Game of Thrones: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 Review

This is my full breakdown of Game of Thrones: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2, and wow — there is a lot to unpack.

From deep book references to major Targaryen reveals, this episode is absolutely packed with Easter eggs, political context, and character development. So everybody grab your tournament gear, because the Targaryens have officially arrived.

And let’s be honest — it’s not a real party in Westeros until the Targaryens show up.

Don't miss out on reading:

• Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1 Review

The Meaning Behind the Episode Title: “Hard Salt Beef”

The episode is titled “Hard Salt Beef,” which comes straight from George R.R. Martin’s novella The Hedge Knight.

Throughout the episode, we see Dunk eating hard salt beef multiple times:

• In flashbacks with Sir Arlen as they sleep under a tree in the rain
• At the end of the episode at their roadside campsite

It represents the harsh life of a hedge knight — sleeping in ditches, traveling constantly, and surviving on preserved food.

The line itself is spoken by Prince Maekar Targaryen after the Trial of Seven, when he tells Dunk:

Princes are not made for sleeping in ditches and eating hard salt beef.

Dunk fires back by pointing out that Maekar’s son Daeron — the drunken prince with dragon dreams — never lived that rough life either.

The Bigger Theme

The whole concept of “hard salt beef life” is Dunk explaining that hardship builds character.

Unlike the royal princes raised in luxury, Dunk believes Egg will grow into a better man by experiencing struggle.

And honestly, that’s one of the biggest themes of the entire series.

Dunk constantly forces nobles — including the Targaryens — to check their privilege.

The Targaryens Arrive at the Tournament (And Why It Matters)

One of the biggest surprises is just how many Targaryens show up at this small backwater tournament in Ashford.

In earlier eras — like during House of the Dragon — the royal family wouldn’t have bothered.

But now?

There are no dragons.

Life After Dragons

In the post-dragon era, the Targaryens have lost their ultimate source of power.

So instead of ruling through fear, they:

• Travel the realm doing political PR
• Arrange marriages
• Maintain relationships with powerful houses

That’s why this tournament suddenly has a massive royal presence.

Why Some Targaryens Have Dark Hair

You’ll notice many Targaryens now have brown or black hair — which would have once been a massive scandal.

This comes from King Daeron II, who married a Dornish woman and brought Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms peacefully.

That’s why:

• Baelor Breakspear (the heir) has brown hair
• His son Valarr has dark hair with a silver streak
• Only Prince Maekar keeps the traditional silver Targaryen look

Baelor’s mother was Dornish, and as they used to say in Game of Thrones:

The seed is strong.

Baelor Breakspear – The Good Targaryen

Baelor is easily the most powerful man in Westeros besides the king.

He is:

• Heir presumptive
• Hand of the King
• Respected across the realm

And most importantly — he’s actually a good person.

He’s the one who finally vouches for Dunk, proving not all lords are rotten.

Baelor even remembers fighting Sir Arlen in tournaments — something none of the other nobles cared enough to recall.

This moment drives home that there are honorable people among the powerful.

Maekar and His Sons – Including a Huge Game of Thrones Easter Egg

Prince Maekar brings several of his sons:

• Daeron the Drunken (with dragon dreams)
• Aerion Targaryen (the season’s main antagonist)

But one son is missing…

Maester Aemon’s Origin

Yes — one of Maekar’s sons is Aemon, who eventually becomes Maester Aemon at the Wall in the original Game of Thrones.

That’s how old he is.

He isn’t at the tournament because he’s studying at the Citadel.

And remember — when Aemon spoke on his deathbed about his brother “Egg”?

That’s THIS Egg.

Flashbacks With Sir Arlen – The Truth Behind the Legend

The episode opens with another humorous but emotional flashback.

Dunk is hyping Sir Arlen up to the lords in the present…

But the flashbacks reveal the truth.

Sir Arlen wasn’t some legendary knight.

He was flawed.

He struggled.

And toward the end of his life, you can see his body failing him.

He sings the same dirty song throughout their journey, slowly losing strength each time.

They sleep under trees in cold rain, eating hard salt beef — reinforcing the episode’s theme.

Eventually, Dunk admits to Egg:

Sir Arlen wasn’t great.

