Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Episode Unveils Targaryen Secrets

Fans of Westeros have been treated to a treasure trove of lore, nods, and references in the third episode of HBO's latest prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Aptly titled "The Squire," the episode doesn’t just introduce new faces but weaves together threads from Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and George R.R. Martin’s sprawling literary universe, rewarding eagle-eyed viewers and diehard readers alike. The episode, which premiered on Sunday night, has already sparked vibrant discussion online, not least because of its clever Easter eggs and the deepening connections it draws to the beloved original series.

At the heart of the episode is the squire Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, whose true identity is revealed in a moment that’s both dramatic and quietly poignant. Egg is not just any orphan boy; he is Aegon V Targaryen, the son of Prince Maekar I Targaryen. This revelation comes as Egg steps in to save Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) from the wrath of his older brother, Aerion (Finn Bennett), and sets off a cascade of connections to the larger Targaryen saga that fans have come to cherish.

But the episode’s tapestry is woven with more than just Targaryen drama. According to Nerdist, the jousting lists are packed with colorful characters and references. Ser Robyn Rhysling, dubbed "the maddest knight" in the Seven Kingdoms, makes his mark after losing an eye in a brutal jousting match against Leo Tyrell. Despite his injury, Ser Robyn fought on and ultimately won, attributing his resilience and ferocity to his devotion to the Warrior, one of the Seven aspects of the Faith of the Seven. For fans keeping track, House Rhysling’s sigil—a door of oak surrounded by steel on a black banner—made its on-screen debut, yet another treat for those who delight in Westerosi heraldry.

Music, too, serves as a vehicle for lore. Egg is seen singing "The Hammer and the Anvil," a song that commemorates the heroics of his father Maekar and uncle Baelor during the climactic final battle of the First Blackfyre Rebellion, an infamous Targaryen civil war. As Nerdist notes, this episode is the first time viewers are treated to actual lyrics from the song, which previously existed in the lore only by name and reputation. The inclusion of such details not only deepens the world-building but offers longtime fans new material to dissect and discuss.

Of course, not all songs in Westeros are so grand. The episode introduces "Alice With Three Fingers," an original, bawdy tune that pays homage to the ribald songs beloved in Martin’s stories. While Alice herself is a new creation, the song’s spirit echoes the many irreverent ditties referenced in both the novels and the shows. There’s even a nod to Three-Finger Hobb, the main cook at Castle Black, who makes a brief, uncredited appearance in Game of Thrones but is a more prominent character in the books. It’s these kinds of winking references that keep fans on their toes, eager to spot every hidden gem.

Jousting remains a central spectacle, and viewers are introduced to knights from Houses Beesbury and Hardyng. House Hardyng, hailing from the Vale of Arryn, is a house of landed knights—noble, but not lords. As explained by Nerdist, landed knights like Ser Humfrey Hardyng are part of Westeros’ intricate social fabric, upholding the chivalric traditions that define the realm. The distinction between knights and lords—much like the rectangle-square analogy—reminds us how layered and nuanced Martin’s world truly is.

Another setting that looms large in the episode is Summerhall, a Targaryen castle nestled in the stormlands near the border of the Reach. Built during King Daeron II’s reign as a summer retreat, Summerhall was eventually given to Maekar, Daeron’s youngest son, after the Blackfyre Rebellion. While the castle’s tragic fate is still far in the future for the characters in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, fans know that its ruin will become one of the most infamous stories in Targaryen history—a tale yet to be told on screen.

The episode also delivers one of its most subtle and satisfying connections to Game of Thrones through a conversation between Dunk and Raymun Fossoway (Shaun Thomas). Raymun, never shy about criticizing the Targaryens and their customs, mentions Maekar’s sons: Daeron, Aerion, and a "useless" third son who was to be sent to the Citadel to become a maester. As The Wrap points out, this unnamed son is none other than Maester Aemon Targaryen, who later serves as the wise and beloved maester of the Night’s Watch in Game of Thrones. Played by Peter Vaughan, Maester Aemon becomes a vital advisor to Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly, his age and wisdom making him a standout character until his death in Season 5, Episode 7.

Maester Aemon’s final moments in Game of Thrones have taken on new resonance since the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In his last scene, the blind Aemon, lost in delirium, calls out to his younger brother: “Egg … I dreamed … that I was old.” This line, which has gone viral on social media, now carries added emotional weight for viewers who have come to know Egg as the earnest, bald-headed squire in the prequel series. The mention of Maester Aemon, even without naming him directly, forges a poignant bridge between the two shows, reminding fans of the enduring bonds—and tragedies—of the Targaryen family.

Throughout its first three episodes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been careful not to lean too heavily on overt references to its predecessor, but the careful placement of these Easter eggs and historical nods demonstrates a respect for the source material and the intelligence of its audience. The result is a show that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the mythos that has captivated millions worldwide.

As new episodes continue to air Sunday nights on HBO and HBO Max, viewers can expect more of these layered references, character connections, and tantalizing glimpses into the untold stories of Westeros. With every joust, song, and whispered name, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves it isn’t just revisiting old ground—it’s enriching the tapestry of a world that still has many secrets left to reveal.