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Ranking The Swordsman/Warriors in GOT

Jon is up there with the best, but Jaquen, Barriston and Drogo might be on the legendary list.

Legends
Jaquen, Barriston, Drogo, Arya?

Would Be Legends if they last longer
2 handed Jaime, Viper

Jon is pretty much at the level of Jaime and Viper but he's still alive (after he got rekt)

Amazing Fighters
Brianne, Mountain, Hound, Robb
 
Obliterator said:
People are overlooking him "because reasons" but again if you are a show watcher only there is no one you can put above Jon.

Oberyn? Cool beat the Mountain. How many war scenes have we seen with the Mountain. Or with The Hound? Or with Arya? Or Jamie? Or with any of these "amazing warriors"

The only person you see on the show consistently in massive battles wrecking and killing people is Jon Snow.
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Tormund on blast.

Also there are giants. You have Jon on your team, I'll take a giant.
 
Lady Mormont is up there too. Schooled an entire room full of battle-hardened veterans.

Seriously though, he's not one of the greats yet, but give Jon another 10 years and he'll be Dayne or Selmy tier. He's a fast growing legend and the way he navigates a battlefield and stacks bodies up high can't be ignored. Dude's the real deal.
 
zer0das said:
My highly biased opinion (going with warriors, not pure swordsmen):

1. Meera Reed-
she took out a whitewalker while helping deal with that jobber Bran's dead weight. She also managed to be the only party member Bran didn't get killed. I'd like to see anyone else in the Westeros or Essos do that. She also had the mental fortitude to not beat the crap out of Bran when he just sat there staring blankly when she was saying goodbye.
2. The Hound- tenacious veteran. He got burned in the face as a kid. He got his ear bit off. He got kicked off a cliff and left for dead. Short while later? Hacking through the brotherhood deserters like it isn't a thing. He's got an inexorable rage that's hard to quantify.
3. Bronn- he's not exactly the best at anything, but he'll find a way with dirty tricks. And he's a jack of all trades.
4. Oberyn- if he wasn't drunk on the desire to get revenge he'd probably beat anyone.
5. Howland Reed- he's like an older version of Bronn, and he gets bonus points for raising the greatest daughter ever.

Yeah, I'm a Reed stan.
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How is Bronn who wouldnt fight the Mountain above Oberyn who played with him without breaking a sweat?
 
Nameless said:
These "Jon hasn't done much" posts are hilarious especially when they go on to list people who've done way less.

-Beat a fookin legend in Tanner and several mutineers
-Single handedly changed swung the courtyard fight in the Battle for The Wall, killing Styr in the process
https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-8c24d91e4b9cb50cd921109b22e489c2[img]
-Ran into a sea of wights at Hardhome, took down a White Walker with a clean fucking parry
[img]https://www.imgur.com/GEdEvjf.gif[img]
-stacked countless bodies in the Bastard Bowl
[img]https://www.imgur.com/qPJ2bVA.gif[img]

He's not up there with the Daynes or Barristans of the world yet, especially in the wider lore, but he why would be this early in his career? His legend is growing, though. Easily top 5 we've seen on the show.[/QUOTE]

To be fair, Tanner had him dead to rights and then got stabbed in the back by some rando. I'd say Jon lost that fight.
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kaname-san said:
To be fair, Tanner had him dead to rights and then got stabbed in the back by some rando. I'd say Jon lost that fight.
Click to expand...

IMO it's still one of Jon's more impressive performances given how before Tanner taught him the value of fighting dirty Jon fought him to a stalemate despite being at an EXTREME disadvantage using a long sword against dual knives in such tightly packed quarters.
 
Nameless said:
These "Jon hasn't done much" posts are hilarious especially when they go on to list people who've done way less.

-Beat a fookin legend in Tanner and several mutineers
-Single handedly changed swung the courtyard fight in the Battle for The Wall, killing Styr in the process
main-qimg-8c24d91e4b9cb50cd921109b22e489c2

-Ran into a sea of wights at Hardhome, took down a White Walker with a clean fucking parry
GEdEvjf.gif

-stacked countless bodies in the Bastard Bowl
qPJ2bVA.gif


He's not up there with the Daynes or Barristans of the world yet, especially in the wider lore, but he why would be this early in his career? His legend is growing, though. Easily top 5 we've seen on the show.
Click to expand...

god damn. why didn't they get Marshall or Sapochnik to direct this latest episode. seeing a dragon burn some fools was cool and all but these episodes just look so much better.

case in point that bastard bowl shot compared to the latest one with Bronn.
 
