Bend the Knee: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast

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/
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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: [email protected] 
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee

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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: [email protected] 
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee

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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: [email protected] 
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee

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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: [email protected] 
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bendtheknee

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