There are rumors in Westeros folklore that he was knighted by Ser Arlan of Gownbridge before his untimely death. Or was he? Reality is messy. In the books, the evidence is circumstantial at best. Dunk’s conversations and internal monologue suggest that he may have concocted a fictitious story to bolster his position. He can never produce a witness to the ceremony. When asked about certain rituals, he hesitated. He usually avoids questions completely and offering vague deflections instead of direct answers.
But the TV version pulls no punches. This clearly confirms that Sir Duncan the Tall was not knighted by Ser Arlan.
So if that title is a lie, who exactly is he? This makes him more interesting than a traditional lord. Dunk has proven time and time again that he has the soul of a true knight. His reputation is unblemished. His honor is unshakable. He doesn’t need a title to prove his worth. The sword is in his hand, not in a parchment. This difference is more important than anyone in the Red Keep admits.
