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In the gripping conclusion to “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Episode 4, titled “Seven,” Ser Duncan the Tall, portrayed by Peter Claffey, once again finds himself in the spotlight. Instead of evading the harsh judgment of the Targaryens, Dunk courageously steps forward to face a brutal trial by combat orchestrated by the malicious Prince Aerion, played by Finn Bennett. This episode unveils the dramatic Trial of Seven, a fierce battle where two teams of seven knights clash—sometimes fatally—to determine Dunk’s guilt or innocence.
As the tension mounts, Dunk appears to lack the support needed to participate in the Trial of Seven. However, a pivotal twist unfolds when a prominent political figure and skilled warrior unexpectedly joins his ranks, altering the course of events.
**Spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 4 “Seven,” now available on HBO Max**
The episode reaches a critical juncture when Dunk learns of Ser Steffon Fossoway’s betrayal, played by Edward Ashley, who has switched allegiances to Prince Aerion’s side for a lucrative reward. Despite the efforts of Ser Lyonel Baratheon, portrayed by Daniel Ings, who knights Raymun Fossoway, played by Shaun Thomas, Dunk remains one knight short. Without a full team of six knights to defend him, Dunk risks being declared guilty before the fight even begins.
In a stirring appeal to those present, Ser Duncan the Tall asks, “Are there no true knights among you?” Just when hope seems lost, Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen, played by Bertie Carvel, steps forward to lend his support to Dunk. This victorious moment is amplified by the iconic Game of Thrones theme music, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.
So why is it such a big deal that Baelor comes to Dunk’s rescue? Why does the heir to the Iron Throne decide to fight against his own nephew and brother? And who exactly is fighting whom in this Trial of Seven? Here’s everything you need to know about the Trial of Seven twist in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 4…
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 4 Ending Explained: Why Does Prince Baelor Targaryen Join Ser Duncan in the Trial of Seven?
Sure, we’re all thrilled that Prince Baelor Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne, stepped up and did the right thing (once again) by Dunk. But was going through Prince Baelor’s mind. According to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms star Bertie Carvel, it was “a question of decency” for Baelor.
“I think Baelor is somebody who thinks deeply about things.” Carvel said, noting that he asks Duncan an important question twice in the same scene.
“You can’t ask somebody more than once in the same scene, ‘How good a knight are you, truly?’ and not ask the same question of yourself when push comes to shove. And he does,” he said. “I think it’s the right thing to do and so does he and that counts for something.”
Baelor’s decision not only puts his life in danger, but puts him at odds against his own family over the fate of a lowly hedge knight. “For all that it is, in some ways, an inconsequential fight to to pick, he feels that there’s some matter of honor at stake,” Carvel explained.
“The justice is being determined through this brutal ‘might is right’ kind of trial by combat and he simply can’t stand by and watch and let the bully win by a sort of mechanic. So I think it’s a simple question of honor.”
Of course, Baelor is only one knight standing for Ser Duncan the Tall. Who are the knights willing to put their lives on the line for honor? And who is fine fighting for Aerion?
What is a Trial of Seven in Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Who’s Fighting for Ser Duncan the Tall and Who’s Fighting for Prince Aerion?
As explained in this week’s episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Trial of Seven is a form of trial by combat that existed in Westeros long before the Targaryens. It was established by the Andals, George R.R. Martin’s riff on the Anglo-Saxons. The reason why the Andals were so obsessed with the number seven has to do with their worship of the Faith of the Seven.
Basically, when two knights have a conflict, they settle it by summoning six other warriors to their cause for a ceremonial battle royale. Dunk has to not only survive the melée, but either kill Aerion or get the prince to yield in order to prove his innocence.
So who’s fighting for Ser Duncan the Tall and who’s loyal to House Targaryen? Here’s your guide to the knights in the Trial of Seven:
Team Dunk (aka Knights fighting for Ser Duncan the Tall):
- Ser Duncan the Tall
- Prince Baelor Targaryen
- Ser Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings), who answers Egg’s (Dexter Sol Ansell) call to help because he a) likes Dunk and b) wants to be a part of something glorious
- Ser Raymun Fossoway, Dunk’s friend who hates Targaryens and injustice
- Ser Humfrey Hardyng (Ross Anderson), the knight whom Aerion unhorsed in Episode 3 by attacking his horse. (He’s now paralyzed but can sit in his saddle.)
- Ser Robyn Rhysling (William Houston), the half-mad, one-eyed knight Egg met while practicing
- Ser Humfrey Beesbury (Danny Collins), the other Ser Humfrey’s brother-in-law
Team Targaryen (aka Knights fighting for Prince Aerion):
- Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen
- Prince Maekar Targaryen, his father
- Prince Daeron “the Drunken” Targaryen (Henry Ashton), who has promised Dunk that he’ll just get knocked off his horse and basically play dead
- Ser Steffon Fossoway, who betrayed Dunk for a lordship
- Ser Roland Crakehall (Wade Briggs), a member of the Kingsguard sworn to protect the prince
- Ser Donnel of Duskendale (Bill Ward), another member of the Kingsguard
- Ser Willem Wylde (Unnamed/Uncredited Kingsguard in the show), only named in George R.R. Martin’s novella