A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, HBO’s TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novella, took off with an outpouring of love and appreciation for the accuracy of the tale's depiction and the casting.
With an impressive aesthetic, the story takes us to the countryside, to the tourney fields in Ashford. Although this era sees a simpler time of peace compared to House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, power still flows, only this time through knights and less politically entangled men.
Set in 209 AC (After Aegon's Conquest), 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones and around 77 years after the events of season 2 of House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place in a singular location and follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. We don't really get to explore the seven kingdoms of Westeros in this era, and we don't really get a deeper look at the members of the Great Houses, but it quietly reintroduces several of the realm's powerful dynasties we have anticipated seeing at calmer times.
We shared a look at the Great Houses of Westeros and how they are represented in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, along with the other notable hours of Westeros.
House Targaryen
- Sigil: Three-headed red dragon (wyern-style), with two legs and two wings, breathing red fire on a black field
- Seat: King’s Landing
- Region: The Crownlands
- Ruling King: King Daeron II Targaryen
The Targaryens remain the ruling dynasty of Westeros and also stands at the heart of this series.
King Daeron II Targaryen, known as Daeron the Good (whom we haven’t met in the show yet), appears to be not-so-mad king yet. Father to Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen, Hand to the King and heir to the Iron Throne, Aerys I Targaryen, Rhaegal Targaryen, and Maekar Targaryen, Daeron insists the members of the royal family attend the tourney to reinforce Targaryen visibility in a post-dragon world.
Season 1 introduces us to several members of the royal line who are in attendance at the tourney: Prince Baelor Targaryen, his son, Prince Valarr Targaryen; Prince Maekar Targaryen and his sons, Prince Daeron Targaryen, Prince Aerion Targaryen, Prince Aemon Targaryen (who we haven’t met in the show yet), and the youngest, Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen.
With the Ashford tourney at the center of the plot, we see the different personalities of the different Targaryens at play. The series subtly reframes what it means to be a Targaryen with two distinct characteristics: appearance and temperament.
Not all carry the traditional silver hair, either. Baelor and Valarr inherit darker coloring from their mother, quietly signalling a shift from the bloodline. More importantly, the temperament of the Targaryens not being all fire, blood, and glory, except for Prince Aerion, who sees himself as a dragon.
Prince Baelor, the heir, embodies diplomacy, dignity, restraint, and honor, which is rare. As the events unfold, we see through his interactions with noble men and the not-so-renowned men, like Ser Duncan, the absence of a sense of superiority in him, as he remembers incidents from years past about a common-born man, like Ser Duncan’s master Ser Arlan of Pennytree, and considers them important enough to be remembered.
That same quiet honour and empathy echoes in Egg. Even Prince Daeron, indifferent to glory, grandeur, and power, reflects individuality separate from the conventional way of the Targaryen mindset, which could also be because of his gift of dreams and foresight. Prince Valarr, inheriting his father’s traits, showcased valor, might, and honour at the tourney.
In contrast, we see Prince Maekar and Prince Aerion embody the more traditional Targaryen characteristics with silver hair and ferocity.
At Ashford, as the events unfold, House Targaryen is met with a crisis when they lose their heir, Prince Baelor, at the trial of seven. Baelor's death alters the line of succession, which sends quiet ripples through the dynasty and Westeros, which also sets the tone for Ser Dunk and Egg as their fates merge here onwards.
House Baratheon
- Sigil: A crowned, rampant black stag on a gold field
- Seat: Storm’s End
- Region: The Stormlands
- Ruling Lord: Symeon Baratheon (not explicitly named)
Another prominent house that leaves a lasting impression in season 1 is House Baratheon. We have previously met House Baratheon as the ruling house at the beginning of Game of Thrones with Robert Baratheon as king.
In the very first episode we meet, heir to Storm’s End, Lord Lyonel Baratheon, famously known as the “Laughing Storm.” From his very first appearance, he became one of the season’s most memorable figures and a fan-favorite for his larger-than-life personality, humor, and surprisingly enthusiastic dancing. As the face of Stormlands, one of Westeros’ major powers, his participation elevates the tourney, bringing in political weight, attention, and fierce competition to it.
Ser Lyonel is introduced with charisma and unmatched skill, but beneath his thunderous personality lies a deep code of honor. His interactions and friendship with Ser Duncan reveal this clearly. When he catches Dunk sneaking food, he responds with warmth and laughter instead of cruelty or arrogance. He even drinks, dances, and sings with Ser Manfred Dondarrion, and he embraces both highborn and commoners alike.
From the liveliness and festivities in his tent, it is evident how respected and beloved Lyonel is by both noble and common folk. And Lyonel, for sure, also knows how to party and host a magnificent feast, another quality of House Baratheon.
Lyonel’s defining moment comes during the trial of seven when he steps forward to champion Dunk. Moments before combat, without hesitation, Lyonel even publicly knights Raymun Fossoway, legitimizing him as one of Dunk’s seven. This act reflects that Lyonel is not only courageous but also honorable, recognizing merit over lineage. And this gesture to some extent affirms Dunk’s faith in true knighthood.
Lyonel embodies the best of House Baratheon: physical strength, boldness, and fierce loyalty. He even expresses how he has no grief for Prince Baelor’s death, boldly speaking against House Targaryen to Dunk. And later, his offer to bring Dunk to Storm’s End further cements the Baratheon identity in this era: powerful, fearless, yet secure enough to be generous.
House Tyrell
- Sigil: A golden rose on a green field
- Seat: Highgarden
- Region: The Reach
- Ruling Lord: Lord Leo Tyrell
House Tyrell for the longest time has established itself as a wealthy, influential, and central house in Westeros, and continues to be so in 209 AC.
Represented by Lord Leo Tyrell, Head of House Tyrell and Lord of Highgarden, at the Ashford tourney, we see their presence reinforce the weight and significance of this event. As Lord Paramount of the Reach and overlord to House Ashford, his attendance reinforces the political importance of the event. Also known as “The Longthorn,” Lord Leo Tyrell is a renowned jouster whose unparalleled skill raised competition. During the opening tilt, he demonstrates remarkable skill as he mounts a moving horse after falling and then retrieves his armor mid-motion, showcasing elite horsemanship that distinguishes him from the field.
Though he remains mostly reserved in council, seated beside Prince Baelor and Lord Ashford during deliberations over Dunk’s fate, his quiet presence carries weight at the table. The Tyrells are politically astute and deeply conscious of their reputation, which Lord Leo’s silent presence did reflect. Even when not central to the events occurring, their participation in the Ashford tourney and presence with the royal family underscores that the tourney is not merely for entertainment but a stage for power projection.
House Beesbury
Sigil: Black and yellow vertical stripes with three yellow beehives, vertically at the center
Seat: Honeyholt
Region: The Reach
Though not one of the Great Houses, House Beesbury of Honeyholt has been a significant minor house that adds to the Reach’s noble families as one of the ancient houses.
We’ve previously seen Lord Lyman Beesbury serve as Master of Coin in King Viserys I Targaryen’s Small Council in House of the Dragon. Although sworn to House Hightower then, since the murder of Lord Lyman in Ser Criston Cole’s hands, the house has turned against the Hightowers.
In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the house is introduced to us through Ser Humfrey Beesbury. At Egg’s request, Ser Humfrey joins Dunk’s champions in the trial of seven. Before the charge, he seeks reassurance from Prince Baelor regarding the Kingsguard's oath to protect the royal family. But he was killed at the first clash by a Kingsguard.
In the final episode, the series also depicts a unique Beesbury funeral custom, where a queen bee is placed inside the casket so the hive may gather, accelerating the natural return of the body to the earth. His death is one of three knights lost at the Trial, reinforcing the series’ exploration of knighthood, sacrifice, and unintended consequences in the series.
House Ashford
- Sigil: A white sun below a white chevron on orange
- Seat: Ashford
- Region: The Reach
- Ruling Lord: Lord Ashford
As hosts of the Ashford Meadow tourney, House Ashford anchors the season’s central setting.
House Ashford is a noble house from the Reach, under Lord Paramount House Tyrell. Lord Ashford hosts the tourney to celebrate his daughter, Lady Gwin Ashford’s thirteenth name day. Though not one of the Great Houses, their ability to draw royalty and nobles from across Westeros for this event highlights their regional significance.
At the tourney, we also meet Lord Ashford’s youngest son, Ser Androw Ashford, who participates in the opening night joust along with nine other knights. In season 1, we learn two key things about Lord Ashford. First, he has a tendency to overspend and is mostly unimportant. Hoping to elevate his family’s standing among the Great Houses with wealth and influence, Lord Ashford overspent at his daughter’s name day tourney. And with winter approaching and finances strained, he resorts to tactics, including asking the game master to pressure Ser Dunk to fix a tilt against his son, Ser Androw, for better gains. Another noticeable factor is that, despite him being the host, he was mostly ignored and considered unimportant by both the nobles and common folk, so much so that the common folk openly joked and disrespected him.
At the end, despite the festivities and spirit of the tournament, Ashford becomes the site of historic significance with the first trial of seven in 100 years ending with the heir apparent Prince Baelor’s death. Their land becomes the backdrop for succession-altering consequences.
House Fossoway
- Sigil: Red apple on gold (Cider Hall); Green apple on gold (New Barrel branch)
- Seat: Cider Hall
- Region: The Reach
House Fossoway plays one of the most narratively significant supporting roles this season.
As another noble house from the Reach, House Fossoway also falls under their liege Lord Leo Tyrell of House Tyrell. We're introduced to the house through Ser Steffon Fossoway and his cousin and squire, Raymun Fossoway, practicing sparring in the very first episode. We see two contrasting personalities, one proud and the other earnest, respectively. Their storyline becomes one of the season’s emotional anchors.
Their clashing moralities came to light at the trial of seven. When Ser Duncan seeks allies for the trial of seven, Ser Steffon initially pledges support to him, but the next morning, he betrays Dunk by switching sides, accepting to fight for Prince Aerion in exchange for a lordship. His cousin Raymun, earnest and principled, steps forward when Dunk needs a seventh champion.
In one of the season’s most memorable moments, Raymun is then publicly knighted by Ser Lyonel Baratheon, legitimizing him. During the charge, Raymun, newly knighted only moments ago, fiercely attacks Steffon and even aids Dunk repeatedly in surviving Aerion’s brutal attacks several times. Raymun even helps Prince Baelor with his helm moments before his death. His bravery and valiant fight prove him worthy of the knighthood he received that day.
After the knighting, Raymun adopted a green apple sigil, a symbolic choice that contrasts with the traditional red apple and reflects how he defines himself, not "rotten" like his cousin. Founding House Fossoway of New Barrel, the tourney of Ashford cements the split: the red apple branch associated with Steffon's ambition and betrayal, and the green apple representing honour and earned reputation. Raymun’s story becomes central in the season’s theme of loyalty, honour, identity, and earned knighthood.
Bonus: Later, when parting, Dunk gifts Raymun his horse, Sweetfoot, as a gesture of thanks.
House Hardyng
- Sigil: A field of red and white diamonds
- Seat: Hardeney
- Region: The Vale of Arryn
House Hardyng appears among the assembled knights at Ashford Meadow tourney.
It is a minor noble house of landed knights, sworn to House Waywood. Because they are landed knights rather than full lords, they reside in keeps or manor houses on their own lands within the Waynwood domain. According to the lore, the house was founded by a tourney knight who unhorsed Lord Waynwood and was given control over Hardeney, establishing House Hardyng.
In this season, the house is introduced to us through Ser Humfrey Hardyng, a renowned tourney knight who fought valiantly against Prince Aerion Targaryen, surviving his giant horse falling over his leg. Despite having a severely injured leg and his horse killed by Prince Aerion’s attack, Ser Humfrey was motivated enough to mount another horse and stand by Ser Duncan at the trial of seven. He does not survive the opening clash, but his willingness to fight despite injury speaks to his honor and his skill.
A lesser-known house, but Ser Humfrey’s courage at Ashford made a notable presence at the tourney, and spoke for the house’s reputation of having strong and skilled tourney knights.
House Dondarrion
- Sigil: A forked purple lightning bolt over black, with four pointed stars
- Seat: Blackhaven
- Region: The Stormlands
- Ruling Lord: Lord Dondarrion
House Dondarrion of Blackhaven is another noble house representing the Stormlands and holds fealty to House Baratheon. Previously, we’ve met one of House Dondarrion’s successors, Lord Beric Dondarrion in Game of Thrones, who was brought back to life seven times by his brother Thoros, of the Brotherhood Without Banners.
In the series, the house is introduced to us through Ser Manfred Dondarrion, son and heir of Lord Dondarrion, who appears briefly at Ashford. Before the tourney begins, he is approached by Ser Duncan to vouch for him so he can enter the lists. Dunk insists that his master, Ser Arlan, had once served his father and fought for him at the battle against the Vulture King in the Red Mountains (a mountain range dividing Dorne and the Stormlands), to which Manfred simply dismissed Dunk and refused to vouch for him.
Ser Manfred is not seen jousting at the tourney in the series. Instead, he is mostly seen in the company of courtesans, heavily drinking and singing. We even see him singing alongside Ser Lyonel Baratheon. Ser Manfred’s presence reinforces Stormlands’s presence at the tourney.
Bonus: Although she didn't appear in the show, nor was she mentioned, Lady Jena of House Dondarrion is Prince Baelor Targaryen's wife.
House Lannister
- Sigil: A roaring golden lion over a field of crimson
- Seat: Casterly Rock
- Region: The Westerlands
- Ruling Lord: Lord Damon Lannister
Though not central to the story, the Lannister banner appears among the gathered nobles at the Ashford tourney.
One of the greatest houses in Westeros, House Lannister rules over the Westerlands with Lord Damon Lannister as the head of the house. Also known as the “Grey Lion," he is the great-grandfather of Tywin Lannister and great-great-grandfather of Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion Lannister, whom we’ve previously met in Game of Thrones.
Although Lord Damon has a very limited appearance on the show, we see him in full armor jousting on the opening night against Lord Leo Tyrell, who defeats him with his unmatched jousting skills. Another time we hear Prince Baelor reference a past tourney at Lannisport where Ser Arlan unhorsed Damon, validating Dunk’s claim and asking Dunk of the Grey Lion’s true name.
We also see glimpses of the Lannister banner during a flashback scene of Dunk’s childhood, where a burnt Lannister banner waved over the wreckage from the Blackfyre rebellion. This was a reminder of the past conflict and involvement of House Lannister in the battle.
Even in the background, as the wealthiest house at the tourney, House Lannister reinforces the national importance of the event, carrying weight.
House Hightower
- Sigil: A white stone watchtower with green flames on a green field
- Seat: Oldtown
- Region: The Reach
One of Reach’s most powerful banners, House Hightower’s attendance at the tourney highlights Oldtown’s significance.
Representing House Hightower, Ser Abelar Hightower participates in the opening joust of the tourney in Ashford against Prince Valarr Targaryen. This moment is also a nod to the history and rivalry of the two houses, which we’ve deeply experienced in the House of the Dragon. Heir to Lord Hightower, Ser Abelar fell off his horse as Prince Valarr defeated him at the joust.
Like House Lannister, House Hightower isn’t that visible in the story, but their family name continues to carry the same weight. Ser Abelar’s participation isn’t a showcase of power but is purely prestige and pageantry of the powerful great house of the Reach, at a major event, where the royal family, and every great house and great knight is in attendance.
House Tully
- Sigil: A silver trout leaping over white waves, on red and blue background
- Seat: Riverrun
- Region: The Riverlands
- Ruling Lord: Lord Medgar Tully
One of the moments from the series that left a lasting impression was Lord Medgar Tully biting the head off of a raw fish before the joust.
House Tully is another one of the Great Houses of Westeros attending the Ashford tourney. Lord Medgar Tully, Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident, participated in the joust. He challenges Ser Humfrey Hardyng, who defeats him at the second tilt, knocking him off his horse.
House Tully’s attendance further expands the geographic scope of the tourney, making it a kingdom-wide event.
House Stokeworth
- Sigil: A white lamb holding a golden goblet
- Seat: Castle Stokeworth
- Region: The Crownlands
House Stokeworth, a noble house from the Crownlands, is sworn to King’s Landing.
Season 1 does not introduce us to any member of House Stokeworth, but we do see a Stokeworth knight (likely Ser Samwell Stokeworth) unhorsed by Ser Androw Ashford at the tourney. The presence of a Stokeworth knight added to the population of celebrated and renowned knights gathered to compete, and uplift the appearance of their house in the historic tourney.
House Stokeworth is referenced by Prince Baelor recalling Ser Arlan defeating Lord Stokeworth in a past melee in King’s Landing. Another moment we see House Stokeworth’s sigil is in Ser Duncan’s flashback where after the Blackfyre Rebellion, a knight is seeing carry his fellow knight with the house sigil painted over their shields and banner. This gave a tiny insight to the war and reinforced their loyalty to the Iron Throne.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms may tell a smaller, more intimate story than Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, but the presence of these Great Houses reminds us that Westeros is never truly quiet, even in an era of simpler days.