A Knight's Test: Targaryen Prince's Secret Revealed

The latest installment of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, "In the Name of the Mother," distinguishes itself from its predecessor, Game of Thrones, by eschewing immediate dread for gradual conflict development. The series, which felt restrained until its fifth episode, now features Ser Duncan the Tall in his first truly consequential battle.

This pivotal episode reveals his squire, Egg, is a Targaryen prince, transforming the narrative into a tale of succession and loyalty. The climactic Trial of Seven, an ancient Westerosi custom, provides the episode's most compelling scenes, emphasizing ritual and tradition.

Ser Duncan, a hedge knight, must rally support for this dangerous trial, a process as gripping as the combat itself. The battle unfolds with raw intensity, focusing on the internal struggles of the characters and the true risks involved, drawing parallels between external conflict and Ser Duncan's personal reflections.

This approach contrasts with Game of Thrones' later seasons, which often prioritized scale and destruction. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms instead emphasizes smaller, more intimate stakes concerning reputation and the kingdom's fragile hierarchy. Egg's lineage weighs on him, creating tension between his identity and his representational role.