Game Of Thrones: Who The Best Swordsman In Westeros Really Is

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Game of Thrones featured a slew of skilled fighters throughout the show's eight seasons, but there were only a few truly dominant swordsmen. Based on the novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by author George R.R. Martin, the HBO series was primarily set in the fictional world of Westeros. While the plot heavily focused on kings, noble houses, and mythological beasts like dragons, there was also a prominent presence of knights, military guards, and warriors. The weapon of choice for the fighters was often swords, and in some cases, the ancestral sword of a noble house.

Throughout Game of Throne's run, several lead characters served time in positions that required the use of a sword. Both Gregor and Sandor Clegane served in the Kingsguard due to their respective skills when it came to one-on-one combat. The elite group of knights were essentially the bodyguards for whoever led the Seven Kingdoms. When Bran Stark was elected the king by the end of the series, Brienne of Tarth was made the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, making her the first female to do so. The notable knight wasn't the only female skilled in sword fighting, however. Arya Stark was given lessons by Syrio Forel at a very young age to learn the basics before emerging as a warrior in her own right.

While the aforementioned names could easily be considered the best swordsman, in the nation's history, the award would go to Ser Arthur Dayne. The legendary knight only made one appearance in Game of Thrones, showing up during one of Bran's visions of the past in season 6. In the show, he was shown using two swords, including his family's ancestral sword, Dawn, before he was killed by Howland Reed and Ned Stark at the Tower of Joy. Seeing as Arthur only made a brief cameo in the TV series, some might argue that he shouldn't be in the running for Game of Thrones' best swordsman. Barristan Selmy, on the other hand, appeared in 25 episodes across four seasons. The figure served in the Kingsguard for three different kings before switching allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen. The knight, nicknamed "Barristan the Bold," carried his skill into his old age, which continuously increased his legendary status prior to his death by the Sons of Harpy. With all that said, a few other characters had the potential to live up to Barristan's level.

Game Of Thrones Characters Who Had The Skill To Be The Best Swordsman

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From the start of Game of Thrones, it was established that Jaime Lannister was one of the best living swordsmen. The "Kingslayer" probably had the most potential to become the best sword fighter in the series if he didn't lose his right-hand in season 3. Seeing as that was his sword hand, Jaime had to re-train, learning to wield a weapon in his left hand with the help of Bronn. Though he was a bit slower, Jaime was still an effective warrior, which allowed him to continue serving as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard while also fighting in the Battle of Winterfell.

With Jaime missing his sword hand and Barristan dying in season 5, then the title of best swordsman in Game of Thrones would have gone to Jon Snow. While not as historically well known or revered throughout Westeros as the Kingsguard, Ramsay Bolton notes that Jon is regarded in the North as the finest swordsman who ever lived, and Jon and his trusty sword, Longclaw, saw a lot of action in the series. Aside from general training at his home in the North, Jon took part in the Battle of Castle Black, the Battle of the Bastards, the Battler of Winterfell, and the Battle of King's Landing. That was in addition to one-on-one duels and combat against White Walkers and other threats. With his vast experience, Jon could have easily been in the running as the best swordsmen still alive.