Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Damn, this was good. Not as dark as Game of Thrones but a prequel to GoT.
According to Grok: “Set in the same Westeros universe but on a much smaller, more intimate scale, it focuses on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Egg (a young Aegon Targaryen), drawing from George R.R. Martin's beloved Dunk and Egg novellas.”
One of the most important scenes was that of the Trial by Seven in episode 5 of the series.
Sir Duncan steps in to protect a puppeteer who is being attacked by prince Aerion. He does what is right despite the high price. He gets arrested and is put on trial for attacking someone from the royal family. Sir Duncan asks for trial by combat and the prince escalates to the rare Trial by 7. Seven fighters from both sides. Sir Duncan can only assemble 6 fighters on his side, so is missing one fighter.
This was an amazing scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIr5B_6E-Dk
Dunk (appealing to the crowd): M’lords! I know none of you remember Ser Arlan of Pennytree. But I was his squire. We served many of you. Ate at your tables. Slept in your halls. He was a good man. And he taught me how to be a knight. Not just sword and lance, but honor. A knight defends the innocent. That’s-that’s all I did. I was not Ser Arlan’s blood, but I have followed his example. As your sons will follow yours. Who will stand and fight with me?
Dunk: Has courage deserted the noble houses of Westeros? I will not believe it is so! Are there no true knights among you?!
[Loud banging; dramatic music swells as Prince Baelor rides forward.]
Baelor: I will take Ser Duncan’s side.
Maekar: Have you taken leave of your senses? This man attacked my son.
Baelor: This man protected the innocent. As every true knight must. Let the gods decide if he was right or wrong.
For those who did not keep up with the show, Sir Baelor is the uncle of prince Aerion & brother to Prince Maekor who is challenging Sir Duncan on the other side. What a scene.
It’s an amazing series that exemplifies knightly honor. This is what chivalry is. Protecting the innocent. Doing the right thing no matter the cost. Even if it means standing against your family.
This show came at the right time. “Good people striving to do right.”
Let’s make honor a thing again, even though we are in the Golden Age of Grifters. Be a good man AND a great man.
As Stannis Baratheon in GoT said: “Honor is not won in the clash of steel, but in the quiet choice to stand when all others kneel.” Be a hero. God is watching.