With the conclusion of the universally-acclaimed Game of Thrones series, fans will be left nostalgic with many breathtaking aspects of this show’s production in mind. From fantasy elements such as dragons, red priestesses, and the Children of the Forest to true-to-life themes such as romance, politics and social hierarchy, this show presented viewers with an array of content paralleled to none.
Even for those who did not follow this series out of appreciation for the finer details, this series remained just as binge-worthy due to its breathtaking visuals, particularly those featured in battle scenes. Spanning from Winterfell to the Dothraki Sea, this world is filled with a broad spectrum of talented swordsmen, each with their own unique choice of sword as well as combat form. So just who is the most formidable swordsman around within the continents of Westeros and Essos?
Jaime Lannister
Universally known as “the Kingslayer”, Jaime earned this nickname due to ending the rule of the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen II by stabbing him in the back. This was done during his time in the Kingsguard, namely as one of the royal bodyguards to the king. The mere fact that he qualified for this role meant that he was recognised as one of the seven most skilled warriors in Westeros. He then rose to Lord Commander of the kingsguard under Joffrey’s rule.
Some of his standout moments as a swordsman include gaining the upper hand in his tense duel against Ned Stark, his courageous effort against the White Walkers during the battle of Winterfell and defeating countless soldiers in battles against Robb Stark’s army as well as the sacking of Highgarden.
Ser Bronn of the Blackwater
Originally a sellsword, Bronn certainly captured the attention of Tyrion Lannister during their first encounter en route to The Vale of Arryn. He unexpectedly volunteered for Tyrion during his trial by combat, and defeated highly respected knight Ser Vardis by throwing him through the moon door in what was one of the most memorable duels of the series. He is also famous for using dirty tactics in his fights, which although publicly disapproved of, is highly effective.
Upon Jaime losing his hand, Bronn became his dueling teacher and thus proved himself to be a respectable mentor as well. He receives his formal title due to his vital role in the Battle of the Blackwater and becomes a member of the small council at the conclusion of the series.
Daario Naharis
The leader of the Second Sons, the deadly Daario assassinated both of his captains to assume power over one of the most feared sellsword companies in Essos. This stealthy assassin learned his trade from a young age, working as a pit fighter after being sold into slavery at the age of 12 by his neglectful mother.
Daario was instrumental in successfully sacking the city of Yunkai with only a handful of soldiers, suppressing the threat of the Sons of the Harpy and famously defeating the champion of Meereen, thus showcasing his skill with a dagger in addition to that with a sword.
Oberyn Martell
While the spear may be his weapon of choice, “The Viper” is no stranger to facing off against some of Westeros’ most refined swordsman and defeating them convincingly. In fact, it is his knowledge of poisons and his deadly fighting style that earned him his nickname.
Oberyn earned valuable combat experience working for the Second Sons as well as in the fighting pits during his travels to Essos, and nearly defeated the infamous Gregor Clegane in combat, knocking him to the floor before letting his emotions get the best of him.
Grey Worm
A born and bred Unsullied, Grey Worm was taken as an infant by the Good Masters of Astapor to become a deadly warrior. Upon the Unsullied being purchased and subsequently released by Daenerys, Grey Worm was selected by the other Unsullied troops to be their leader after their decision to fight for Daenerys.
Grey Worm led the Unsullied to numerous victories against Westerosi and Essosi civilizations alike, including the Lannister army, the White Walkers and The Golden Company. Even more impressively, he led the Siege of Yunkai with only a handful of troops and survived the overwhelming attack carried out by the Sons of the Harpy that took the life of Ser Barristan Selmy.
Jon Snow
The eventual Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and Warden in the North, so great was Jon’s ability with a sword in his hand that the typically-arrogant Ramsey Bolton refused to duel him outright. Jon has faced and defeated both humans and dangerous creatures of all types, including Night’s Watch mutineers, Thenns, Wildlings, and eventually Ramsey himself.
Jon’s incredible talent was showcased at the Battle of Hardhome, where he was attacked by a high-ranking White Walker soldier and managed to use his famous Valyrian steel blade, Longclaw, to defeat him.
The Hound
The intimidating Sandor Clegane was both bodyguard to Joffrey Baratheon and member of the Kingsguard, despite not being a knight himself. He is a trained killer who first killed a man to death at the mere age of 12. He has fought in a number of wars, and first fully showcased his talent on-screen when defeating Beric Dondarrion despite being surrounded by flames, his worst fear.
One of the most heart-racing moments in the series came during The Hound’s epic clash with Brienne of Tarth, when he got his ear chewed off in the process. In his final moments, Sandor Clegane did what no man has come close to doing before, namely killing his brother Gregor, and taking his own life in the process.
Ser Brienne of Tarth
The first female knight in the Seven Kingdoms and new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Brienne has been a lifelong warrior, starting her training in her childhood. She was first granted the reward of becoming a member of Renly Baratheon’s kingsguard after defeating all of the men under his command, including Lord Commander Loras Tyrell. This accomplishment is even more respectable due to the prejudice against her gender at the time.
In an exhibition of her raw strength, determination, and grit, Brienne defeated The Hound in a gory battle consisting of swordplay and hand-to-hand combat. If this isn’t enough to prove her talent, Brienne defeated a whole host of White Walkers when face-to-face with them during their siege at Winterfell.
Khal Drogo
In order to be a Dothraki, one has to be a savage and relentless fighter who lives up to the Dothraki reputation of being undefeatable in an open field of battle. To be the Khal (ruler) of a Khalasar, you would have to prove yourself to be the best of the best, which is exactly what Khal Drogo is. With his arakh (the Dothraki’s signature curved blade sword) in hand, Drogo remained undefeated in battle until his eventual death.
His unmatched brute strength was showcased when he was challenged by Mago, particularly when he ripped the traitor’s throat out with his bare hands and never used a weapon for the duration of the battle. With his quick reflexes, Khal Drogo proved just why the Dothraki don’t see a need for armor in battle.
Arya Stark
Trained by Syrio Forel and then the Faceless Men of Braavos, Arya was the recipient of some of the finest sword training in the known world. After assassinating Ser Meryn Trant and thus disobeying her orders from the Faceless Men, Jaquen H’ghar struck her blind. While most would stumble after being struck by such misfortune, Arya persevered and learned to fight using her hearing to detect her opponent’s motions. This skill helped her even when her eyesight was restored, as she lured The Waif into a dark room where she overcame this deadly foe.
Her stealth and speed were vital in her assassination of Walder Frey and his house, her outwitting of Brienne on the training ground, and most importantly, her assassination of the Night King and the subsequent end of the threat of the White Walkers.
