The fourth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has created immense hype for its penultimate episode, which will premiere next week. Based on George R.R. Martin‘s Dunk & Egg novellas, the show has now incorporated the Trial of the Seven, not to be confused with the trial by combat, popularized in Game of Thrones season 1.
Unlike trial by combat, the Trial of Seven is so rare that it’s considered almost obsolete in the books. Episode 4, titled Seven, sees Aerion Targaryen propose an ancient form of justice after Ser Duncan the Tall calls for a traditional trial by combat. Instead of a one-on-one duel, the conflict will be settled by two opposing teams of seven warriors.
NameCreatorIMDBTomatometer | PopcornmeterA Knight of the Seven KingdomsIra Parker8.495% | 67%
Trial of Seven’s History: How it Differs From Trial by Combat
Spoiler Alert !!!Spoilers ahead for Episode 4
While rare, the history of the trial of seven dates back to the Andals’ invasion of Westeros, which took place 6000 years before the events of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Their rule contributed to the rise of the Faith of the Seven as the dominant religion in the land of Westeros.
The trial itself pits two groups of seven warriors against one another to determine the fate of the accused. Each champion represents one of the Seven gods, which Baelor perfectly underscores by adding:
The Andals believed that if seven champions fought, the gods, being thus honored, would be more like to intervene and see the guilty party punished.
It’s also important to highlight that not all of the seven warriors need to be slain in order to reach a verdict, as the outcome ultimately hinges on whether the accuser or the accused yields or is killed.
Who Is Joining Dunk’s Team in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
This declaration puts Dunk in a difficult position, as being a new hedge knight, he lacks the authority to assemble a band of skilled fighters straightaway for the trial. But thanks to help from Egg and a Targaryen prince, he manages to round up seven warriors to face his accusers, Aerion, Daeron, and their allies.
A still from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Credit: HBO
Coming to Duncan’s allies, they include Ser Lyonel Baratheon, with whom he forged an unlikely friendship, as well as Ser Raymun Fossoway, Ser Robyn Rhysling, Ser Humfrey Hardyng, and Ser Humfrey Beesbury. The most surprising addition, however, is the heir to the Iron Throne, Baelor Targaryen, who will stand against his brother and two nephews in the Trial of Seven.
His reasoning behind standing in Duncan’s defence hinges on honor, as Baelor is a man who aims to lead by example and do the right thing. With the penultimate episode approaching next week, which is titled In the Name of the Mother, it remains to be seen who comes out on top in this battle.
Are you excited for the trial in the next episode? Share your thoughts below!
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is streaming on HBO Max (USA).
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