George R.R. Martin reveals Brienne's famous ancestor

BALTIMORE, June 3 (UPI) -- George R.R. Martin is revealing more of Brienne of Tarth's backstory.

The Game of Thrones author confirmed the character is the descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall while appearing at Balticon, an annual sci-fi and fantasy convention in Baltimore, Md.

Ser Duncan the Tall is mentioned in both Martin's book series A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's adaptation, Game of Thrones. The writer also dedicated a series of novellas, Tales of Dunk and Egg, to the character.

Brienne's ancestor was a seven-foot knight who became Lord Commander of Aegon Targaryen's Kingsguard. He was born 100 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones and was renowned for his valor and swordsmanship.

Tales of Dunk and Egg follows the early exploits of Duncan, aka Dunk, and Aegon, aka Egg. Martin recently told Entertainment Weekly he'd like to see the novellas adapted if HBO pursues a Game of Thrones spinoff.

"[They'd be] the most natural follow-up," the author said. "Each of the novellas could easily be done as a two-hour standalone movie for television; that would probably be the ideal way to do them, rather than as an ongoing weekly series."

Brienne is portrayed by Gwendoline Christie on Game of Thrones. The character is a tall, female warrior who endures frequent mockery due to her appearance and unconventional desire to be a knight. She presently serves Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner).