Was Duncan the Tall Really Knighted: Debunking the Myths

The character of Duncan the Tall in the Wheel of Time series has captivated readers with his enigmatic presence and complex backstory. Amidst the rich tapestry of the series, a recurring question arises: was Duncan the Tall, a beloved figure, truly knighted? Through an exploration of his character and the evidence provided in the novels, particularly in The Hedge Knight, we can shed light on this intriguing query.

Was Duncan the Tall Knighted? Yes, Duncan the Tall is indeed described as a knight in the lore of the series. This status highlights his significant role in the history of the Wheel of Time, particularly in relation to the Aiel and his connection to the rulers of Andor. His knighthood is part of the broader mythology and backstory that enriches the world of the series. However, the question remains: is this knighthood genuine?

Early Hints of Doubt: The Hedge Knight

No. In the novella The Hedge Knight, we are provided with several hints that suggest Duncan was not actually knighted by Ser Arlan of Pennytree. For instance, though Duncan buried his squire, Ser Arlan, he made no mention of the knighting ceremony in his inner monologue. This omission is significant as knighthood had been Duncan's lifelong dream. Further, the texts reveal that Duncan considered other options, such as becoming a squire for another hedge knight or joining the city watch, actions that a newly knighted man would likely not have considered.

Additionally, there is a poignant moment when Duncan discusses his past with Egg, mentioning, “He knew what it was like to want something so badly that you would tell a monstrous lie just to get near it.” This statement strongly implies that Duncan lied about his knighthood to achieve something he desperately wanted, like becoming a knighted warrior.

When it comes to the actual knighting ceremony, Duncan's actions are telling. He hesitates and walks away after witnessing Raymund Fossoway's knighting. His response, “Do you doubt my courage” Raymun asked. ‘No’ said Dunk. ‘Not that but...’ Still he hesitated., indicates that he had reservations about fulfilling his role as a squire. This hesitation, coupled with his feelings of guilt and relief, further suggest that Duncan may not have been knighted by Ser Arlan.

Supporting Evidence

The ?? ???? ??? ?? ? ????. The evidence provided in The Hedge Knight strongly supports the notion that Duncan lied about his knighthood. First, the passage where Duncan buries Ser Arlan without mentioning the knighting ceremony underscores his lack of personal connection to the event. Second, the multiple instances where Duncan considers alternative paths, such as joining the city watch, indicate that being knighted was not a fait accompli in his mind at the time. Finally, his reluctance to knight Raymund Fossoway and his guilty feelings suggest that he did not fully believe in the legitimacy of his own knighthood.

Why Would He Lie? Duncan's motivation for lying about his knighthood is rooted in his deep desire to be a knight. The ritual of knighthood symbolizes courage, honor, and valor, values that Duncan aspires to embody. By lying, he could achieve the dream of becoming a knighted warrior and, in doing so, gain the respect and status he so ardently sought.

Conclusion

The evidence from The Hedge Knight strongly suggests that Duncan the Tall did not actually receive knighthood from Ser Arlan. While his knighthood is an integral part of his character and the lore, it appears to be more a product of his own fabrication to fulfill his lifelong dream. This narrative choice underscores the true worth of a person, as opposed to the external validation of a knighthood ceremony.

In summary, while Duncan the Tall is celebrated as a knight in the world of the Wheel of Time, the question of whether he was genuinely knighted remains a subject of debate. The evidence from the text suggests that he may have been lying to achieve his dream, highlighting the importance of integrity and genuine achievement over false claims.