Bend the Knee: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast

Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon is training with Satin in the yard, when Melisandre arrives to take him before Stannis. The King does not believe Jon is a traitor, for he knew Janos Slynt as well as Ned Stark. Stannis knew Ned to be a man of honor, and trusts Jon, saying it was Jon who found the dragonglass dagger that Samwell Tarly used to kill the Other, and Jon who brought them the Horn of Winter and captured Mance’s son. At every step of Stannis' speech, Jon clarifies whom he credits with doing the actual deeds. Stannis asks Jon if there is honor in Mance Rayder, and the young man claims there is. The King speaks of the war that Melisandre has seen in her flames, and he confides that Jon may have a part in the upcoming battle. Stannis offers to legitimize Jon and name him Lord of Winterfell, a goal he considers especially important due to all the strife occurring in the North. Stannis intends to let the wildlings through the Wall, and settle them in the Gift, should they pledge fealty and accept the Lord of Light as their god. He also presumes to marry his loyal Lord of Winterfell to Val to solidify his peace with the wildlings, however Jon would have to adopt Stannis' faith and burn the godswood of Winterfell. Jon asks for time to consider the offer, and Stannis agrees. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At Castle Black, Gilly is nursing both her own son as well as Mance Rayder's, as Dalla died giving birth. Sam and Gilly have recently returned to Castle Black, meeting up with Ser Denys Mallister and the men from the Shadow Tower. They also joined with Dywen, Edd and Giant, survivors from the Bridge of Skulls where Bowen Marsh held back the Weeper's advance. Sam is happy to be reunited with Jon, although he is wary of King Stannis's army being present at Castle Black. It was the king who defeated the wildlings, scattering their remnants back into the haunted forest. Val wants to bring her sister's baby to Mance, but Jon tells her that only Maester Aemon is permitted to see the imprisoned wildling king. Alone, Sam asks Jon, "Could there be honor in a lie, if it were told for a good purpose?" Sam is considering sending Gilly and her son to Horn Hill, with a letter claiming that he fathered the boy. Jon reveals that Slynt still considers him a traitor, because he did not kill Mance as he was sent to do. Sam remembers swearing to Bran and Jojen Reed not to reveal to anyone, even Jon, that Bran is still alive. Coldhands' last words to Sam were, "Let the world believe the boy is dead. We want no seekers coming after us. Swear it, Samwell of the Night's Watch. Swear it for the life you owe me." And Sam has kept his vows to all three. Later, Sam considers the last vote for a new Lord Commander, with Ser Denys Mallister still leading, but no one near the majority. At dinner, Bowen Marsh withdraws his name from the voting, and backs Janos Slynt. When the votes are tallied that night, both Ser Denys and Cotter Pyke have lost votes, and Slynt has gained on both of them. Sitting with Grenn, Pyp and Dolorous Edd, Pyp suggests that if Sam were to persuade either Ser Denys or Cotter Pyke to set aside their quarrels and back the other, a new Lord Commander could be decided. Preferably one who would be beneficial to the Watch, so long as it was not Janos Slynt. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Our Sponsors: * Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sandor Clegane and Arya Stark come to the inn at the crossroads. To Arya's dismay, she recognizes Polliver and the Tickler with a pimply squire. The squire tries to bait Sandor with insults about fleeing King's Landing and the room is tense. The Hound demands wine, which the innkeeper brings and Sandor gulps down. When Sandor claims the men-at-arms will torture the innkeep for his gold, the innkeep, his girls, and other patrons vacate the common room. The Tickler tells Sandor what has happened in the realm, including Tyrion'smarriage, Joffrey's death, and Tyrion's imprisonment. He claims that Sansa Stark's sister (Arya) has been found and is to marry Ramsay Bolton, that Harrenhal has been taken by Gregor Clegane, that Riverrun is under siege by the Lannisters, and that Randyll Tarly has taken Maidenpool. He says only the Blackwoods are still holding out, and the Brackens are fighting them around Raventree Hall. The Tickler says Gregor would prefer that Sandor come back with them to Harrenhal, but when Sandor refuses, the Tickler throws a knife at him. Sandor, the Tickler, and Polliver all draw swords and begin to fight. The squire tries to join in but Arya throws a cup at him and knocks him down. Sandor is not fighting his best and Arya realizes he drank his wine too fast and is drunk. During the fight Arya stabs the squire in the belly and then sneaks up behind the Tickler. Repeating the questions he had once asked of his torture victims, Arya stabs the Tickler over and over again in a rage until Sandor stops her. The mortally-wounded squire asks for mercy. Sandor tells Arya to give him mercy, and asks if she remembers where the heart is. Arya recovers Needle, which