What is a Hedge Knight? Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms explained

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In George R.R. Martin’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the main character is called a ‘Hedge Knight.’ Here’s an explanation of what that term means and what it refers to.

HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is the latest series based on the works of George R.R. Martin. The story takes place about 80 years after the events of “House of the Dragon” and approximately 100 years before the beginning of “Game of Thrones.”

So, the show is all about this awesome duo, Dunk and his squire Egg. It follows their journey as Dunk competes in these super dangerous tournaments against some seriously skilled fighters all across Westeros. It’s really about the relationship they build along the way.

The story shows Dunk gradually becoming comfortable with his role as a knight, even though he’s often ridiculed for starting out as a simple hedge knight, making him a bit of a laughingstock at the beginning.

What is a Hedge Knight?

A ‘Hedge Knight’ is a knight who isn’t wealthy or well-connected. They rely on their honor and skill as a warrior to get by, rather than inheriting status or riches.

George R.R. Martin created the title and developed characters such as Dunk to examine ideas about social class, the ideals of chivalry, and the contrast between the romanticized image of knighthood and the realities of the world.

The first episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms introduces Ser Duncan at a tournament in Ashford. He’s quickly made fun of for his low social status – a prostitute describes him as a lesser version of a knight, forced to sleep outdoors because no nobleman will offer him shelter.

But over the course of the series, Dunk shows that a Hedge Knight is a forced to be reckoned with.

Were Hedge Knights real?

While author George R.R. Martin coined the term ‘Hedge Knights’ and developed the idea for his stories, the historical reality of wandering, landless knights definitely existed.

During the Middle Ages, these knights weren’t tied to any noble or estate. Instead, they earned a living by fighting as mercenaries – essentially, warriors for hire.

These traveling warriors moved from one competition or conflict to another, often taking on temporary work just to get by. They frequently had to sleep outdoors or in whatever shelter they could find – barns, stables, even ditches – and lived a very precarious existence, barely making ends meet. This is similar to the experiences of Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which grounds the story in a realistic portrayal of the time.

Read our review of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms here. If you’re looking for more from the world of Game of Thrones, you can find details about the upcoming Jon Snow spin-off, everything we know about House of the Dragon Season 3, where to watch Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and a helpful guide to the Seven Kingdoms.

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2026-01-19 13:19