People sleeping on Prime Robert. Robert with his warhammer was a true terror.

Selmy was elite tier for sure, but in both the books and the show, Arthur Dayne was the best.
 
1) Arthur Dayne
2) Barristan Selmy
3) Robert Baratheon (before he got fat)
4) Oberyn Martell
5) Jaime Lannister (with 2 hands)
 
andythinkpad said:
Show Brienne was totally taking easy on Arya. In a cage match she would have taken a hit and then crash Arya's little skull Mountain style.
Click to expand...

Arya was taking it easy on Brienne. If it was not a sparring match, she could have stabbed her throat after literally 4 seconds of fighting.
 
Coxy100 said:
1) Arthur Dayne
2) Barristan Selmy
3) Robert Baratheon (before he got fat)
4) Oberyn Martell
5) Jaime Lannister (with 2 hands)
Click to expand...

Jamie Lannister was better then Non Fat Robert Baratheon. Its strongly implied that Robert rarely mistreated Cersi because he knew Jamie would hurt him if he hurt her.
 
Tence said:
It showed exactly that. Arya with a smile and within literally 4 seconds her sword was at Briennes throat.
Click to expand...

If Brienne was fighting for her life she could disposed of Arya. Instead she was sparring with one of the Ladies of Winterfell and fought accordingly. She was surprised at Arya's skill no doubt, but Arya could not kill Brienne in a sword fight. She'd need to use her skill as an assassin to do that.

when Arya 1v1's a master swordsman and wins (kills/almost kills) like Brienne has I might believe she's one of the best. But she hasn't. She's had 1 play match with a master.
 
Sunster said:
If Brienne was fighting for her life she could disposed of Arya. Instead she was sparring with one of the Ladies of Winterfell and fought accordingly. She was surprised at Arya's skill no doubt, but Arya could not kill Brienne in a sword fight. She'd need to use her skill as an assassin to do that.

when Arya 1v1's a master swordsman and wins (kills/almost kills) like Brienne has I might believe she's one of the best. But she hasn't. She's had 1 play match with a master.
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This scene was to show how OP Arya has become. It is not realistic at all. If it was there was no way in any world that an Arya with a tiny sword could even come close to Brienne.
However, I am pretty sure this was the showmakers way of showing that Arya had mastered the 'water dancer style' and with that style will be able to kill larger more stronger opponents than her. It shows (a couple of times) 'evade, stab neck' with either Needle or a dagger.

The fact they were both in a position to kill eachother at the end was also a typical way directors show in series/movies: Look...these two people are an even match.

So no, it isn't realistic but I do feel it is what the showmakers are trying to tell.
 
Tence said:
This scene was clearly shown how OP Arya has become. It is not realistic at all. If it was there was no way in any world that an Arya with a tiny sword could even come close to Brienne.
However, I am pretty sure this was the showmakers way of showing that Arya had mastered the 'water style' and with that style will be able to kill larger more stronger opponents than her. It shows (a couple of times) 'evade, stab neck' with either sting or a dagger.

The fact they were both in a position to kill eachother at the end was also a typical way directors show in series/movies: Look...these two people are an even match.

So no, it isn't realistic but I do feel it is what the showmakers are trying to tell.
Click to expand...

We are talking about a fantasy show anyway in wich Arya can wear the faces of people to look and sound exactly like them, even if they are taller, have a different gender and are much older.
I agree that the show is making Arya (and the Faceless Men) look quite strong and I guess in the GoT universe (or even ASOIAF) this holds true.
 
Ocarina_117 said:
Doesn't Jon mention in season 4 that Robb was a better fighter.

He had a lot of victories at a young age.
Click to expand...

Robb was definitely a better tactician, but I think Jon could have wrecked him in a sword fight, even when they were still kids back in Winterfell. And of course Jon has only gotten better in the years since Robb has been a corpse.
 
