Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones and Ser Duncan the Tall from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have a lot in common. While they exist in two vastly different eras, both rise to knighthood and ultimately serve as Lord Commander to their respective kings. Dunk and Brienne both face a difficult road to knighthood, an honor that isn’t easily granted to just anyone.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 Recap & Spoilers
The Tourney at Ashford Meadow finally kicks off in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2.
Dunk is a Hedge Knight, an orphan from Flea Bottom who claims his father was hanged for thieving, while Brienne — as seen in Game of Thrones — comes from the noble House Tarth. Author George R. R. Martin has previously said that Dunk and Brienne share a fascinating connection, one that implies that decency and courage run in the blood.
Geogre R.R. Martin Confirmed That Dunk And Brienne Are Related
Back in 2016 when Game of Thrones was still on the air, Martin mentioned at Balticon (Baltimore’s science-fiction and fantasy convention) that Brienne of Tarth was a descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall (per Variety). Brienne was a central character on Game of Thrones from her introduction in Season 2, while Dunk headlines the currently airing A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In A Feast for Crows, the fourth book of A Song of Ice and Fire, Brienne recalls that, as a child, she discovered an old shield in her father's armory at Evenfall Hall, featuring an elm tree with a shooting star, unaware that it belonged to Ser Duncan the Tall.
On her visit to Dun Fort in Duskendale, Brienne has her shield repainted with the same arms to travel anonymously. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms confirms that Duncan the Tall and Egg asked Tanselle to paint his shield featuring an elm tree with a shooting star. Though an exact lineage isn't explicitly laid out in Martin's books, this detail strongly suggests a connection between Brienne and Dunk.
Samurai Jack & Clone Wars Creator Joins Animated Game of Thrones Series
Creator of Samurai Jack, Emmy-Award winning Genndy Tartakovsky will be bringing a new prequel to life for the A Song of Ice and Fire universe.
Both Brienne and Dunk are one-half of a compelling knight-squire duo in their respective series. After Jaime Lannister arms and equips Brienne to search for the missing Sansa Stark, he assigns Podrick Payne, fondly known as Pod, as her squire. Brienne eventually dedicates herself to Sansa’s services and is knighted by Jaime Lannister just before the Battle of Winterfell in the Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 2, aptly titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Additionally, the knighting of Brienne of Tarth concludes with a statement that draws an intriguing parallel to Dunk, whose own televised story is currently being told in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Arise, Ser Brienne of Tarth. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Game of Thrones also makes mention of Ser Duncan the Tall through a highly undeserving character, Joffrey Baratheon. In the Season 4 episode, Joffrey calls Ser Duncan “quite a man,” prompting his uncle and father, Jaime, to quip dryly, “So they say.” While flipping through the pages of the Book of Brothers, which enlists the famous deeds of the famous Kingsguard. Although Martin has not revealed the exact nature of the connection between Dunk and Brienne, the relation underscores that qualities like honor, valor, and courage can sometimes be passed down through familial ties.
In Game of Thrones, Lady Brienne (played by Gwendoline Christie) mentions her father hosting a ball in hopes of arranging a good match for her. She had tried to run away after realizing the boys were only there to mock her, but King Robert Baratheon’s brother, Renly, embraced her at the ball. Brienne continued to serve Renly until he breathed his last, after which she pledged her loyalty to Lady Catelyn Stark.
Dunk And Brienne Share A Legacy Of Honor, Courage, And Strength
Dunk and Brienne are among the most honorable knights of the realm. Both dedicate their lives to serving just and honorable causes. Dunk doesn’t think twice before coming to the aid of the innocent puppeteer, Tanselle at Ashford, even hitting Aerion the Monstrous in the face. He makes a strong case for defending the weak while seeking the seventh and last of his fighting champions for the Trial of Seven about to commence. Similarly, Brienne protects the vulnerable Sansa Stark from the cruel men of Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, eventually becoming her sworn sword.
6 Strongest Dragon-Rider Duos In House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon features some incredible Dragon-Rider duos. These are the strongest.
Apart from their shared qualities, both Dunk and Brienne are remarkably tall, so much so that this physical trait plays a notable role in both their series. The realm remembers Ser Duncan as “the Tall,” while Brienne faces both criticism and admiration for her own stature. Brienne’s story has reached a satisfactory conclusion in Game of Thrones, with her becoming King Bran Stark's Lord Commander and completing Ser Jaime Lannister's entry in the Book of Brothers.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 is currently airing on HBO Max.
