A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms star breaks down that shocking death

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The creators and actors of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ have discussed the shocking death in Episode 5 and how it will impact the story going forward.

The series had been hinting at conflict, and it finally erupted during the Trial of Seven at the Ashford tournament.

In the fifth episode, Ser Duncan and his six companions clashed with Prince Aerion and his men in a dawn battle. This fight was shown alongside sad memories from Dunk’s past.

The season finale concluded with a violent and unexpected death, delivering the most shocking moment of the entire season. Be warned: spoilers follow…

The death of Prince Baelor ‘Breakspear’ Targaryen

During the Trial of Seven, Prince Baelor, played by Bertie Carvel, unexpectedly fought alongside Ser Dunk against his own family. Though he fought valiantly, a powerful hit to the head severely damaged his helmet. When he removed it, it was revealed he’d suffered a fatal brain injury, and he died shortly after.

It’s a surprising turn of events, but one showrunner Ira Parker says was inevitable for his character. He explains to EW that the character became a hero and savior at a very young age. Because of his inherent qualities, everyone around him constantly praises his honor and predicts he’ll be the greatest king Westeros has seen since the original Conqueror.

Eventually, a person’s true character is revealed when they face a challenge to their integrity. Without facing hardship, it’s impossible to know if someone is truly virtuous.

Bertie Carvel explains that his character’s death represents both honor and bravery. He was pleased when he read the scene, hoping the audience would feel similarly. He highlights a key moment where Baelor challenges Dunk’s knighthood, which ultimately forces the character to confront his own values when faced with a difficult situation.

Comparisons with Ned Stark

Some have drawn parallels between Baelor’s death and Ned Stark’s in Game of Thrones, and while Carvel acknowledges the resemblance, he doesn’t think they’re exactly the same.

Carvel explains the key difference between the Stark and Targaryen families lies in how they see their roles and tell their stories. The Starks emphasize duty, resilience, and doing what’s right, summed up by their motto, ‘Winter is coming.’ The Targaryens express this differently, but ultimately, there’s a similar underlying principle for both houses.

Parker believes Ned Stark was more trusting than Baelor Targaryen. He explains that Baelor isn’t unaware of the dangers he faces, but rather feels compelled to live up to the expectations placed upon him since childhood – a destiny he’s always been told he has.

What Baelor’s death means for brother Maekar

Baerlor died from a strike by his brother, Maekar, and it’s unclear whether that strike was meant to kill him.

Sam Spruell, who played Maekar, explains they explored different interpretations of his character’s guilt. They considered whether his actions were accidental or intentional, and Spruell found it particularly interesting to discuss these possibilities with both the writer, Ira, and the director, Sarah Adina Smith.

Maekar has a strong ambition to become king, and he understands that his brother’s death could make that happen. While he feels guilt, sadness, and grief, he also recognizes that this event puts him next in line for the throne.

Parker thinks the Prince’s decision to save Dunk will cause significant problems down the line. He points to Dunk’s hope of eventually proving his worth to the kingdom, as seen in the next episode, and draws a parallel to a moment in Game of Thrones where Joffrey recognizes the Hedge Knight’s value as recorded in the Book of Brothers.

Parker points out that Ser Duncan had four pages dedicated to him in the white book, suggesting that Dunk’s assessment of Baelor’s sacrifice being worthwhile wasn’t entirely off-base.

Want more from the world of Game of Thrones? Here’s the latest on a new Jon Snow series, an update on what to expect in House of the Dragon Season 3, information on how to watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and a helpful overview of the Seven Kingdoms themselves.

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2026-02-16 14:23