Major Canon-Altering Twist Revealed in HBO’s Game of Thrones Prequel

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a decidedly more grounded perspective on Westeros, eschewing the world-ending stakes of Game of Thrones and the draconic civil wars of House of the Dragon. While HBO’s newest spin-off lacks White Walkers and fire-breathing beasts, it delivered a monumental revelation in its latest episode. The unassuming hedge knight Dunk (Peter Claffey) has finally learned the staggering truth regarding his young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).

Egg’s sharp intellect and encyclopedic knowledge of the heraldry at the Ashford Meadow tourney hinted at a heritage far more prestigious than that of a common street urchin. Beneath his bald head and humble demeanor lies a legacy that connects the past and future of the Seven Kingdoms. Here is a closer look at the true identity of the boy who would be king.

Who is Aegon Targaryen V?

Far from being a nameless orphan, Egg is actually Prince Aegon Targaryen, the son of Prince Maekar Targaryen I (Sam Spruell). His family tree is populated by significant players in Westerosi history: he is the younger brother to the volatile Aerion (Finn Bennett) and the troubled Daeron (Henry Ashton). His uncle, Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen (Bertie Carvell), currently stands as the heir to the Iron Throne. Furthermore, Egg’s brother Aemon is a character familiar to long-time fans as the venerable Maester Aemon of the Night’s Watch.

The nickname “Egg” was an affectionate moniker bestowed upon him by Aemon, referencing both his name and his shaved head. Seeking to escape the drunken negligence of his brother Daeron, Egg shaved his signature silver-gold Targaryen hair to travel incognito, eventually crossing paths with Dunk and insisting on becoming his squire.

This deception has created a precarious situation. Prince Maekar’s search for his missing sons took a dark turn when Daeron falsely claimed Egg had been abducted. Following Dunk’s physical altercation with Prince Aerion to protect the puppeteer Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), the hedge knight now finds himself at the center of a royal scandal with life-or-death consequences.

To place Egg within the broader timeline: he is the great-great-great-great-grandson of Viserys I (Paddy Considine) and the great-great-great-grandson of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). Looking forward, the legendary Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is Egg’s direct great-great-granddaughter.

How does Egg become the King?

While his journey begins in the shadow of a wandering knight, Egg is destined for a sovereignty that is both celebrated and tragic. During the events at Ashford, a seer provides a glimpse into their futures. While she predicts Dunk will find legendary status, her prophecy for Egg is haunting.

“You shall be king and die in a hot fire, and worms shall feed on your ashes,” she warns. “And all who know you shall rejoice in your dying.”

This foreboding message points toward the Tragedy at Summerhall, a mysterious and fatal conflagration that ended his reign. However, before that end, Egg’s ascent to the throne was unlikely. Being so far down the line of succession, he spent years traveling the realm with Dunk, gaining a unique perspective on the lives of commoners.

His path to power opened after his father, Maekar, ascended the throne, only to perish later during the Peake Uprising. With his older brothers Daeron and Aerion having already met their ends—one by illness and the other by consuming wildfire—and Aemon choosing his vows as a Maester, the crown fell to Egg. He took the throne as King Aegon V, with Dunk serving as the Commander of his Kingsguard.

Aegon V’s rule was characterized by his empathy for the smallfolk, a trait forged during his years as a humble squire. Alongside his queen, Betha Blackwood, he fathered a lineage that would eventually lead to the events of the original series. While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms focuses on the early adventures of this iconic duo, the shadow of Egg’s royal destiny looms large over every step they take.

The inaugural three episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are available to stream on HBO, with new installments arriving every Sunday through February 22.

Source: Polygon