Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Finale Title Change, Dorne Explained

Variety

by Jordan Moreau

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The finale of *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* has sparked curiosity among fans, not only for its emotional conclusion but also for its playful title change to *Knight of the Nine Kingdoms*. Co-creator Ira Parker revealed that the lighter tone was an intentional choice to balance the show’s grim realities with moments of levity. This decision reflects the series’ commitment to honoring George R.R. Martin’s source material while injecting a fresh, humorous energy into the prequel story of Dunk and Egg. In the season finale, Dunk (Peter Claffey) faces a moral dilemma after accidentally causing the death of Baelor Targaryen during a brutal tournament clash. Despite his victory, Dunk is haunted by guilt and the ghostly presence of his mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree. This internal struggle leads him to make a life-changing decision: he takes Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), Maekar’s son, as his squire, determined to protect him from the Targaryen family’s influence. The episode also hints at Dunk and Egg’s journey to Dorne in Season 2, as they ride away together, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions for Maekar and his entourage. The show’s creative team discussed why they ultimately chose *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* over the more whimsical *Dunk & Egg*. George R.R. Martin himself advised against the latter, fearing it might come off as too sitcom-like. Instead, the title *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* sets a tone that aligns with both the gravitas of Westeros and the lighter moments shared by Dunk and Egg. Season 2 will follow the second novella in Martin’s series, *The Sworn Sword*, while also exploring Dorne, a region steeped in mystery and cultural richness. This blend of humor, drama, and world-building makes *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* a compelling entry in the Game of Thrones universe. By staying true to its source material while innovating on presentation, the series offers fans a fresh perspective on Westeros’s history. The finale’s title change and storytelling choices highlight the showrunners’ ability to balance tone and audience expectations, ensuring that *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026