The latest journey to Westeros has arrived with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and fans are quickly noticing that this prequel sounds completely different from anything in the Game of Thrones universe before. The six-episode first season, which just wrapped on HBO and Max, introduces audiences to a new musical world built by composer Dan Romer. Unlike the epic orchestral scores of Ramin Djawadi that defined Thrones and House of the Dragon, this show takes a quieter, more personal approach to its music.
The soundtrack for Season 1 dropped on February 23, 2026, through WaterTower Music, and it is already available on all major streaming platforms. With 22 tracks running just over 38 minutes, the album captures the intimate journey of Ser Duncan the Tall, also known as Dunk, and his young squire Egg. Here is everything you need to know about the music that brings their story to life.
A New Musical Direction for Westeros
Dan Romer takes over composing duties for this spin-off, marking the first time since 2011 that a live-action Westeros show does not feature music by Ramin Djawadi. Romer brings a completely different background to the project, with previous work including Luca, Station Eleven, and Beasts of the Southern Wild. His style leans toward melodic and emotional compositions rather than the booming orchestral pieces fans associate with the mothership series.
The creative team made a conscious decision to move away from the epic scale. Showrunner Ira Parker explained that the music had to reflect Dunk as a character. He is a simple person with small ambitions, so the score follows that lead. The result is a soundtrack built around whistled melodies, string instruments like fiddles and cellos, and even some guitar work that evokes a Western feel rather than medieval battle epics.
Romer worked with frequent collaborator Giosuè Greco to create the whistling that became a signature sound for the show. That choice was deliberate. Whistling is timeless and could exist in any era, making it feel natural for Westeros while still giving the series its own identity.
The Game of Thrones Theme Makes Two Key Appearances
Even though the show has its own musical identity, fans of the original series will hear Ramin Djawadi‘s iconic theme twice during the first season. Both uses are intentional and serve very different purposes in the storytelling.
The first appearance happens early in the premiere episode. Dunk decides to seek his fortune at a tournament, and the Game of Thrones theme swells dramatically in his head. Then the moment cuts abruptly to Dunk dealing with a nervous stomach in a field. The comedic timing caught many viewers off guard, but it was written that way on purpose. Parker noted that on the page, it was simply described as Dunk hearing the hero theme in his head. What better represents heroism than the most recognizable theme in television history?
The second appearance carries much more weight. In Episode 4, during the trial of seven, Prince Baelor Targaryen, played by Bertie Carvel, rides into the arena and declares he will fight on Dunk’s side. At that moment, the full Game of Thrones theme plays without interruption or irony. Fans erupted online when the scene aired, with many calling it the best moment of the season. One viewer wrote on social media that they had been waiting so hard to hear that song again, while another described getting absolute chills when the music kicked in.
Parker explained that this second use represents the moment when the call of greatness becomes real. It is go time, and the music signals that Dunk has become part of something larger than himself. Romer then took that theme and blended it with Dunk’s own musical identity during the end credits, creating a fusion of old and new.
Complete Track Listing for Season 1
The soundtrack album contains 22 tracks that follow Dunk and Egg’s journey from beginning to end. Here is the complete list:
- Leaving the Reach (1:02)
- Arrival in Ashford (2:17)
- What Chance Do I Have? (2:11)
- Quieter Accommodations (1:13)
- The Luck Is Ours Alone (2:26)
- Ser Arlan (1:55)
- Will You Heed My Call to War? (1:19)
- Sweetfoot (1:27)
- Egg and Thunder (1:45)
- He’s Too Low (1:04)
- I Cut It Off, Brother (2:27)
- How Good a Knight Are You? (1:08)
- Good Men Will Fight for It (1:57)
- You Are No Knight (1:03)
- In the Name of the Warrior (1:29)
- Not Just Sword and Lance, but Honor (1:09)
- Main Title (from Game of Thrones) / Let the Gods Decide (3:04)
- This City Is Too Small for Us (0:58)
- You Old Fool (2:04)
- Get Up, Ser (2:57)
- The Pennytree (1:12)
- I Suppose We Could Go Anywhere (2:12)
Track 17 combines the classic Game of Thrones theme with original material from Romer, creating a bridge between the two musical worlds. Fans of the original series will also notice that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms shares its name with a track from the Season 8 soundtrack, though the two pieces are completely different.
How the Music Reflects Dunk and Egg
Romer developed two main melodies for the show, one representing Dunk and the other for Egg. Because the characters spend so much time together, these themes often blend and fade into each other throughout the episodes. The composer noted that themes can become situational over time, taking on new meanings as the story progresses.
The whistling motif that runs through much of the score represents Dunk’s internal state. Parker described it as the music playing in Dunk’s head most of the time. He is just happy to be getting along, enjoying his life as a knight at a tournament, whistling as he goes. That simple, hopeful quality sets the tone for the entire series.
When the story shifts focus to the Targaryens, the music changes dramatically. Romer brought in more orchestral strings and operatic vocals for moments involving the royal family. There is something about them that calls for a more classical, almost villainous tradition in the music. When Aerion Targaryen commits his cruel act during the joust, darker strings accompany his actions. When Egg reveals his true identity as Prince Aegon Targaryen in Episode 3, the score swells with full orchestral force.
Where to Listen and Stream
The A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 soundtrack is available now on all major digital music services. Fans can stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and YouTube. The album is also available for digital purchase through platforms like Amazon.
For viewers in different regions, the show itself streams on HBO and Max in the United States. Disney+ Hotstar carries the series in India. Viewers in the UK, Canada, and Australia can watch through their local HBO broadcast partners or streaming services that carry Max content.
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The Musical Legacy Continues
With a second season already ordered, fans can expect more from Dan Romer‘s vision for Westeros. The show has established its own musical identity while still honoring the legacy of what came before. The careful balance between intimate character moments and the occasional burst of epic scoring gives the series room to grow.
The soundtrack album serves as a time capsule of Dunk and Egg’s first adventure. From the hopeful whistling of Leaving the Reach to the tender closing notes of I Suppose We Could Go Anywhere, the music captures the heart of a story about honor, friendship, and finding your place in a dangerous world.
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