Eager to know what Hedge Knight means in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Created by Ira Parker and George R. R. Martin, the Game of Thrones spin-off takes place a hundred years before and follows the stories of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg. They travel across Westeros, with the Targareyns still the rulers of the Iron Throne. Together, they confront new enemies and embark on thrilling adventures.
Here’s all you need to know about a Hedge Knight.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Hedge Knight explained
Hedge Knights don’t serve a specific master, lord, or great house. They are wanderers across the seven kingdoms, seeking potential employment.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1 features Ser Dunk sharing details about the history of his master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, who was a hedge knight like him. Speaking to his horse, he says, “Ser Arlan always said a hedge knight was the truest kind of knight.” He reveals that his master assisted several lords in different battles but was never permanently tied to any one of them. He also explains that a hedge knight’s aim is always to protect those in danger and fulfill their duties to the realm they have sworn to serve.
True knights, however, have the privilege of serving a particular house or master, often living comfortably under their aristocracy or on assigned lands. This isn’t the case with hedge knights, who are wanderers and must make their own arrangements. Moreover, Red also reveals that hedge knights are often viewed as both less important and as a sadder version of true knights.
In an interview with Deadline, showrunner Parker shares more details on Dunk’s experience as a hedge knight at a new place. He added, “The truth is, for me at least, this is a very grounded, gritty look at what this experience would have been like for a hedge knight and an up-jump squire riding into a new town where he doesn’t know anybody. He’s walking into Madison Square Garden to play for the Knicks tonight and he’s never played before.”
The series streams on HBO.