But he raised Dunk to be honorable.

And that matters more.

Tournament Politics and Blackfyre Rebellion Easter Eggs

When Dunk approaches Houses Florent, Hayford, and Tyrell asking them to vouch for him, they all turn him away.

But when he mentions Sir Arlen fighting at Redgrass Field, that’s a huge callback to the Blackfyre Rebellion.

Many knights died there — including Sir Arlen’s squire.

This rebellion happened recently in Westerosi history, which is why it keeps coming up.

The Kingsguard in Book-Accurate White Armor

Another awesome detail:

The Kingsguard finally wear their traditional white armor, just like in the books.

(Game of Thrones made it gold for some reason.)

We meet:

• Ser Roland Crakehall
• Ser Donnel of Duskendale

There’s a funny moment where Dunk bonds with Donnel, thinking he rose from nothing…

Only to later learn his family literally became nobles by controlling crab fishing rights.

Classic Dunk misunderstanding.

Dunk Sneaks Into Ashford Hall

Dunk overhears Baelor and Maekar arguing about Maekar’s missing sons:

• Daeron wandered off drunk
• Egg went looking for him

Maekar is furious because the king forced them all to attend.

Baelor even mentions Daeron’s drinking is probably to dull his dragon dreams — just like Helaena in House of the Dragon.

He likely drinks to escape the constant visions.

Dunk and Lady Gwyn – Awkward Chemistry

Dunk meets Lady Gwyn Ashford, who flirts awkwardly, then mocks him when he doesn’t respond.

It’s that classic “I like you so now I’m embarrassed” moment.

There’s definitely tension brewing here.

Aerion Targaryen – The Main Antagonist

At the stables, Dunk clashes with Aerion Targaryen, who casually abuses a stable boy.

Even though Aerion’s awful, Dunk still helps with the horse — showing his character.

This encounter leads to meeting the Kingsguard.

Baelor’s Past Victory Over Daemon Blackfyre

Baelor earned the nickname Breakspear by defeating Daemon Blackfyre in a joust — the man who started the rebellion.

He shattered his lance against him at a royal wedding.

Just like many Targaryens reuse famous names (hello, endless Aegons), the lore constantly circles back.

Dunk Designs His New Coat of Arms

Since Dunk can’t legally use Sir Arlen’s crest, he creates his own with help from Tanzel:

Elements include:

• The elm tree they slept under
• A falling star from Episode 1
• Sunset colors (Sir Arlen’s favorite)

And just like that — Dunk’s identity is born.

Their chemistry continues, straight from the books.

Strength of the Hedge Knight

Dunk helps Lionel Baratheon in a rope pull contest, showing just how insanely strong he is.

Strength is Dunk’s greatest advantage.

That — and honor.

Sacrifice for New Armor

Dunk meets Steely Pate, who reforges Sir Arlen’s armor to fit him.

But Dunk has to sell one of Sir Arlen’s beloved horses, Sweetfoot, to pay for it.

It’s a heartbreaking moment.

He swears to buy her back someday.

(Seriously — pour one out for Sweetfoot.)

The Jousting Scenes Are Next Level

The opening jousts are incredible.

Way better than anything in:

• House of the Dragon
• Original Game of Thrones

They even foreshadow the Trial of Seven with a five-on-five match.

You can feel Dunk’s anxiety building.

More Blackfyre Rebellion References

Later, Egg plays out a mock battle representing the rebellion.

It wasn’t that long ago in this timeline — which explains why everyone still talks about it.

Dunk’s Resolution – Embracing the Hard Life

The episode ends where it began.

Dunk and Egg sit by the roadside, eating hard salt beef.

Dunk admits Sir Arlen wasn’t perfect.

But he raised him right.

And tomorrow, Dunk will prove himself.

No matter how hard the life is.

Final Thoughts on Episode 2

This episode was absolutely stacked with:

• Book-accurate moments
• Targaryen family politics
• Blackfyre Rebellion lore
• Character growth for Dunk and Egg

Honestly, this might already be the most faithful adaptation George R.R. Martin’s world has ever had.

HBO even released promos comparing scenes directly with book pages — something they’ve never done before.