Tence said:
This scene was to show how OP Arya has become. It is not realistic at all. If it was there was no way in any world that an Arya with a tiny sword could even come close to Brienne.
However, I am pretty sure this was the showmakers way of showing that Arya had mastered the 'water dancer style' and with that style will be able to kill larger more stronger opponents than her. It shows (a couple of times) 'evade, stab neck' with either Needle or a dagger.

The fact they were both in a position to kill eachother at the end was also a typical way directors show in series/movies: Look...these two people are an even match.

So no, it isn't realistic but I do feel it is what the showmakers are trying to tell.
Click to expand...

i buy this.
 
timmy said:
Dany/Drogon still wouldn't be #1 since Bran could just travel back in time and give them both brain damage.
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He wouldn't cause he's the most passive person on the show and probably wont ever care to get in a pissing contest.

You cant rank people's warrior or fighting skills and exclude their personality which affects how they conduct themselves in battle.
 
In real life armored knightly combat I would take undead Mountain over anyone else. In GoT show with its broken ass physics, probably Arya lol. On a battlefield, I'd probably take Grey Worm as spear >>>> sword in real battlefield combat.
 
CaviarMeths said:
Robb was definitely a better tactician, but I think Jon could have wrecked him in a sword fight, even when they were still kids back in Winterfell. And of course Jon has only gotten better in the years since Robb has been a corpse.
Click to expand...

i mean
technically
so's jon
and the mountain
and the white walkers

being a corpse is a stat upgrade in this show, so long as you find a way to keep moving.
If someone finds a way to reanimate Robb's corpse? Suplex city.
 
Best with a sword?

Arthur Dayne
Barristan Selmy
Jaime Lannister

If your top three differs, you are wrong. Regardless of what the show did or didn't do to these characters, or what others have accomplished present day in the story, they are universally considered the best. Not really considering anyone too far back in the lore, sticking with closer to War of the Five Kings/Robert's Rebellion characters.

As far as warrior strength goes:

Gregor Clegane
Sandor Clegane
Robert Baratheon
Brienne of Tarth
Victarion Greyjoy

You could probably argue whether Vic should be above or below Brienne, but I think that's a pretty solid listing of the more present day characters.

But yeah, swordsmen? Those are the undisputed top three. Jon is definitely up there too, but get all those Arya, Ramsey, Jaqen, and Bronns, off your list. Unless we're talking about assassins/rogues using subterfuge, or sellsword opportunists that make choose the right battles, they shouldn't be anywhere near the top.

Tacticians/commanders since some people are mentioning them:

Stannis Baratheon (ignoring the fact that the show turned him intoa jobber(goodnight sweet prince ;_: ) )
Randyll Tarly
Robb Stark
Tywin Lannister
 
SoapNickTavish said:
Best with a sword?

Arthur Dayne
Barristan Selmy
Jaime Lannister

If your top three differs, you are wrong. Regardless of what the show did or didn't do to these characters, or what others have accomplished present day in the story, they are universally considered the best. Not really considering anyone too far back in the lore, sticking with closer to War of the Five Kings/Robert's Rebellion characters.

As far as warrior strength goes:

Gregor Clegane
Sandor Clegane
Robert Baratheon
Brienne of Tarth
Victarion Greyjoy

You could probably argue whether Vic should be above or below Brienne, but I think that's a pretty solid listing of the more present day characters.

But yeah, swordsmen? Those are the undisputed top three. Jon is definitely up there too, but get all those Arya, Ramsey, Jaqen, and Bronns, off your list. Unless we're talking about assassins/rogues using subterfuge, or sellsword opportunists that make choose the right battles, they shouldn't be anywhere near the top.

Tacticians/commanders since some people are mentioning them:

Stannis Baratheon (ignoring the fact that the show turned him intoa jobber(goodnight sweet prince ;_: ) )
Randyll Tarly
Robb Stark
Tywin Lannister
Click to expand...

This is a pretty good write-up.

I didn't realize it at first but "best fighter" is really fucking nuanced.

This is just headcanon/opinion but IMO I think Oberyn is probably 1v1, with weapon of choice, the best. He was straight up playing with the Mountain and that's while he was losing his shit.

In a straight up war/battlefield (dead or alive) it's a ridiculous list. Something like:

Arthur Dayne
Barristan Selmy
Robert Baratheon
Jaime Lannister
Brienne or Grey Worm (they're probably tied)

Jon Snow hasn't beaten enough big name people but with show-powers he could easily be #1.