was carried by Polliver, and kills the squire. Sandor, seriously wounded, says Gregor must hold the ruby ford and that they will make for Saltpans and find a ship to the Vale. They leave the inn to travel on but the Hound is so wounded that he needs tending and they stop. The next day he is so weak that he falls out of his saddle. While he lies in a fevered sleep, Arya thinks about killing him. He wakes to see what she is contemplating and urges her to do it - to give him mercy - but Arya leaves him and rides on to Saltpans. Arya tries to find a boat that goes to the north but only finds the trading ship Titan's Daughter with Braavos as its destination. She does not have enough money to get on board, however. Arya shows the captain the coin she received from Jaqen H'ghar and says "valar morghulis", which causes him to give her both a cabin and passage. Huge shoutout to FeedSpot for ranking us #7 on their Top 30 A Song of Ice and Fire Podcasts list — seriously, that’s awesome and we appreciate it big time. If you’re looking for more great ASOIAF content, definitely check out the full list over on FeedSpot and discover some other incredible creators in the space! Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon is taken out of his ice cell and brought once again before Janos Slynt, and told that only Maester Aemon is preventing Janos from hanging Jon. Janos reveals that he will give Jon one last chance to prove his innocence, sending him to meet Mance Rayder as an envoy, but Jon must kill the wildling king. Beyond the Wall, Jon meets Tormund who treats him with respect, almost as a friend. Jon is brought before Mance, and the king reveals that he is aware that the Night's Watch is nearly out of provisions and cannot hold out much longer. Rayder then brings him to see the Horn of Winter, which Mance claims they found back in the Frostfangs, but only he and his trusted lieutenants knew about it. However, Mance does not wish to use the Horn, for if the songs can be believed, it will cause the Wall to collapse. The wildlings have come south not to conquer, but to escape the Others. Without the Wall, Mance’s people would find no safe haven, even in the south, and that is something he does not wish to happen. Mance offers Jon the Horn of Winter if the Night’s Watch will let his people pass the Wall and settle the lands to the south, although he will not abide the laws or taxes of the Seven Kingdoms. If the Watch refuses, Tormund Giantsbane will sound the Horn of Joramun in three days time. However, the parley is interrupted, as the wildlings have come under attackfrom the east by rangers from Eastwatch. Mance believes that it must be Cotter Pyke, but a scout and Varamyr, who is skinchanged inside Orell's eagle, tell Mance there are more iron-clad attackers coming from the north and east. When Orell's eagle bursts into flames, Varamyr runs screaming from the fray. Harma Dogshead's raiders charge through the rangers, but they are overwhelmed by knights on heavy horse. Amongst their banners, Jon sees a seahorse, a field of birds, and a ring of flowers. Mance is surrounded and captured, and Harma's head is waved on a pole. After hearing the knights shout "Stannis!", Jon enters Mance’s tent where Dalla is giving birth with the assistance of Val. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jaime is seated with the small council, as King Tommen signs all the papers brought before him by Ser Kevan. The Lannisters are granting Riverrun to Ser Emmon Frey and Kevan's sister Genna, once the Blackfish has surrendered. They legitimize Ramsay Snow and name Roose Bolton Warden of the North. Ser Rolph Spicer is granted Castamere, and raised to lord, and Lord Gawen Westerling, his wife, and daughter Jeyne are all granted a royal pardon, along with Lord Jonos Bracken, Lord Vance, Lord Goodbrook and Lord Mooton for entering King Tommen's service. Jaime had recently lost during a spar with Ser Addam Marbrand, and is disgusted that he cannot fight left-handed, especially after receiving the new Valyrian sword from his father. Outside, Jaime watches Steelshanks Walton and his men prepare to leave King's Landing, and sees a girl who claims to be Arya Stark. Jaime is pretty sure she is not the real Arya, yet she is to be presented to Roose Bolton and Ramsay Bolton at the Dreadfort. Ser Gregor's screams from Pycelle's solar can be heard throughout the Red Keep, for Lord Tywin has demanded that the Grand Maester heal him so that the King's Justice can execute him (rather than dying from a poisoned spear) in the hopes of placating Dorneand House Martell, who are likely to be outraged by Prince Oberyn's death. Jaime recalls his father mentioning that Stannis and his fleet have left Dragonstone, leaving only a token force to guard the island. Unlike Pycelle, Tywin believes Stannis has not conceded defeat; he has only left Dragonstone because he intends to continue fighting elsewhere. He will likely fail if he goes to Storm's End and tries to rally the Stormlands, but if Stannis wins Dorne to his cause, he can prolong the war for months or even years, so Tywin will not give Dorne any reason to side with Stannis. Later, Cersei visits him in the White Sword Tower, and