'A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms' Episode 3 Explained

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The third episode of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivered a moment that sent shockwaves through the world of Westeros—and through living rooms everywhere. The young boy known simply as “Egg” has been hiding a secret that changes everything viewers thought they knew about the scrappy street kid traveling alongside a wandering knight.

For those who have been following this Game of Thrones spinoff series, the question on everyone’s mind has finally been answered: Who is Egg, really? The revelation transforms the entire dynamic of the show and connects this tale to the larger, often tragic history of one of fantasy’s most famous—and infamous—royal families.

The Big Reveal: A Prince in Disguise

The episode titled “The Squire” pulled back the curtain on one of the series’ central mysteries. Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, was unmasked as Aegon V Targaryen, a member of the Targaryen royal family and a future king of Westeros.

This is no small revelation. The young boy that viewers have watched scrapping alongside Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, isn’t some lowly orphan plucked from the streets. Instead of the humble origins audiences were led to believe, he’s Aegon V Targaryen, one of the four sons of Prince Maekar Targaryen, portrayed by Sam Spruell in the series.

The discovery reframes every interaction viewers have witnessed between Egg and Dunk. Their relationship, which seemed like a simple partnership between a hedge knight and a resourceful street kid, now carries the weight of royal intrigue and political consequence.

Why Would a Prince Hide His Identity?

Understanding Egg’s motivations requires understanding the burden he carries simply by being born a Targaryen. This is something that Egg fears in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and it’s the reason he tries to distance himself from his family.

The Targaryen dynasty, while powerful and legendary for their dragons and conquest of Westeros, carries a darker legacy. Throughout the history of this fictional world, the family has been plagued by what many call “Targaryen madness”—a tendency toward cruelty, instability, and destructive behavior that has manifested in numerous family members across generations.

Egg’s decision to hide his identity from Dunk represents more than simple teenage rebellion or a desire for adventure. It’s a desperate attempt to escape a fate he fears may be written in his very blood—the possibility of becoming mad like so many of his relatives before him.

The Shadow of Targaryen Madness

The series makes clear that Egg’s fears aren’t unfounded. It’s suggested that Prince Aerion, played by Finn Bennett and also known by the moniker “Aerion the Monstrous,” already has this madness and cruelty within him. Having a brother who embodies the very thing you fear becoming would terrify anyone, let alone a young boy trying to forge his own path.

For viewers familiar with the original Game of Thrones series, the concept of Targaryen madness is well-established territory. Although Aerys was the Mad King in Game of Thrones, the world of Westeros has seen many mad Targaryens over time, including King Baelor I Targaryen, Prince Rhaegel Targaryen, and Viserys Targaryen, portrayed memorably by Harry Lloyd in the original series.

Additionally, there was the sadistic Maegor the Cruel, but it’s unclear if this was Targaryen madness or simply brutality on his part. This distinction matters—it raises the question of whether the madness is truly hereditary or whether power itself corrupts those who wield it.

The Journey of Ser Duncan the Tall

To fully appreciate the significance of Egg’s reveal, it helps to understand the man he chose to follow. Dunk is a hedge knight—a wandering warrior without lands or a lord to serve—who decided to compete in the tourney at Ashford Meadow in his old master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree’s, stead after his death.

This context makes Egg’s choice even more meaningful. Of all the people a Targaryen prince could attach himself to, he chose a common knight with no wealth, no powerful connections, and no political ambitions. For Egg, Dunk represents something his royal life could never offer: authenticity, simplicity, and perhaps most importantly, the chance to be judged on his own merits rather than his bloodline.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Reveal

Speaking on HBO’s Inside the Episode about the huge reveal of Egg’s identity, director Sarah Adina Smith said: “For those who were already fans of the novellas, they’ll know that this reveal is coming. For everyone else, hopefully, it’s a surprise and we wanted to do service to both audiences.”

There are two kinds of viewers of the show — those who have read George R.R. Martin’s source material and those coming to the story fresh through the television adaptation. Satisfying both groups requires careful storytelling that rewards longtime fans while still delivering genuine surprises to newcomers.

“If you were to go back, you would see all those little breadcrumbs,” Smith added, suggesting that attentive viewers might catch the hints scattered throughout earlier episodes upon rewatching.

Egg’s unmasking as a Targaryen prince opens up countless narrative possibilities. His relationship with Dunk must now navigate the complicated waters of class, duty, and loyalty. Can a hedge knight truly be friends with—or serve—a prince who will one day sit on the Iron Throne? How will Dunk react to learning he’s been deceived, even if that deception came from a place of genuine fear and desire for freedom?

Moreover, Egg’s future as a king of Westeros means viewers are watching the formative years of a ruler. The experiences he has now, the lessons he learns from Dunk, and the way he chooses to handle his identity will all shape the kind of monarch he becomes.

For those eager to follow Egg and Dunk’s continuing adventures, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs on HBO and HBO Max on Sundays.