The weight of a crown, the sting of betrayal, the burden of destiny. These are the stakes in the world of Westeros, where noble houses clash and dragons dance in the skies. But what happens when the greatest battles aren’t fought with steel and fire, but with simple acts of courage? A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the new HBO prequel, suggests true heroism may be far more accessible than we think.
Fans steeped in Game of Thrones lore might raise an eyebrow. After all, the Targaryens aren’t exactly known for their altruism. Yet, amidst the brutal tournaments of Ashford, a figure emerges who challenges our expectations: Baelor Targaryen, played with quiet strength by Bertie Carvel.
Baelor’s path crosses with Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), the hedge knight at the heart of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Dunk finds him formidable, yes, but also surprisingly kind. This contrast sets the stage for a story that questions what it means to be a hero in a world consumed by power.
The Unlikely Hero: Bertie Carvel on Morality in Westeros
Think about the last time you saw someone stand up for what’s right, even when it was difficult. That impulse, that flicker of moral courage, is precisely what Bertie Carvel sees as the heart of the series.
At a recent press conference, Carvel explored the show’s themes around unconventional heroics, drawing parallels between Dunk’s journey and our own struggles. As he put it:
“It does seem to be the question at the heart of the whole thing: whether it’s possible to do the right thing and whether there’s a space for that,” Carvel said. “And I think it’s Dunk, really, who’s asking that. We were watching it again the other night when we attended the premiere; it really struck me that he himself is asking all the way through whether it’s a sort of naive action to follow honor. Is he just kind of kidding himself with this dream of knighthood? There’s a possibility that the cynicism will kind of overwhelm him, and I find that very relatable in our own world.”
Carvel continued. “I think we’re probably all asking ourselves that all the time and whether you can find the moral courage to do the right thing, whether it feels like a wasted effort. That’s why it’s good television; it’s good storytelling, and I think a story that we kind of have a real thirst for right now. Yeah, in a sort of darkening world—thanks, [showrunner] Ira [Parker]—we need these stories. It’s good to be part of that.”
Does ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Have a Moral Message?
The world of Westeros, with its intricate politics and brutal battles, can feel far removed from our own lives. But Carvel suggests the core question of the show—can one person truly make a difference?—resonates deeply today. He sees Dunk’s struggle with honor as a mirror reflecting our own battles against cynicism. Are our efforts to do good merely naive, or can they truly change the course of events?
Redefining Heroism: It’s Not Always About Grand Gestures
Reflect on the everyday acts of kindness you witness: a stranger helping someone carry groceries, a quiet word of encouragement, someone standing up against injustice. These moments, often unseen, form the bedrock of a better world.
Later in the press conference, Carvel expounded on this idea, suggesting that heroism isn’t confined to knights in shining armor:
“[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms] is sort of inviting us all to ask ourselves whether we can be a hero or what that would mean for us, whether it’s ludicrous and hubristic [or] naive to imagine that one can do heroic deeds. I guess I read that in the character of Dunk—that he dreams of, as we all did as children, doing heroic deeds, and then he’s reminded of his humanity, his mortality, his limitations, and so on. He looks around him, and he sees knights who seem more capable and grander. And that’s why it’s relatable, and I think that’s why it is a heroic story—because it’s grounded in something quite humane and mortal.”
“[…]I think people, all the time, do things, ordinary things that are deeply heroic actually, and the most heroism you’ll see is in just ordinary lives; it doesn’t have to be something grand. And the sum total of those things can add up to a world still existing in 2027.”
According to Carvel, the idea that heroism demands superhuman abilities is a fallacy. He casts heroism not as a thunderclap but as the quiet accumulation of countless ordinary acts. He sees our collective morality as a garden; each good deed is a seed, and we are all gardeners.
What is the True Meaning of Heroism?
Carvel challenges us to reconsider our understanding of heroism. It’s not about wielding Valyrian steel or commanding dragons. Instead, it’s about recognizing our shared humanity and embracing the potential for good within ourselves. He frames the question as: can we, in our own small ways, contribute to a more just and compassionate world?
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’: A Timely Reminder
Consider the power of stories. They shape our perceptions, inspire our actions, and offer us solace in times of uncertainty. Carvel believes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrives at a moment when we need these narratives more than ever.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on HBO and HBO Max January 18.
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In a world often dominated by cynicism and division, can we find inspiration in the simple acts of courage depicted in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and apply them to our own lives?