.png){kind=logo}
Published Jan 26, 2026, 6:00 AM EST
Zach Moser is a Philadelphia native who loves films, television, books, and any and all media he can get his hands on. Zach has had articles published on satirical sites such as Points In Case, Slackjaw, and McSweeney's.
Lyonel Baratheon is one of the best new characters to appear in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and maybe that's because he combines the best aspects of three popular characters from Game of Thrones. The first two episodes of AKOTSK have introduced a host of new characters.
Many have familiar names, their houses are the same as they were in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. However, as Ser Manfred Dondarrion (Daniel Monks) has shown, the people in the houses often behave differently than their ancestors and descendants. Lyonel, however, is very reminiscent of his Baratheon lineage from Game of Thrones.
Lyonel Baratheon Is One Of The Best New Characters Of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
The first episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is far different from the openings of the other A Song of Ice and Fire shows, offering humor, lightness, and quiet character moments. The setpiece, if it could be called a setpiece, is a party, and not of the Red Wedding variety.
When Dunk (Peter Claffey) finds himself standing in front of the Lord of Storm's End, Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings), you might think he's in trouble for partaking in the festivities without offering a gift to the Laughing Storm. Instead, Lyonel takes a liking to the hulking knight, and the pair essentially have a dance off.
Lyonel is a whirlwind of a character, quickly earning his nickname. He's charming, fierce, funny, and not above helping a knight whom everyone else has written off. His smile lights up the tent, but he's respected enough that everyone goes quiet when he speaks. Lyonel is a Baratheon through and through.
Lyonel Combines The Best Parts Of His Game Of Thrones House Baratheon Descendants
Lyonel is an ancestor of the Baratheons who appear in Game of Thrones: Robert (Mark Addy), Renly (Gethin Anthony), and Stannis (Stephen Dillane). Each of these Baratheons has their faults, but they also have plenty of virtues, and are three of the most likable characters in the series.
Maybe Lyonel is so endearing because he embodies the best of these brothers. Lyonel loves to drink and party, but he's also fearsome and formidable, much like Robert. He's generous with what he has and charming, quickly making friends with Dunk and guiding him on his journey, similar to Renly.
Lyonel is also fair and wise, like Stannis. He calls out Dunk for his faux pas, but then allows him to stay. The Baratheon brothers felt like pieces of a whole in Game of Thrones, which is perhaps why they failed. Lyonel is the whole package in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and a winner for it.
Release Date January 25, 2026
Network HBO
Showrunner Ira Parker
Directors Owen Harris
Writers George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker
-
Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall
-
English (US) ·