Fight scenes are a core component of medieval and fantasy series, so it's a given that the wildly popular has ferociously skilled warriors like the Hound and Brienne of Tarth to enhance the excitement of each episode. The most talented fighters in Westeros each come from different backgrounds, possess unique fighting styles and have varying ideologies that push them forward.
While there are many great combatants throughout the world of , a handful surpass the rest due to a combination of factors. Winning duels against formidable adversaries, the ability to defeat multiple opponents at once, and the renown they earn across the land all contribute to the making of a legendary fighter.
Introduced as the definitive leader by his comrades, Grey Worm exemplifies discipline and resolve in a warrior. Considering the prestigious , Grey Worm's placement as one of the show's best fighters is warranted by the Unsullied's standing among his peers alone. Oberyn Martell commends his effectiveness on the battlefield.
Grey Worm's individual feats are displayed on both continents in . He defeats a dozen Sons of the Harpy of Essos -- including several while he was surrounded -- despite being led into a trap. In Westeros, he slays countless wights and better-equipped Lannister soldiers. He emerges mostly unscathed, despite being in the vanguard.
Several Lord Commanders of the Kingsguard and many more Sers are present in , but few are more worthy to hold the titles than Brienne of Tarth. In her first scene, she defeats Loras Tyrell -- a skilled warrior to Tywin Lannister -- to win a tournament, implying she had already thwarted many other skilled warriors. Her requested prize is membership in Renly's Kingsguard.
Brienne's resume increases after Renly's passing. Over the course of the show, she defeats Sandor Clegane in single-combat, kills several pursuers of Sansa Stark simultaneously and personally trains the already-talented Arya Stark. Brienne's is well-deserved thanks to her expertise and her valor.
Although his screen time is brief, Syrio Forel highlights a unique combat style in the world. Personally hired by Ned Stark to train his daughter in combat, the former First Sword of Braavos instructs Arya in the Water Dance. His swordfighting approach allows smaller fighters to use speed and precision to defeat stronger foes.
Syrio's expertise becomes clear when he is confronted by Lannister soldiers. Despite wielding a wooden training sword rather than his standard weapon, he defeats four enemies who surround him at the same time. His agility and the placement of his strikes render the superior armor of his adversaries ineffective. Arya goes on to utilize that same approach when she gets older.
Strength is an important trait to have in battle and Gregor Clegane -- AKA The Mountain -- is stronger than any other human in . In his first duel, he cuts off a horse's head out of anger with a single strike. Even skilled warriors are likely to die or just one attack.
The Mountain becomes a greater threat after he fights Oberyn Martell. In his mutated form, he is able to crush a man's face by pushing him into a wall. The character's duel against his brother illustrates how wounds that would normally kill someone have no effect on him, either. The role is portrayed by three performers -- Ian Whyte, Conan Stevens and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson -- and is frightening no matter which actor fans are watching.
Rather than rely on just one attribute, Sandor Clegane emphasizes the value of using every way possible to win. In his many battles, the Hound demonstrates skill with a blade, strength to overpower his adversaries, and speed to dodge attacks. He is also more intelligent than his brother, the Mountain.
In each engagement he participates in, the Hound performs well. He survives the Battle of Blackwater Bay, a trial by combat against Beric Dondarrion despite his fear of fire, a simultaneous battle against several Lannister soldiers and more. He proves his superiority over his brother in their final fight -- dubbed fans -- by disarming him, landing more strikes, and tackling him into a fire.
Oberyn Martell creates his reputation through his fight against the strongest man alive, similar to David and Goliath. Cersei remarks on his reputation as a brilliant fighter who is feared throughout Westeros when making an honest analogy to her own circumstances. His prestige is officially revealed in his fight against the Mountain.
While most people would turn the other way, Oberyn seeks out the Mountain for a duel out of revenge. The reach of his spear and his mastery of it as well as the poisons at his disposal make him one of the few warriors capable of winning against a seemingly impossible opponent. But his arrogance and lust for retribution prevent him from doing so in .
Although he lacks the aura of one during his scenes in the show, Robert Baratheon is among the most renowned soldiers in the history of the world. With the help of Ned Stark and Jon Arryn, he leads a rebellion to bring the nearly three-century-old dynasty to an end. He personally leads his forces throughout the conflict.
Robert recalls how he could wield a war hammer with a single hand, despite most warriors needing two to use it. With the combination of this level of strength along with the ability to still utilize a shield, Robert is able to defeat the talented Rhaegar Targaryen in single combat. A skilled fighter with the Mountain's strength is nearly unbeatable.
Compared to most recognized fighters in Westeros, Jaime Lannister is quite young but is widely known nonetheless. His youth itself garnered fame as he is the youngest knight to ever serve in the Kingsguard in which he served the Mad King well before the events of . His skill only grew with his age.
Jaime claims that only three men in Westeros could stand against him at his best, which is not an unwarranted boast. Prior to , his skill was acknowledged by Barristan Selmy. In addition, he kills ten of Robb's soldiers before the Northerners can finally capture him.
A knight who will certainly go down in history as one of the best and most skilled to ever grace Westeros is Barristan Selmy. Influential figures and exceptional warriors alike praised and admired him for his skill as a swordsman. This includes Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Jaime Lannister, Tywin Lannister, and Jorah Mormont.
The prestige Barristan holds is not without strong evidence. Because many characters attest to his honor, his claim that he can easily slay five Kingsguard members despite his old age is not an arrogant boast but the truth. When he becomes older still, he slays a dozen Sons of the Harpy by himself while cornered.
Possessing as much talent as Barristan but not nearly enough screentime is Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. A member of the Kingsguard during the Mad King's reign, he is identified by Ned Stark as the best swordsman he ever met. Ned made this claim while knowing gifted warriors like Barristan and Jaime.
Arthur Dayne demonstrates his superiority in his fight at the Tower of Joy. His unique sword Dawn and his mastery of combat with two swords draws attention to his edge over other swordsmen. Dayne's ability to fight and defeat four opponents at the exact same time while they surround him only .
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for a millennia.
Release Date April 17, 2011
Cast Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Main Genre Drama
Genres Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
Rating TV-MA
Seasons 8
Creator David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Number of Episodes 73
Streaming Service(s) HBO Max
