If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire, you’ve likely heard of the Tales of Dunk and Egg, a captivating novella series by George R.R. Martin. Set in the same rich world of Westeros, these stories follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight, and his squire, Egg, a boy with a mysterious royal connection. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned reader looking to dive back in, this guide will walk you through the Tales of Dunk and Egg books in order, why they’re worth reading, and what to expect from this beloved prequel series.
What Are the Tales of Dunk and Egg?
The Tales of Dunk and Egg are a series of novellas set roughly 90 years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. They focus on Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble knight with a strong moral compass, and his squire, Egg, who is revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, a young prince in disguise. These stories are lighter in tone compared to Martin’s main series but still packed with political intrigue, vivid characters, and the gritty realism Westeros is known for.
The series is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories, medieval settings, and the lore of Westeros. Plus, with HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms TV adaptation now streaming, there’s no better time to explore these tales!
List Of Tales of Dunk and Egg Books In Order
Below is the complete list of Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas by George R.R. Martin, presented in series order, as of August 2025. These stories are set in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe and follow Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
| Order | Title | Publication Year | Setting (AC) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hedge Knight | 1998 | 209 | Dunk, a new hedge knight, and Egg, his squire, navigate a tourney and Targaryen politics. |
| 2 | The Sworn Sword | 2003 | 210 | Dunk serves a minor lord and faces a feud over water rights in the Reach. |
| 3 | The Mystery Knight | 2010 | 211 | Dunk and Egg uncover a treasonous plot at a wedding tourney at Whitewalls. |
Note: All three novellas are collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015). Additional novellas are planned but not yet published.
Tales of Dunk and Egg Books in Order
The Tales of Dunk and Egg consist of three published novellas, with more planned by George R.R. Martin. Below is the reading order, along with key details about each story:
1. The Hedge Knight (1998)
- Setting: The story takes place in 209 AC, during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen.
- Plot: Ser Duncan the Tall, a newly minted knight from Flea Bottom, attends a tourney at Ashford Meadow hoping to make a name for himself. There, he meets Egg, a bald boy who becomes his squire. The two become entangled in a dangerous conflict involving Targaryen politics and knightly honor.
- Why Read It: The Hedge Knight introduces Dunk and Egg’s dynamic, blending humor, heart, and action. It’s a great entry point to their adventures and sets the stage for the series’ themes of loyalty and justice.
- Where to Find It: Available as a standalone novella, in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collection, or the anthology Legends.
2. The Sworn Sword (2003)
- Setting: Set a year after The Hedge Knight, in 210 AC.
- Plot: Dunk, now sworn to a minor lord, Ser Eustace Osgrey, navigates a local feud over water rights in the drought-stricken Reach. Egg’s wit and Dunk’s strength are tested as they uncover secrets and face threats from a rival house.
- Why Read It: This novella dives deeper into Dunk’s sense of duty and the complexities of feudal loyalty. It also offers a glimpse into the aftermath of the Blackfyre Rebellion, a key event in Westerosi history.
- Where to Find It: Available in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collection or the anthology Legends II.
3. The Mystery Knight (2010)
- Setting: Set in 211 AC, a few years after The Sworn Sword.
- Plot: Dunk and Egg attend a wedding tourney at Whitewalls, where a grand prize draws knights from across the realm. What seems like a festive event quickly unravels into a web of treason and conspiracy tied to the Blackfyre Rebellion.
- Why Read It: The Mystery Knight is the most politically intricate of the three, showcasing Martin’s signature scheming and plot twists. It’s a thrilling mix of mystery, action, and Targaryen lore.
- Where to Find It: Available in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collection or the anthology Warriors.
4. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)
- Overview: This is a compilation of the three novellas (The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight) in one beautifully illustrated volume.
- Why Read It: If you want all three stories in one place with stunning artwork by Gary Gianni, this is the best option. It’s perfect for collectors and new readers alike.
- Pro Tip: This collection is widely available in bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, or as an e-book.
Future Tales of Dunk and Egg
George R.R. Martin has stated he plans to write more Dunk and Egg novellas, potentially covering their adventures up to the tragedy at Summerhall, a pivotal event in Westerosi history. Titles like The She-Wolves of Winterfell, The Village Hero, and The Sellsword have been mentioned, but no release dates have been confirmed as of August 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting these stories, especially with the HBO series sparking renewed interest.
Why You Should Read the Tales of Dunk and Egg
- Rich World-Building: The novellas flesh out Westeros’ history, including the Targaryen dynasty and the Blackfyre Rebellion, making them a must-read for A Song of Ice and Fire fans.
- Relatable Characters: Dunk’s underdog journey and Egg’s youthful curiosity make them easy to root for, offering a refreshing contrast to the darker tones of Martin’s main series.
- Perfect for New Readers: You don’t need to have read Game of Thrones to enjoy these stories. They’re standalone, shorter, and accessible.
- HBO Adaptation Buzz: With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airing, reading the novellas lets you compare the books to the show and catch hidden details.
How to Read the Tales of Dunk and Egg
- Start with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: This collection is the easiest way to read all three novellas in order.
- Check Anthologies: If you already own Legends, Legends II, or Warriors, you may have the individual stories.
- E-books and Audiobooks: All three novellas and the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collection are available digitally. Audiobooks, narrated by talents like Harry Lloyd, are great for immersive listening.
- Libraries and Bookstores: Most libraries and retailers stock A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, making it easy to find.
Tips for Enjoying the Series
- Pay Attention to Lore: The novellas are packed with Easter eggs for Game of Thrones fans, like references to the Targaryen family tree or the origins of the Kingsguard.
- Watch the HBO Series: After reading, check out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO to see how Dunk and Egg come to life.
- Join Fan Discussions: Online communities on platforms like Reddit or X are buzzing with theories about Dunk and Egg’s future adventures. Share your thoughts and predictions!
Final Thoughts
The Tales of Dunk and Egg offer a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and Westerosi intrigue. Whether you’re drawn to Ser Duncan’s chivalry, Egg’s cleverness, or the vibrant world of Westeros, these novellas are a fantastic addition to George R.R. Martin’s universe. Start with The Hedge Knight or grab A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to experience the full journey so far. With more stories on the horizon and an HBO series to enjoy, there’s never been a better time to follow Dunk and Egg’s adventures.
Have you read the Tales of Dunk and Egg yet? Let us know your favorite novella or what you’re excited about in the HBO adaptation in the comments below!
