The third episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivered one of the most anticipated revelations in George R.R. Martin's fantasy universe, confirming what many book readers already suspected and what sharp-eyed viewers may have pieced together. The young squire known simply as Egg is, in fact, Aegon Targaryen, a prince of the blood royal hiding in plain sight as the companion to hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall.
The confirmation arrives during a tense confrontation between Duncan and the cruel Prince Aerion Targaryen. When Duncan intervenes to protect the Dornish puppeteer Tanselle from Aerion's wrath, he finds himself at the mercy of the sadistic prince. Just as Aerion prepares to inflict serious harm, Egg bursts onto the scene with an authority that belies his humble appearance. His command to the guards, addressing them by name and warning that any further violence against Duncan will bring his father's wrath, immediately signals his elevated status.
What follows is an exchange that removes all doubt. Aerion's reaction isn't the fury one would expect toward a common boy interrupting his sport, but rather annoyed recognition. His question about Egg's missing hair receives a pointed reply: "I cut it off, brother. I didn't want to look like you." This single line confirms not only Egg's Targaryen identity but also his direct familial connection to one of Westeros's most detestable nobles.
For those who missed the subtle breadcrumbs leading to this moment, the series planted several clues worth examining. These hints reward careful viewers and demonstrate the showrunners' commitment to layered storytelling within the rich tapestry of Westerosi history.
The Targaryen Coin Connection
The very first episode contains what might be the earliest clue to Egg's identity. When Duncan encounters an inebriated man at a tavern, the stranger pays for his drinks with a coin bearing the distinctive three-headed dragon sigil of House Targaryen. This seemingly minor detail establishes Targaryen presence in the area and connects to the broader context of the tournament at Ashford Meadow.
The narrative mentions that Prince Aegon and his brother Daeron were expected to attend the tourney but never arrived. While Egg's presence explains Aegon's absence, the drunkard at the pub likely accounts for Daeron's no-show. In the source material, Daeron Targaryen's reputation for excessive drinking has earned him the unflattering moniker "Daeron the Drunken." The man's use of a Targaryen coin, combined with his conspicuous intoxication, strongly suggests he is none other than Egg's missing brother, establishing the royal family's proximity to our protagonists from the outset.
The Shaved Head Strategy
Egg's distinctive bald pate serves as more than a simple character design choice. Within the lore of Westeros, Targaryens and Velaryons with Valyrian heritage often conceal their telltale silver-gold hair to avoid unwanted attention. The series House of the Dragon illustrated this practice through characters like Alyn of Hull, who shaved his head to hide his bastard Valyrian lineage.
While Egg is legitimate-born, his decision to remove his hair reflects a deliberate attempt to sever visual ties to his family. The Targaryen platinum locks are unmistakable markers of royal blood, and without them, Egg can move through the realm as an anonymous commoner. This choice speaks volumes about his desire to escape the shadow of his house, particularly given the monstrous behavior of his brother Aerion. The shaved head functions as both disguise and symbolic rejection of his heritage, making it one of the most visually obvious clues for viewers familiar with Westerosi customs.
The Murderous Outburst
During the joust between Prince Aerion and Ser Humfrey Hardyng in episode three, Egg's reaction reveals his deep-seated emotions. When he screams for Humfrey to "kill him," the venom in his voice shocks Duncan and signals that Egg's feelings toward Aerion extend far beyond simple dislike. In a realm where calling for a prince's death constitutes treason, such a passionate outburst could only come from someone with intimate knowledge of Aerion's character.
The series earlier demonstrates Aerion's cruelty through his violent response to Tanselle's puppet show depicting a dragon's death. His willingness to maim a performer over symbolic treason shows the danger of any real threat against a Targaryen. Egg's reckless desire for his brother's demise suggests a personal history of abuse and trauma that transcends mere sibling rivalry. This moment hints at Egg's true identity by showing he has internal knowledge of Aerion's nature that goes beyond what a common squire would possess.
Commanding the Guard
The reveal scene itself contains a crucial detail that many viewers might overlook in the excitement. Egg addresses the guards by name, indicating personal familiarity that contradicts his supposed status as a hedge knight's squire. A common boy would be unknown to the Targaryen household guard, but a prince would know them and be known by them.
This familiarity, combined with his authoritative tone, demonstrates that Egg commands respect and recognition from the castle's defenders. His threat about answering to his father isn't the empty boast of a child but a legitimate warning from someone with direct access to power. The guards' immediate compliance confirms that they recognize their young prince, even in his disguised state.
The Brotherly Bond
Aerion's casual address of Egg provides the final confirmation of their relationship. The prince's question about Egg's hair, delivered with annoyed familiarity rather than outrage at the interruption, establishes their sibling connection before Egg even speaks the word "brother." This informal interaction between two characters of supposedly vastly different social stations only makes sense within the context of family.
Egg's cutting response about not wanting to resemble his brother carries layers of meaning. Beyond the literal reference to Targaryen hair, it represents his rejection of Aerion's values and behavior. By choosing to serve as a squire to a hedge knight rather than embrace his princely duties, Egg actively distances himself from the cruelty and entitlement that define Aerion's character.
Implications for the Series
This revelation fundamentally reshapes the dynamic between Duncan and Egg, transforming their relationship from simple knight and squire to protector and protected royal. It explains Duncan's eventual elevation to Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and his lifelong loyalty to the Targaryen dynasty. The secret they share creates a bond that will define the future of Westeros, as this young prince will one day become King Aegon V, known as "Aegon the Unlikely" for his unexpected path to the throne.
The clues scattered throughout the early episodes reward attentive viewing and demonstrate how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms weaves its narrative into the broader history established in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. For book readers, these moments provide satisfying confirmation of faithful adaptation. For newcomers, they offer a puzzle that enhances engagement with the story. The reveal of Egg's identity serves as a masterclass in planting seeds that blossom into major plot developments, proving that in Westeros, even the smallest details can have royal significance.