reveals that their father plans to send her back to Casterly Rock so that he will have a free hand in raising Tommen, in addition to marrying Tommen to Margaery Tyrell, but Jaime refuses to talk to their father to convince him otherwise. Their conversation turns to the subject of Bran Stark; Cersei berates him again for throwing the boy from the tower, but when Jaime questions her about the assassin Catelyn Stark accused them of sending after the boy, Cersei denies it. When Cersei mentions that Robert himself, at Winterfell, said it would be kinder to put the boy out of his misery while alone with her and their children, Jaime figures out that it was Joffrey, 'desperate for a pat on the head from that sot', who sent the assassin to kill Bran, even though Cersei does not believe him when he tells her his suspicions, just as Jaime does not believe her when Cersei insists again that Tyrion is responsible for Joffrey's death. When she begins to unlace Jaime's breeches, he sends her off in anger. Jaime then has Brienne and Ser Loras brought before him, and the Knight of Flowers reveals that after speaking with the woman, he now believes she may be innocent. Ser Loras is dismissed, and Jaime reveals his belief that Tyrion is innocent, and that the girl sent north with Steelshanks was not the real Arya Stark; his father has found some northern girl of a similar age and appearance, and with her immediate family dead or missing, there is no one to say otherwise. Ser Jaime then commands Brienne to find and protect Lady Catelyn's daughters, as they had both pledged to do, and gives her the Valyrian sword he had so recently received from his father, explaining that it was forged from the metal taken from Eddard Stark's greatsword Ice, melted down after his execution, saying, "A sword so fine must bear a name. It would please me if you would call this one 'Oathkeeper'....You'll be defending Ned Stark's daughter with Ned Stark's own steel... Sansa Stark is my last chance for honor." Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree:...

Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a special bonus episode pulled from a recent YouTube theory — a shorter, focused deep dive into one of the biggest mysteries from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1. Who was the mysterious fortune teller who warned Dunk and Egg about Summerhall? Was she simply an innkeeper repeating Prince Daeron’s prophetic dreams? Could she have been Shiera Seastar, acting on her own magical ambitions? Or was this actually Bloodraven — possibly even a future version of him — attempting to intervene in the timeline? We explore the birthmark clue, HBO’s expansion of Bloodraven across the shows, the “ink is dry” line from Game of Thrones, and the unsettling idea that Summerhall may represent a failed attempt to change the past. This episode is a condensed 12-minute theory pulled from YouTube — but don’t worry. Ser Jimmy and Ser Matt will be diving much deeper into this topic in an upcoming full-length discussion. Because if Bran has already altered the past… what’s stopping Bloodraven from trying first? Stay tuned. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 6 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the episode, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 6 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 6. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Teaser for House of the Dragon Season 3 Trailer is here lets discuss! Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 5 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the episode, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 3 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 5. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the episode, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 3 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 4. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

in this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 3 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the episode, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 3 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 3. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the episode, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 1 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 2. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A ton of ASOIAF news dropped over the weekend including more details as to why Snow was canceled, what they play to do next and a somewhat depressing Winds of Winter update from GRRM. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Bend the Knee, we dive into Episode 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s beloved Dunk & Egg novellas. We break down our first impressions of the premiere, discussing how well the show captures the tone, heart, and themes of knighthood that define these stories. From Dunk’s portrayal and Egg’s introduction to the pacing, performances, and worldbuilding, we explore what worked, what stood out, and where the series might be headed. Does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feel like classic Westeros? How does it compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? And does Episode 1 understand what makes Dunk & Egg so special? This episode contains full spoilers for Episode 1. