A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms represents HBO’s latest expansion of the George R.R. Martin mythos, though it departs significantly from the epic scale of its predecessors. Drawing inspiration from The Hedge Knight novellas, this series pivots toward an intimate, character-driven narrative centered on the wandering Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his diminutive squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). The debut season meticulously adapts the first 1998 installment into six half-hour chapters, offering a window into a more grounded era of Westerosi history.
As audiences trace the pair’s journey through the moral complexities of chivalry and low-born struggles, questions naturally arise regarding where these events fall within the broader Game of Thrones chronology. To understand the political landscape and the status of the Great Houses during this time, here is a definitive guide to the timeline.
Situating A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in the Westerosi Timeline
The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms occurs roughly 89 years before the inciting events of Game of Thrones and approximately 77 years after the conclusion of House of the Dragon season 2. Chronologically, House of the Dragon depicts the mid-Targaryen dynasty (specifically around 129–131 AC), focusing on the brutal succession war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
In contrast, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms begins in 209 AC. By this stage in history, the legendary Targaryen dragons have been extinct for over half a century, with the final specimen perishing in 153 AC. Consequently, the series eschews the high-fantasy spectacle of dragon fire in favor of a more visceral, human-centric portrayal of the realm.
Without their winged beasts, the Targaryen family’s perceived divinity has begun to wane. Under the relatively stable reign of King Daeron II, Westeros enjoys a period of fragile peace—though the events of this season are destined to challenge that tranquility. Finally, Game of Thrones picks up the mantle in 298 AC, nearly a century later, when Daenerys Targaryen eventually orchestrates the return of magic to the world.
The State of the Great Houses during the Hedge Knight Era
Photo: Steffan Hill/HBO
While the Targaryens face internal strife, the other prominent families are largely preoccupied with maintaining their ancestral domains.
House Targaryen: Bereft of their dragons, the royal family relies on political alliances and tradition to maintain the Iron Throne. While King Daeron II has fostered stability, the succession is complicated by a surplus of princes, leading to the tensions explored in the Ashford Meadow tourney.
House Lannister: The lords of Casterly Rock are led by Damon Lannister, famously dubbed “The Grey Lion.” During this period, the Lannisters remain incredibly wealthy and influential, though they have yet to reach the heights of political dominance they will achieve under Tywin Lannister decades later.
House Baratheon: Controlling the Stormlands from the formidable Storm’s End, the Baratheons are represented by Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings). Known as “The Laughing Storm,” Lyonel is a formidable knight who crosses paths with Dunk. His father, Symeon, remains the reigning Lord of the Stormlands during this era.
House Stark: True to their reputation, the Starks are focused on the harsh realities of life in the North. They largely abstain from the political intrigues of King’s Landing. The legendary Cregan Stark, who was a key figure in House of the Dragon, lived an exceptionally long life as “The Old Man in the North.” While it is possible he is still alive at the very start of this series, the leadership of Winterfell is transitioning toward his descendants during the 209 AC period.
Source: Polygon
