This article contains SPOILERS for George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has finally aired its first episode, and fans of Game of Thrones already can't get enough of the two protagonists: Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his adorable young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). These two turned the new HBO series' first episode, "The Hedge Knight," into something special, with their hilarious banter leading up to a heartfelt ending that promised a compelling journey for these friends is on the horizon.
Much like its two predecessors, Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is based on George R.R. Martin's World of Ice and Fire. Specifically, the new show pulls from the three Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas.
The first of these novellas, "The Hedge Knight," was published in 1998, shortly before the release of the second book in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Clash of Kings. Dunk and Egg's second adventure, "The Sworn Sword," came out in 2003, in between the third and fourth main series books, A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows. Finally, the third and most recently published Dunk and Egg story, "The Mystery Knight," was released in 2010, not long before the publication of Martin's newest A Song of Ice and Fire novel, A Dance with Dragons.
The Dunk and Egg novellas maintain their own separate voice from the rest of Martin's work, and each story feels distinct from the others. However, with Dunk and Egg transitioning from page to screen, how do their original adventures stack up against each other?
3. The Sworn Sword
Dunk and Egg's second adventure takes the duo to the Reach, where they find themselves in the middle of a conflict between Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast and Lady Rohanne Webber of Coldmoat. Throughout the story, Dunk trains militias of civilians to protect their lands, learns about the history of the Blackfyre Rebellion, and faces off against Lady Rohanne's man, Ser Lucas Inchfield, in a trial by combat which makes for one of Martin's best-written duels.
Despite its low ranking, "The Sworn Sword" is far from a bad novella. However, it feels the furthest removed of all the Dunk and Egg stories. Egg himself feels less involved than ever, and unlike both other novellas, there aren't any tourneys. "The Sworn Sword" feels the most like A Song of Ice and Fire of the three stories, which isn't a bad thing, except that readers already have A Song of Ice and Fire, while The Tales of Dunk and Egg is supposed to offer up something different.
2. The Hedge Knight
Martin's introduction to Dunk and Egg sees the duo's first encounter with each other, as well as Dunk's early days as a hedge knight. The story follows Dunk entering a tourney in Ashford Meadow, only to invoke the wrath of Prince Aerion Targaryen. Dunk and Egg then assemble seven knights to fight in a trial of seven against Aerion's team.
"The Hedge Knight" makes for a fantastic introduction to the world of Dunk and Egg. Even though several noble characters feature in the story, it instantly separatnes itself from Martin's previous work, A Game of Thrones, by painting a beautiful picture of life for the Westerosi smallfolk. Additionally, the plot twist involving Egg is jaw-dropping, and the young squire immediately cements himself as a standout character.
3. The Mystery Knight
The newest Dunk and Egg novella sees the titular heroes once again return to a tournament. However, this time, Dunk quickly loses the first tilt to Ser Ulthor Underleaf, forfeiting his armor and horse after the loss. But after the tourney's prize, a dragon egg, is stolen, Dunk and Egg take it upon themselves to find out what happened.
"The Mystery Knight" stands out among the rest of the Dunk and Egg stories by raising the stakes while also staying true to form. Although several Targaryens appear, including a climactic cameo from Bloodraven himself, the story still feels small stakes, lighthearted, and down to Earth enough to capture the charm of these novellas. Additionally, the supporting cast, including the mysterious John the Fiddler, stand out, and Dunk's quick tourney loss puts a fun spin on the formula. "The Mystery Knight" is the best Dunk and Egg novella to date thanks to its twists and turns, exciting combat, and understanding of what makes a solid Dunk and Egg story.
Martin has teased future Dunk and Egg stories, so perhaps they'll change this ranking upon their publication.
For more from Dunk and Egg, make sure to catch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, airing Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.