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Daenerys sits in the great pyramid of Meereen, her troops having conquered the city after the men she sent into the sewers opened the gates. She meets an envoy from Astapor, who represents King Cleon the great, a former butcher who now rules Astapor, supposedly in Dany’s name. But the envoy suggests that King Cleon wishes to marry Dany, and that the men she left to rule Astapor have all been deposed. Cleon has amassed new slaves, and is beginning to train them as Unsullied, and Daenerys is dismayed that all she has done to free Astapor of slavery is coming undone. Finally, she sends for Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, wishing the two had died in the sewers, but the two knights are greater warriors than even that suicide quest. Barristan speaks of things Daenerys was never aware of, that her father was mad, and that Viserys, even as a young boy, seemed to be more like his father than his brother Rhaegar. The old knight tells her, The Targaryens have always danced too close to madness. King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land. She absolves Barristan, and he swears his sword to her cause. But Ser Jorah does not beg forgiveness, and remains defensive, insisting that he has done nothing wrong. Daenerys then exiles the knight who was once her closest friend and protector, threatening to kill him if she ever sees him again. Later, Daario warns her that she should not have banished Jorah, and that she may come to regret not keeping him near or having him killed outright. When her advisors urge her to move on, Daenerys decides that she must learn to rule if she ever wishes to sit the throne of Westeros, and she declares that she will stay in Meereen and rule as queen. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tyrion wakes up in the morning and readies himself to go to the trial. He considers admitting guilt or demanding a trial by battle. He asks his squire if he thinks that Tyrion did it. Podrick hesitates and sputters. Cersei's last witness turns out to be Shae. She accuses Tyrion and Sansa of the murder. She tells the assembled court that she was an innocent girl before Tyrion abused her and turned her into his whore. When Shae lies how Tyrion made her call him "Giant of Lannister", the public starts to laugh. Furiously, Tyrion tells them to take Shae away and let him confess. Instead he demands a trial by battle. As Cersei's champion is the formidable Ser Gregor Clegane, she insist that the judges grant Tyrion's request. Mace Tyrell, one of the judges, asks Tyrion who his champion is. To the consternation of the court it is Oberyn Martell, another judge. Tywin is angry but grants Tyrion's request and sets the date for the battle on the next morrow. The next morning Tyrion is given leave to visit his champion. Oberyn plans to fight with a spear and use only light armor. He specifically warns Tyrion not to touch the weapon.[1] He is full of confidence but Tyrion is not sure of his choice of weapon. Oberyn invites Tyrion to go to Dorne after the trial and talks about crowning Myrcella. Then he changes the subject to the time he visited Lannisport with his mother and sister. His mother and Tyrion's mother were friends and were planning on marrying Jaime to Elia and/or Cersei to Oberyn. When they arrived at Casterly Rock, Joanna had died and Tywin refused both suggestions and said that Cersei was intended for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Later Elia married prince Rhaegar. Oberyn thinks that this is why Tywin had Elia killed. [2] Oberyn proclaims that today he will have justice for Elia and her children. The combat is held in the outer ward. As soon as the fight begins, Oberyn starts to accuse Gregor of Elia's rape and murder. By using a spear as his weapon Oberyn has the advantage of being able to reach his enemy, and because he is only lightly armored he is fast enough to remain out of Gregor's reach. Oberyn manages to wound his enemy severely, disarming him and knocking him onto the ground. Before Oberyn can finish his opponent, Gregor grabs Oberyn by the leg and drags him down. With his bare hands Gregor smashes Oberyn's teeth, crushes his head, and kills him, all while admiting to the murder and rape of Elia and the murder of her children. Tyrion realizes that he is condemned when the Gold Cloaks take him to the black cells. Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jimmy: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattingWithNutts Matt's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/supergainsbros The reread will continue! Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/BendtheKneePodcast/ ***BTK UPDATES*** Subscribe to our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/c/BendtheKnee If you'd like to support the show, gain access to additional WESTEROS content, or LISTEN LIVE then hit us up at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee EMAIL: BTKcast@gmail.com Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy