utters "Egg!" as he is dying in season 5, it is a straightforward reference to Dunk's squire and close friend, Egg, who is a main character in the tales based on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
These minor references weren't included in the foundation story, but they established a common thread linking Game of Thrones to the prequel show.
Early Game of Thrones portrayals of Ser Duncan the Tall
Dunk's initial Game of Thrones portrayals are subdued but must be rendered to become legendary. The episode in season 1, episode 3, "Lord Snow," when Old Nan reads his story as a favorite of Bran Stark, is where Dunk initially emerges as a Westeros legend. Her description positions Ser Duncan upfront as a knight deserving of mention.
Later, in season 4, episode 1, "Two Swords," King Joffrey Baratheon pages through the Book of Brothers to mock Jaime Lannister. In the midst of the empty pages, Ser Duncan's page is notable, confirming his status as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. These preliminary mentions gently remind us that the story of Dunk is at least a century before Game of Thrones.
By the series's last episode, Game of Thrones continues to respect him. Brienne of Tarth contributes to Jaime Lannister's Book of Brothers page, reading through pages devoted to Ser Duncan the Tall. All the references, however brief, sustain Dunk in being in Westeros, and prequel stories based on the show's history are feasible in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Hedge Knight and his origins
Ser Duncan the Tall, or simply Dunk, was a hedge knight of low birth from Flea Bottom. Knight-born and of no noble birth, Dunk started from scratch and employed his fearlessness, intelligence, and enormous size to advance in Westeros.
Dunk's young life was problematic, yet his flawless sense of morality and rigorous adherence to the codes of chivalry served to keep him grounded. This is part of the reason why Dunk's story is so endearing and why allusions in Game of Thrones are also made meaningful even when done cursively.
His rise to greatness culminates in being elevated to the position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, a title and glory-studded role. Game of Thrones only hints at it with Book of Brothers references and past banter, having one wonder what stands he made to end up in such a role, a story fully brought to life in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Dunk and Egg: A legendary partnership
Dunk's most compelling aspect of his story is his friendship with Egg, a boy with a receding hairline who was his squire. This friendship, the unifying theme of novellas The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight, is that of loyalty, mentorship, and friendship. Egg is an important figure in Westerosi history and is actually King Aegon V Targaryen.
Even in Game of Thrones, Egg gets a name, connecting the prequel and original show. With Maester Aemon dying during season 5, crying out "Egg," it is his validation of this historical appellation and recognition of the prior timeline established in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. These Easter eggs connect the prequel and original show without disrupting the narrative of either.
Visual and narrative easter eggs
In Game of Thrones, visual and textual elements also give way to Ser Duncan the Tall. From exposure shots of old armor to legendary knight discussion in dialogue, the series humbly marks Dunk's presence. These easter eggs occur in dialogue, books, or minimal historical record, so that astute viewers know what Dunk is without interrupting the principal narrative.
The Book of Brothers is perhaps the most blatant example. By its depictions of rosters for past Lord Commanders like Dunk, the series visually grounds the prequel's historical context. Even something as little as this solidifies the narrative connection to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, creating continuity along the Westeros timeline.
Seeing beyond Westeros' primary strongholds
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is also special in that it explores Westeros' corners unseen in Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. The first show lingers on such classic locations as Winterfell, Dragonstone, and King's Landing, while Dunk and Egg tour around the lesser, mundane corners of the kingdom.
These journeys bring into view the life of ordinary people and the everyday problems of a hedge knight and disclose more about Westeros. The prequel, through traveling to new locations, brings out things about the world the original only briefly indicated, but keeps it in one piece through tertiary content like the stories of Old Nan or the Book of Brothers.
Why Ser Duncan the Tall matters
Ser Duncan the Tall's life is history footnote plus; he is a portrait of determination, honor, and integrity. Dunk begins small but, through loyalty and strength, becomes an awe-inspiring knight, an inspiration of what an excellent knight can be in Westeros. The lasting relationship between him and Egg illustrates the importance of mentorship and trust, important motifs of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Even a casual mention in passing in Game of Thrones serves to reinforce his significance. The fact that characters discuss him centuries later indicates that his deeds had a lasting impact. For both readers and viewers, this contributes to a richer tapestry of Westeros history, stitching the main series and prequel together in significant ways.
Connecting the legacy to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
When A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was at last released, they did justice to Dunk's adventures, but the job was already done because Game of Thrones had done what it was intended to do. All those small, insidious references in the original series meant that Dunk's story could be enjoyed as part of a cohesive world.
By merging visual cues, words, and looks toward the past with the prequel, centuries' worth of continuity for the story was established by Martin and the showrunners. The prequel focuses on Dunk's mundane life, travails, and relationships, works to justify the passing references within Game of Thrones, showing how even a Flea Bottom hedge knight may leave a lasting impact on history.
From Old Nan's stories to the Book of Brothers pages, Game of Thrones modestly introduced Ser Duncan the Tall years before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' creation of him. Through overt mentions, historical references, and visual easter eggs, the original show laid the groundwork for Dunk's adventures, making the prequel natural and historically accurate.
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Ser Duncan's pride, determination, and commitment are a legacy that lasts centuries, showing that even the offhand references in a show can anticipate great story development.
Also read: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms marks major change for Game of Thrones universe, here's how
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