Fans of Westeros have a new hero to root for, the guy from the rough streets of King’s Landing, who is standing nearly seven feet tall. He rises to become one of Westeros’ most beloved knights. That’s Ser Duncan the Tall, or just ‘Dunk’ to his friends, the star of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’. Played by Peter Claffey, he’s got that raw, relatable charm that reminds us of everyday heroes fighting against the odds. Fans are buzzing because this big-hearted hedge knight connects straight back to ‘Game of Thrones’ favorite Brienne of Tarth.
From flea bottom to fame
Dunk didn’t start with a silver spoon. Orphaned young, he scraped by in flea bottom before becoming squire to old Ser Arlan of Pennytree, brought to life by Danny Webb. When Arlan dies on the road to Ashford Meadow tourney, Dunk steps up, knights himself, and jumps into the fray. He’s all muscle and morals, shielding folks like puppeteer Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford) from bullies such as Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett). Teaming with his sharp-witted squire Egg, actually Aegon Targaryen, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, Dunk’s escapades feel like real-life tales of grit and loyalty.The series captures George R.R. Martin’s ‘Tales of Dunk and Egg’ perfectly across six episodes that dropped starting January 18, 2026. Dunk’s green shooting star over an elm tree sigil flies high as he faces dragons, princes, and destiny, eventually leading the Kingsguard. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, full of laughs, tension, and those “what if” moments.
Epic battles and lasting legacy
Remember the trial by seven at Ashford? Dunk rounds up a ragtag crew, including Ser Baratheon (Daniel Ings), to take on elite warriors and win. He jousts legends like a young Barristan Selmy, crushes rebels, and meets his end at Summerhall in 259 AC, staying true to his code. These adventures scream underdog triumph, much like the best ‘Game of Thrones’ arcs.Here’s the fun twist: Brienne of Tarth, memorably played by Gwendoline Christie, carries Dunk’s shield sigil from her dad’s collection. Both are giants with unbreakable honor and killer sword arms. George R.R. Martin spilled at a 2016 convention that she’s Dunk’s descendant, maybe through Egg’s sister or House Tarth ties. Spanning 90 years, it ties the prequel neatly to the original series, making you grin at the clever nod.Watching Peter Claffey bring Dunk to life feels like catching up with an old pal. As ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ explores Dunk’s legacy, it deepens the lore for Brienne fans, bridging 90 years of Westeros’s history seamlessly.
