Someone go hang with Lyonel Baratheon in Storms End, for goodness sake

Left on read? It's more than I can bear for Lyonel Baratheon, the real MVP of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." Home > Entertainment > TV Shows Someone go hang with Lyonel Baratheon in Storm's End, for goodness' sake How dare you leave the series' MVP on read! By Shannon Connellan Shannon Connellan UK Editor Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror. Read Full Bio on February 22, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Flipboard All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. "You could come with me. We'll hunt, and hawk and sail, make merry." Credit: Steffan Hill / HBO Rejected! Publicly humiliated! Why, it's more than I can bear for Lyonel Baratheon, the real MVP of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.At the end of the HBO series' finale, we see our heroes Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) ditching their Summerhall plans and riding off into the countryside together, probably headed for the warmer climate of Dorne. No, Egg did not get permission from his father, Prince Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell), to join hedge knight Ser Duncan on the road as his squire. But yes, this dynamic duo are safe to slay another day.But there's a broken heart in Ashford Meadow, that of our salt-and-pepper-bearded, fearless dance floor and battleground icon, Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings). Extending Dunk an invite to his home in Storm's End, the Laughing Storm is left on read, after fighting valiantly for him in the trial of seven. You May Also Like Come with me to Storm's End and I'll love you like a brother. And if not, well, f**k you, I'll hate you like a brother." - Lyonel Baratheon to Dunk Reader, hear me out. Ser Duncan should join Lyonel Baratheon in Storm's End. I have reasons! We don't actually hear about any of these characters again in George R. R. Martin's books, so it's all fantasy from here. So, here's five reasons why the stag-horned party animal's boring seaside home would make a solid choice for Dunk's next chapter. Hell, I'll go.1. Lyonel Baratheon risked his life to fight for Dunk. Lean into that guilt, Lyonel. Credit: Steffan Hill / HBO While you really shouldn't guilt someone into being your friend, Lyonel Baratheon does exactly that after the trial of seven. "Come with me to Storm's End and I'll love you like a brother," Lyonel says to Dunk. "And if not, well, f**k you, I'll hate you like a brother."Granted, he makes a strong point to Dunk, who remains firmly committed to his pity party after the death of Prince Baelor (Bertie Carvel). Yes, this death of the heir to the Iron Throne in the trial is tragic, politically tumultuous, and seemingly prophesied. And yes, it was valiant as hell for him to fight against his own family for justice. But as Lyonel points out, Baelor was fighting against the Kingsguard, who have sworn oaths to not harm him. Meanwhile, two Sers Humfrey were killed — Beesbury and Hardyng — as well as Baelor, fighting for Dunk. SEE ALSO: Who is the Black Dragon in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'? "F**k you! I fought for you. Hardyng, Beesbury, the f**king apple boy, we fought for you," Lyonel says in the finale. "Your prince fought for you against men sworn to protect him. He risked nothing! And the gods don't favour a fraud."This is Game of Thrones, so Lyonel mentions "a war coming" (always) and suggests he and Dunk could be a force together. Perhaps if Lyonel had gone a little less hard on Baelor, Dunk may have joined him.2. Lyonel Baratheon finds a good time in Westeros that isn't pure violence. Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) and Dunk (Peter Claffey) = instant pals. Credit: Steffan Hill / HBO "You could come with me," Lyonel tells Dunk. "We'll hunt, and hawk and sail, make merry." Mashable Top Stories Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news. Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter Loading... Sign Me Up Use this instead By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Unlike certain sadistic Targaryen princes and backstabbing Fossoway cousins, Lyonel Baratheon seems to be in Ashford Meadow purely for a good time. Getting pissed during a tug of war, tearing up the dance floor in his festival tent, and "seizing the chance the bloody up the Kingsguard" for a dude he just met — this man seizes life by the horns on his head. Boasting an ample candle, roast, and ale budget, he also gives great if not mildly threatening pep talks: "The seven above made you tall, so be tall! Or I will name you a heretic and burn you." Motivational! Sure, some Baratheons, historically, have that whole excessive partying and hunting streak going that somewhat bankrupts their kingdom. But honestly, it