The Major Participants in Episode 5’s Trial of Seven
In this penultimate episode of the first season, Ser Duncan the Tall — known as Dunk — must assemble a team of seven warriors to face off in a traditional Trial of Seven, a form of judicial combat where each side selects seven champions to fight. This is one of the season’s most pivotal and suspense‑filled events.
🛡️ Team Dunk (Fighting for Ser Duncan)
These are the knights and fighters who stand alongside Dunk:
1. Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (Leader)
The hedge knight and protagonist who must defend his honour and prove his case in the trial.
2. Prince Baelor Targaryen
A key and somewhat surprising ally — a nobleman of the Targaryen family who defies his own house to stand with Dunk.
3. Ser Lyonel Baratheon
A boisterous knight who quickly bonds with Dunk and joins the cause.
4. Ser Humfrey Hardyng
A knight previously ambushed during a joust by prince Aerion — he fights partly out of revenge.
5. Ser Humfrey Beesbury
Hardyng’s brother‑in‑law, who enters the trial to back his relative.
6. Ser Robyn Rhysling
A grizzled champion who suffered injury at Aerion’s hand and seeks retribution.
7. Ser Raymun Fossoway
A young man knighted at the last minute — replacing a supporter who switched sides — and who steps up to fight with Dunk’s group.
⚔️ Team Aerion (Opposing Side)
On the other side of the Trial of Seven are the champions aligned with Prince Aerion Targaryen, the antagonist who instigates the trial:
1. Prince Aerion Targaryen
The main opposition force in the trial, bent on proving Targaryen dominance.
2. Prince Maekar Targaryen
Aerion’s brother and a senior Targaryen presence in the duel.
3. Prince Daeron Targaryen
Another royal brother who fights on Aerion’s side.
4. Ser Steffon Fossoway
Initially on Dunk’s side, he switches allegiance to Aerion mid‑story.
5. Ser Donnel of Duskendale
A champion representing Aerion’s forces.
6. Ser Roland Crakehall
Another knight aligned with Aerion’s camp.
7. Ser Willem Wylde
Rounding out Aerion’s champions in the trial.
Why These Participants Matter
This trial isn’t just about physical combat — it’s a test of honour, loyalty, and political power in Westeros 100 years before Game of Thrones. Each side’s champions reflect broader alliances and personal motivations: Dunk’s mostly independent band of knights stands for justice and protection of the innocent, while Aerion’s group signifies Targaryen royal authority and ambition.
Episode Context
Episode 5, titled “In the Name of the Mother”, centers on this dramatic contest — a rare and significant Trial of Seven that will have major implications for the characters, especially as tensions erupt between honour and duty on both sides.
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