Who is the King in Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
Audiences of the Game of Thrones spin-off series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are intensely curious about which monarch currently occupies the Iron Throne in this new chapter of Westerosi history. The HBO production, which continues to captivate fans, unfolds in a distinct historical period that shapes its narrative and characters.
The Timeline and Reign of King Daeron II
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set in the year 209 AC (After the Conquest), placing it approximately a century before the events of Game of Thrones and roughly 70 years after the conclusion of House of the Dragon. During this era, the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms is King Daeron II Targaryen, widely known as Daeron the Good for his just and unifying reign.
The HBO series explicitly confirms that Prince Baelor Targaryen, portrayed by Bertie Carvel and also called Baelor Breakspear, serves as both the heir-apparent to the throne and the Hand of the King. This dual role positions him as a central figure in the kingdom's governance and the ongoing storyline.
King Daeron II fathered four sons: Baelor, Aerys I, Rhaegel, and Maekar I, with the latter played by Sam Spruell in the series. As the 12th Targaryen to sit upon the Iron Throne, his marriage to Myriah Martell was a pivotal political move that successfully brought Dorne into the realm, thereby uniting all the kingdoms of Westeros under one rule.
Challenges and Legacy of Daeron's Rule
Despite his moniker, Daeron's reign was not without significant turmoil. His illegitimate half-brother, Daemon Blackfyre, mounted a serious challenge to his authority, sparking the devastating civil conflict known as the First Blackfyre Rebellion. The king managed to suppress this uprising, subsequently confiscating lands, castles, and hostages from the lords who had allied with his brother.
Tragically, King Daeron II met his end during the Great Spring Sickness, a severe plague epidemic that ravaged the Seven Kingdoms between 209 AC and 210 AC, claiming countless lives. Given that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set in 209 AC, the series may explore these impending events, highlighting the ever-precarious nature of the Targaryen line of succession.
Episode Four Developments and the Trial of Seven
The fourth episode of the series, titled Seven, delivered high tension as Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, urgently sought six knights to join him in a Trial of Seven against Prince Aerion Targaryen, portrayed by Finn Bennett. Aerion invoked this ancient trial by combat to avoid a potentially losing solo duel against the formidable Dunk.
Despite his lowborn status, Dunk eventually assembled a team comprising Baelor Targaryen, Ser Humfrey Beesbury, Ser Humfrey Hardyng, Ser Lyonel Baratheon, Ser Robyn Rhysling, and Raymun Fossoway. Conversely, Aerion's side included Maekar, Daeron Targaryen, Ser Donnel of Duskendale, Ser Roland Crakehall, Ser Steffon Fossoway, and Ser Willem Wylde.
Showrunner Ira Parker provided insight, noting, "The truth is Dunk has never been tested. He knows he's big and he's fast, and he's strong, but he is no way as well-trained as Aerion would be." Director Sarah Adina Smith drew a modern parallel, describing Aerion's maneuver as akin to "the wealthy kid who's got a bunch of good lawyers."
Actor Finn Bennett explained his character's motivation: "He wants something to happen and this is his opportunity to go down in the history books... he goes for this Trial of Seven because it's a big opportunity to make a big splash." The upcoming episode promises to resolve this climactic confrontation, determining the fates of Dunk and his allies.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues to air on HBO and HBO Max on Sundays in the United States, and on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Mondays in the United Kingdom, keeping viewers engaged with its intricate political dynamics and thrilling narrative arcs.
