HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight wrapped production in September 2024 and is set to debut in mid-to-late 2025. The series, based on George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas, will explore the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg), set roughly 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Alongside these new tales, fans can expect appearances from two significant characters whose legacies resonate deeply in the Game of Thrones universe.
1. Aemon Targaryen (Maester Aemon)
Before Maester Aemon became the wise, gentle guide of Castle Black in Game of Thrones, he was a young prince of House Targaryen. Born in 198 AC as the second son of Maekar I Targaryen, Aemon was an intelligent and studious boy who gravitated toward scholarship rather than politics or warfare. His disinterest in power paved the way for his younger brother Aegon V’s ascent to the Iron Throne, as Aemon chose a life of service over a claim to rule.
Aemon joined the Citadel in 209 AC, where he earned his maester’s chain. By the time his brother Aegon became king in 233 AC, Aemon had firmly established himself as a maester and refused the throne despite being a viable candidate. This decision was not only a personal one but also pivotal for House Targaryen, allowing Aegon V to reshape Westeros through his reforms and ideals.
In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, we are likely to encounter a younger Aemon before his journey to the Wall. This portrayal could delve into his dynamic with Egg and his views on duty and loyalty—traits that later defined his tenure at Castle Black. Additionally, the series might foreshadow his decision to join the Night’s Watch in 233 AC alongside Bloodraven, which brings us to the our second entry.
2. Brynden Rivers (The Three-Eyed Raven)
Brynden Rivers, more widely known as Bloodraven, is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures in Targaryen history. A legitimized bastard of Aegon IV Targaryen, Bloodraven was born in 175 AC and rose to prominence as a master of intrigue, sorcery, and statecraft. As the Hand of the King, he served under both Aerys I and Maekar I Targaryen, exercising considerable influence over the realm during turbulent times.
Bloodraven’s tenure as Hand was marked by ruthlessness, particularly during the Blackfyre Rebellions. His most infamous act occurred in 233 AC when he lured the Blackfyre pretender Aenys into a trap under the pretense of a safe conduct. Although his actions eliminated a major threat to the Targaryen dynasty, they also sparked outrage, compelling Aegon V to arrest him to uphold the honor of the Iron Throne. Bloodraven was sentenced to death but was ultimately offered the chance to take the black and join the Night’s Watch. He accepted, departing for the Wall with Maester Aemon and his personal guard, the Raven’s Teeth, in 233 AC and rose to rank of the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch in 239 AC.
What makes Bloodraven’s inclusion in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms particularly intriguing is his almost-confirmed identity as the Three-Eyed Raven from Game of Thrones. In both the books and the show, evidence strongly suggests that Brynden Rivers evolved into the mystical figure who guided Bran Stark in his journey to becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. His expertise in sorcery, his ties to ravens, and his eventual disappearance beyond the Wall in 252 AC during a ranging all align with this transformation.
While House of the Dragon Season 2 finale heavily implied that Bloodraven and the Three-Eyed Raven are one and the same, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could take this opportunity to definitively confirm the connection. This revelation would add layers to his already complex character, bridging the gap between his role as Hand of the King and his later existence as a guardian of the mystical forces of Westeros.
Why Their Appearances Matter in A Knight of Seven Kingdom
The inclusion of Aemon Targaryen and Brynden Rivers in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s an essential link between the past and the future of Westeros. Aemon represents the intellectual and moral core of House Targaryen, a man who chose knowledge and service over power, while Bloodraven embodies the darker, more mystical side of the family’s legacy.
Through Aemon, viewers will gain insight into a prince who renounced the throne for a life of service, offering a poignant counterpoint to the often-destructive ambition of his family. Bloodraven, by contrast, showcases the lengths to which a Targaryen will go to protect the realm—even at the cost of personal honor. His role in the series could foreshadow his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the magic and mysticism that underpin the Game of Thrones universe.
As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms debuts in 2025, these connections to established lore promise to enrich the narrative, offering fans a richer, more nuanced exploration of Westeros. Whether through Aemon’s wisdom or Bloodraven’s shadowy influence, these characters will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the series and its audience.
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