George R.R. Martin warned us about Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ most important death years ago

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After the latest episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms aired, a past interview with George R.R. Martin began circulating online, emphasizing the significant impact the death at the Trial of Seven has on the world of Westeros.

The first half of Episode 5 explored the history of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) through a flashback. The second half featured a brutal and intense fight between Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) and Dunk.

Despite winning the fight, Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) suffered a deadly head wound. The next episode of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Episode 6) will focus on what happens after this, and a sneak peek shows footage from the funeral.

Long before the Game of Thrones prequel showed Baelor’s story, George R.R. Martin identified this event as a crucial moment in the history of Westeros.

George R.R. Martin clip warns of major A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms death

In October 2022, after the first season of House of the Dragon premiered, George R.R. Martin responded to fan questions in a video interview with Penguin Random House. One fan asked him about a small event that had a significant impact on the history of Westeros.

I was so excited to hear George R.R. Martin talk about the show! He mentioned the very beginning of the story – the death of King Baelor Breakspear. That’s where the first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms starts, and it’s also the big moment that kicks off The Hedge Knight, the first Dunk and Egg novella. It’s a huge deal because Baelor was next in line to be king!

He also noted that Baelor could have been a powerful and capable ruler. Looking back, we now see that was likely true, but when he said it, Baelor’s story was still unfolding and his potential hadn’t been realized.

I was reading through the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms subreddit after the latest episode, and someone had a really interesting point. They were talking about how things could have been totally different in Westeros if Baelor had won the Trial of Seven and become king. It really got me thinking about all the ‘what ifs’!

The Blackfyre rebellions were partly caused by widespread dissatisfaction with King Aerys, and his advisor, Brynden Rivers, actually made things worse, according to the account.

Baelor’s mixed Dornish heritage was a concern for many in Westeros. Because of this, I believe any rebellions would likely be postponed for several years.

They wondered if King Baelor would appoint Brynden Rivers as his Hand. Most didn’t think so, noting that the connection between Aerys and Rivers stemmed from their shared fascination with magic and learning.

Maekar appears to be a more straightforward choice, though some conflict between them would likely occur.

Naturally, if Baelor had become king, it would have stopped Maekar’s family – the line that eventually included Aerys, Rhaegar, Daenerys, and Jon Snow – from ever ruling.

Because of this, Robert’s Rebellion might never have happened. However, it’s complicated – the deaths of Baelor’s children during the plague also play a role, so it’s hard to say for sure.

Someone else pointed out that Robert’s very birth relies on a specific sequence of events – Egg having a child with both Rhaelle Targaryen and Betha Blackwood, and then Rhaelle marrying Ormund Baratheon. Because of this, they believe Robert’s Rebellion likely wouldn’t have happened.

Someone else suggested George might actually be referring to Duncan the Tall. They wondered what would have happened if Baelor hadn’t supported the hedge knight, arguing that Duncan’s survival could be a hugely important historical event.

Baelor likely would have been a successful king, but it’s worth considering the potential downsides. Would he have been able to handle the tragedy of losing his sons to the Great Spring Sickness, or would he have eventually fallen victim to the mental instability that plagued his family?

One person mentioned the Great Spring Sickness, a deadly plague that swept through the Seven Kingdoms in 209 and 210 AC, killing tens of thousands of people.

The Reddit user also pointed out that he likely would have died along with the rest of his family during the Great Spring Sickness.

Someone suggested he likely would have survived, pointing out that George R.R. Martin believed Baelor would have been a good king if he’d lived. They also noted that Daeron II died at the same time as Valarr and Matarys, implying Baelor might have found a way to survive as well.

“Perhaps Baelor had some innate knowledge of germ theory that would have made all the difference.”

Another reason Baelor Targaryen joined the Trial of Seven

Fans have been discussing the sad events in episode 5 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and exploring the reasons behind Baelor’s decision to participate in the Trial of Seven, beyond just how his survival would have changed the Targaryen family’s future.

Both the book and the HBO series show Baelor joining Dunk to defend those who couldn’t defend themselves. However, a Reddit user recently suggested there was another motivation for him joining the Trial of Seven.

Everyone’s discussed Baelor choosing to face the trial to stay true to the knight’s code, and that’s important. However, I believe there’s another, often missed, reason behind his decision.

Baelor originally suggested that Dunk ask for a Trial by Combat. Dunk didn’t come up with the idea on his own – Baelor first put it in his head. Then, true to form, Aerion made things worse by bringing up the Law of Seven.

What began as a seemingly equal contest quickly turned deadly. Everyone present realized Dunk was no match for his opponent. In that instant, Baelor wasn’t simply upholding the ideals of knighthood; he was witnessing the disastrous results of the guidance he’d offered.

Choosing to support Dunk wasn’t simply a matter of honor or knightly ideals; it was a commitment to taking responsibility. That’s what gives the scene such weight – it wasn’t just about what was right, but about being accountable for his actions.

Someone else agreed, saying it wasn’t just a small start – he presented a fully grown solution and made it clear it was Dunk’s only option.

Baelor was completely caught off guard when Aerion demanded a Trial of Seven, but he immediately knew he had to support Dunk. It went against everything he believed to not help, and he couldn’t imagine living with himself if Dunk lost without him fighting alongside him.

Someone else had a really interesting take – they think everything with Baelor was just a big PR move! Apparently, the show creators have said the Targaryens went to Ashford to try and win over the people and look good, so maybe this whole thing was about improving their image.

If Aerion had ordered Dunk’s execution or a cruel punishment, it wouldn’t fit with the story we’ve heard. Your explanation, though – that Baelor felt genuinely obligated to show mercy – makes much more sense, and feels more authentic than a simple attempt to look good.

As many have noted, it’s possible for multiple things to be true simultaneously. In The Hedge Knight, Prince Baelor is portrayed as a strong believer in chivalry, yet he also recognizes how easily the Targaryen dynasty could fall.

Someone pointed out that Baelor suggested a trial by combat – he didn’t just hint at it. This showed he was committed to defending the innocent, understood how terrible his nephew was, and believed taking action would build public confidence in the Targaryen family.

“A factor of things I think is the reason why, rather than one solid one,” they concluded. 

Starting February 22nd, you can watch “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” on HBO and HBO Max. Before then, check out articles explaining why dragons aren’t in the show, the latest news on Season 3 of “House of the Dragon,” and how to stream “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” without paying.

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2026-02-17 14:23