In a barfight, I'd take The Hound or Bronn.
 
My only familiarity is with the show

1- Two handed Jamie
2- Arya
3- Brienne
4- The Hound
5- Oberyn Martell

Jon Snow might be a solid #6
 
QuantumZebra said:
This is a pretty good write-up.

I didn't realize it at first but "best fighter" is really fucking nuanced.

This is just headcanon/opinion but IMO I think Oberyn is probably 1v1, with weapon of choice, the best. He was straight up playing with the Mountain and that's while he was losing his shit.

In a straight up war/battlefield (dead or alive) it's a ridiculous list. Something like:

Arthur Dayne
Barristan Selmy
Robert Baratheon
Jaime Lannister
Brienne or Grey Worm (they're probably tied)

Jon Snow hasn't beaten enough big name people but with show-powers he could easily be #1.

In a barfight, I'd take The Hound or Bronn.
Click to expand...

Jon hasn't beaten enough big names but you list Grey Worm? Hahaha holy shit.
 
Either Barristan Selmy, or Arthur Dayne.

"I learned from the White Bull, Barristan Selmy. I learned from Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, who could have slain all five of you with his left hand while he was taking a piss with the right" ~ Jaime Lannister

"The finest knight I ever saw was Ser Arthur Dayne, who fought with a blade called Dawn, forged from the heart of a fallen star. They called him the Sword of the Morning, and he would have killed me but for Howland Reed" ~ Ned Stark

Something his father had told him once when he was little came back to him suddenly. He had asked Lord Eddard if the Kingsguard were truly the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms. "No longer," he answered, "but once they were a marvel, a shining lesson to the world.

Q: Who would win in a fight: Barristan Selmy or Arthur Dayne (on their best days)?
GRRM: Dayne... if he was armed with Dawn. Otherwise, it would be a toss-up.

That being said, the series takes care to establish that there are no straight forward power levels: Selmy himself says "no warrior is without a peer." No one knight could beat any other given knight on any given day.

Very sad that Dawn wasn't in the show's version of the Tower of Joy. Less said about how they butchered Barristan's character, the better.
 
Seductivpancakes said:
Yea all he's beaten are faceless jobbers.
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Grey Worm. Has fought masked aristocrats and almost died. Killed those two slavers that were peeing their pants because of the dragon. Took Casterly Rock because it was undermanned.

Jon Snow. Fought the mutineers and beat Karl fookin Tanner. Probably his closest call as Karl had the upperhand and essentially beat him. Took control of the defense of Castle Black, fighting through wildlings and beating Styr. Fought the army of the dead and defeated a white walker at Hardhome. He pretty much Jamie Lannister'd his way through Battle of the Bastards, and even Ramsay, the shirtless, of house Twenty of Goodmen refused him in single combat. And I'm sure we'll be able to add another battle to Jon's resume very soon.

Grey Worm just does not rank above Jon.

Wolvers said:
Very sad that Dawn wasn't in the show's version of the Tower of Joy. Less said about how they butchered Barristan's character, the better.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I was disappointed when I saw two swords instead of Dawn. I wonder if they tried filming with a sword like that, but it didn't look as impressive a fight as dual swords.
 
I love how show Barriston dies like a fool in an alleyway during a scrap with masked randos who, I imagine, have next to no formal combat training.
 
Grey Worm fights really stiff and slow. Oberyn would dance all over him.

Maybe they'd make GW fight better if he had a serious 1v1, though.
 
Grey Worm would be a lot more impressive if they got him some actual armor. That fashion shit the Unsullied wear hasn't actually stopped a single weapon in any battle that I can recall. May as well just go semi-nude Dothraki style.
 
By then selves unsullied are not the greatest fighters they are small and weak compared to other warriors. However as a unit with there lack of fear they can be extremely effective.

Grey worm isn't that great in a 1 vs 1
 
What I'm getting from this thread is that we need a Game of Thrones fighting game. The Night King could be the final boss and Arthur Dayne could be the guy you fight right before the final boss.
 
I think Syrio would be up there. He taught Arya initially who is shown to be capable of taking on Brienne (who beat Loras, Jaime, Hound). He also took out 3 kings guard with just a wooden practice sword and only presumably died when that was taken away.
 
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