A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1 ending explained: Did Egg become Dunk’s squire?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest HBO series set in the Game of Thrones universe, brings George R.R. Martin’s beloved Dunk and Egg novellas to life. Premiering in January 2026, Episode 1 (titled “The Hedge Knight”) introduces viewers to Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his future squire, Aegon Targaryen (Egg). The episode sets a lighter, more comedic tone compared to the darker intrigue of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, focusing on a humble hedge knight’s struggles to prove himself at the Ashford Meadow tourney.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains major spoilers for Episode 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, including a detailed breakdown of the ending.

Quick Recap Leading to the Ending

The episode begins with Dunk burying his late mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, and deciding to honor his memory by competing in the tourney at Ashford Meadow to claim his place as a true knight. Along the way, he encounters a bald orphan boy at an inn who offers to become his squire. Dunk initially refuses but later reunites with the boy—revealed as “Egg”—at the tourney grounds.

Dunk faces obstacles registering for the tourney: his knighthood lacks witnesses (only horses and a robin saw Ser Arlan knight him), and Lord Ashford restricts entry to proven knights or nobles. The gamemaster gives Dunk a 24-hour window—if someone like Ser Manfred Dondarrion vouches for him, he can enter; otherwise, he’s out, risking his gear.

Dunk navigates the camp, meeting colorful characters like the aggressive Ser Steffon Fossoway, his cousin Raymun, and the jovial (yet imposing) Lord Lyonel Baratheon, the Laughing Storm. A memorable scene features Dunk sharing an awkward but heartfelt dance with Lyonel, highlighting the episode’s themes of camaraderie, honesty, and what true knighthood means beyond combat.

The Episode 1 Ending: A Turning Point for Dunk and Egg

In the final scenes, Dunk finally meets Ser Manfred Dondarrion to seek the crucial vouch. Unfortunately, Manfred has no recollection of Ser Arlan or any favors owed, flatly refusing to support Dunk’s entry. This crushes Dunk’s immediate hopes for the Ashford tourney, leaving him without a path forward and facing the loss of his possessions if he can’t compete.

Dejected, Dunk returns to his horses and finds Egg waiting. The boy has taken initiative: cleaning Dunk’s clothes, starting a fire, catching and cooking a fish, and grooming the animals. Impressed by Egg’s resourcefulness and loyalty, Dunk reconsiders the squire offer. Egg introduces himself properly as “Egg” (short for Aegon), and Dunk shares that his name is short for Duncan.

Dunk conditionally accepts Egg as his squire—but only if he manages to enter the tourney. If not, there’s no need for a squire without adventures ahead. As they settle by the fire for the night, a shooting star streaks across the sky, symbolizing potential good fortune and the beginning of their legendary partnership.

The episode closes on this hopeful yet uncertain note: Dunk and Egg plan to pursue other opportunities, perhaps seeking vouching elsewhere or finding tourneys more open to hedge knights. There’s subtle foreshadowing that Egg’s hidden Targaryen heritage (and a sigil he carries) might eventually provide leverage, though Dunk remains blissfully unaware of the boy’s true identity.

What the Ending Means and Sets Up

This ending perfectly captures the charm of Martin’s Dunk and Egg tales—grounded, character-driven stories about underdogs in a vast world. Dunk’s rejection by Manfred underscores the class barriers in Westeros: even honest, capable knights from humble origins struggle without noble backing. Yet Egg’s emergence as a partner injects optimism, hinting at the deep bond that will define their journey.

The shooting star serves as a classic omen of destiny, suggesting luck (or fate) may favor them despite setbacks. It teases future episodes where Dunk’s determination, Egg’s cleverness, and perhaps royal revelations could turn the tide.

Fans of the novellas know this is just the start of their adventures, leading to greater events in Westeros history. The episode’s comedic, heartfelt tone—complete with everyday struggles like food, shelter, and awkward social moments—makes the ending feel earned and satisfying, leaving viewers eager for more.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1 successfully launches the series with warmth, humor, and subtle nods to the larger Game of Thrones lore. If you’re new to Dunk and Egg, this premiere is an inviting entry point into a lighter corner of Westeros. Stay tuned for recaps and explanations as the season unfolds!