4 Facts That Will Make You Wait for 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Even Harder

The Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, premieres on January 18 and promises to be more than just a new chapter in the saga – it will be a cozy journey into the past.

The project promises a rare combination in Martin's universe – a spirit of wanderlust and deep connections to the fates of our beloved characters.

1. Egg Is the Ancestor of the Targaryens From 'Game of Thrones'

Egg's place in the Targaryen family tree connects the sagas of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. He is a direct descendant of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen from the first series and the great-grandfather of Daenerys from the second.

Through his numerous descendants, Egg also became a key ancestor of other main characters. He is the great-great-grandfather of Jon Snow and the grandfather of King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King.

Aerys' reign and his family's cruelty led to Robert Baratheon's rebellion, the overthrow of the dynasty, and the events we witnessed in Game of Thrones.

2. Duncan and Egg Were Mentioned in 'Game of Thrones'

Fans of Game of Thrones are already familiar with Dunk and Egg, who appear in both the A Song of Ice and Fire books and the HBO series.

Egg is the future King Aegon V Targaryen. When he was young and his chances of claiming the throne were slim, he traveled across Westeros disguised as a squire to a simple hedge knight named Duncan the Tall. A series of unexpected deaths among his elder relatives finally opened the path to the crown for him.

Egg is also the younger brother of Aemon Targaryen, a maester of the Night's Watch who lived to a ripe old age on the Wall. It was Aemon who, in his dying delirium, uttered the phrase, "Egg, I dreamed I was old."

Duncan later became a knight of the Kingsguard and then its Lord Commander. At a tournament, he was defeated by the 16-year-old Barristan Selmy, who would become a knight of Daenerys.

3. Brienne of Tarth May Be a Descendant of Duncan the Tall

While Egg left behind a line of kings, Duncan's fate was different. He had a brilliant career, rising to the position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and took the customary vow of celibacy and apparently had no official heirs.

However, fans have long speculated about his possible illegitimate children. The focus of this speculation was Brienne of Tarth, a warrior whose tall stature, physical strength, and swordsmanship evoked the legendary knight.

The most compelling evidence was her shield in A Feast for Crows, which bore the personal crest of Ser Duncan the Tall. In 2016, George R.R. Martin officially confirmed the fans' speculation, though he did not include this information in his books.

4. The Series May Tell the Story of Brynden Rivers, Also Known as Bloodraven

Brynden Bloodraven Rivers was one of King Aegon IV Targaryen's bastards. After being legitimized, he became an influential political figure and Hand of the King. It was during this period, during the events of Dunk and Egg, that his destiny was decided.

Legends imbued him with a sinister reputation – he was believed to be both a werewolf and a warlock. His nickname, Bloodraven, and rumors of his having a thousand and one eyes only heightened the mystical fear surrounding him.

Rivers was subsequently exiled to the Wall, where he disappeared under mysterious circumstances. He returned a century later in a different guise as the Three-Eyed Raven and became Bran Stark's mentor.

The details of his life as Hand remain shrouded in mystery, but A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms may shed light on this important and mysterious figure.