The third installment of HBO’s latest Westerosi saga, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled “The Squire,” has officially shifted the gears of the season. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 3 Review While the first two episodes focused on world-building and the humble beginnings of Ser Duncan the Tall, Episode 3 delivers a massive payoff that bridges the gap between a simple hedge knight’s tale and the high-stakes politics of House Targaryen.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 3 Recap: Key Plot Points
1. The Growing Bond of Dunk and Egg
The episode opens with a charming sequence of Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) practicing his duties. From attempting to train Dunk’s stubborn horse, Thunder, to the duo sharing crude jokes and “salt beef,” the chemistry between Peter Claffey and Ansell remains the heart of the show. We see a softer side of Dunk as he genuinely considers keeping Egg as his permanent squire.
2. Corruption at the Ashford Tourney
Dunk is approached by the Master of Games, Plummer, with a dishonorable proposition. He is asked to participate in a “fixed” joust to benefit wealthy bettors. True to his character, Dunk’s unwavering honor shines through as he refuses to take a victory he hasn’t earned, despite his desperate need for armor and coin.
3. The Cruelty of Prince Aerion Brightflame
The episode introduces a true villain in Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett). During the joust, he displays sociopathic tendencies by intentionally killing Ser Humfrey Hardyng’s horse. Later, his brutality peaks when he assaults Tanselle, the Dornish puppeteer, for a performance he deems blasphemous.
4. The Identity Reveal (Major Spoilers)
The climax occurs when Dunk intervenes to save Tanselle, physically striking Prince Aerion. As guards prepare to execute Dunk for his “crime” against royalty, Egg intervenes. He reveals his true identity: Prince Aegon Targaryen, the son of Prince Maekar. This revelation completely upends the power dynamic and places Dunk in a precarious legal position.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 3 Overview & Ratings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | The Squire |
| Director | Owen Harris |
| Key Reveal | Egg is Prince Aegon Targaryen |
| Main Conflict | Dunk vs. Prince Aerion |
| Prophecy Mentioned | Egg becoming King but perishing in fire |
| Runtime | 30 Minutes |
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Critical Analysis Why This Episode Matters
- Pacing: For a 30-minute episode, “The Squire” manages to balance quiet character moments with high-tension drama.
- The Prophecy: A fortune teller’s cryptic warning about Egg’s future as a King and his eventual death in fire subtly hints at the Tragedy of Summerhall, a major event for lore enthusiasts.
- Visuals: Unlike the dragon-heavy House of the Dragon, this show excels in its grounded, “low-fantasy” aesthetic, making the Targaryen royalty feel even more intimidating and “otherworldly” to the common folk.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Egg’s father in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
Ans. Egg is the son of Prince Maekar Targaryen, who is the younger brother of Prince Baelor “Breakspear.”
Q2. Why did Aerion Targaryen attack Tanselle?
Ans. Aerion found her puppet show offensive because it depicted a dragon being slain, which he viewed as a personal insult to the Targaryen bloodline.
Q3. What is the “Tragedy of Summerhall” prophecy?
Ans. It refers to a future fire that will claim the lives of both Dunk and Egg, though the show only hints at this “fire and worms” destiny for now.