# Heroism in a Cynical Westeros: Bertie Carvel Reveals the Magic of *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* **Imagine a world drowned in dragons, betrayal, and endless power grabs—yet heroism still shines through.** That's the thrill Bertie Carvel discovered while portraying Baelor Targaryen in the new *Game of Thrones* prequel, *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*, premiering this Sunday on HBO.[1][2] Carvel, known for standout roles in *The Crown* and *Doctor Who*, shared his excitement in a recent *Times of India* interview: "Was delighted to find that heroism can still exist in a world of hard-bitten cynicism."[1] Playing Baelor Breakspear—the honorable Hand of the King and son of King Daeron—Carvel brings depth to a prince burdened by family legacy and looming decline.[1][3] Unlike the grand scales of *Game of Thrones* or *House of the Dragon*, this six-episode series dives into the grounded adventures of hedge knight Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), focusing on smallfolk amid Targaryen intrigue.[1][2] What sets this apart? **A refreshing blend of earthy realism and idealism.** The cast describes it as "fond and childlike," "grounded," and full of horses and wigs—shifting from royal thrones to relatable knighthood quests based on George R.R. Martin's *Tales of Dunk and Egg* novellas.[2] Carvel notes Baelor's vulnerability: a non-classic hero striving to uphold honor as the Targaryen dynasty teeters, echoing real-world political tensions like those in the U.S.[3] Sam Spruell, as Maekar Targaryen, adds that Dunk's simple worldview cuts through power's corruption, making the story a unique coming-of-age tale in Westeros.[3]
Citations
1.https://winteriscoming.net/every-targaryen-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-season-1
2.https://www.tvline.com/2078053/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-explainer-video-peter-claffey/
3.https://www.elconstitucional.es/en/qtv/more-tv/bertie-carvel-compares-the-targaryens-from-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-to-the-current-situation-in-the-united-states_1118_102.html
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrtlAGO8wkA
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