The Best Swordsmen in ‘Game of Thrones’ & ‘House of the Dragon’

Westeros and the lands across the Narrow Sea are home to many skilled warriors. From knights in shining armor to cunning sellswords, the world of ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘House of the Dragon’ is filled with characters who live and die by the sword. Their skill in combat is the stuff of legend, earning them reputations that echo through the halls of castles and the dusty streets of distant cities. These fighters come from all walks of life, each with their own unique style and approach to battle.

This list looks at the best swordsmen from both eras, ranking them on their proven abilities, their reputation, and the feats they accomplished. We consider not just their raw strength but also their tactical minds and their mastery of the blade. From the disciplined knights of the Kingsguard to the unpredictable warriors of Essos, these are the individuals who have proven themselves to be the most formidable fighters in a world where combat skill often means the difference between life and death.

Ser Arthur Dayne

Ser Arthur Dayne was a member of King Aerys II Targaryen’s Kingsguard and was known as the Sword of the Morning. This title was given to a knight from House Dayne who was considered worthy of wielding their ancestral greatsword, Dawn. The sword is said to have been forged from the heart of a fallen star. Dayne was considered the most skilled swordsman of his time, and even Jaime Lannister held him in high regard.

His legend was built on numerous feats, including defeating the Kingswood Brotherhood. He famously dueled the Smiling Knight, and when his opponent’s sword broke, Dayne allowed him to get a new one. This act of chivalry, combined with his unmatched skill, made him a respected figure throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Ned Stark, a skilled fighter himself, admitted that Dayne would have killed him during their confrontation at the Tower of Joy if not for Howland Reed’s help.

Ser Barristan Selmy

Ser Barristan Selmy, known as Barristan the Bold, was a celebrated knight who served in the Kingsguard for multiple kings. His long and decorated career began at a young age when he earned his nickname in a tourney at just ten years old. He was knighted at sixteen and went on to achieve great victories on the battlefield, including slaying Maelys the Monstrous in single combat during the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

Even in his old age, Barristan’s skill with a sword was nearly without equal. After being dismissed from the Kingsguard by King Joffrey, he single-handedly killed the Gold Cloaks sent to capture him before fleeing to Essos to join Daenerys Targaryen. He served her as a trusted advisor and a fierce protector, proving his loyalty and combat prowess until his death. Many, including Jaime Lannister, considered him to be as skilled as the legendary Arthur Dayne.

Daemon Targaryen

Prince Daemon Targaryen was a fierce and experienced warrior, known for his unpredictable nature in battle. At sixteen, he was knighted by King Jaehaerys I, who also gave him the Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister. Daemon’s skill as a swordsman was matched by his experience as a commander and dragonrider, making him one of the most dangerous men of his time.

During the War for the Stepstones, Daemon famously faced the Triarchy’s forces, slaying their leader, Craghas Drahar, in single combat. He was a key figure in the Dance of the Dragons, leading armies and fighting in numerous battles. His willingness to take risks and his mastery of both swordplay and strategy made him a formidable opponent for anyone who stood against him.

Jaime Lannister

From a young age, Jaime Lannister was recognized as a sword-fighting prodigy, becoming the youngest knight ever to be inducted into the Kingsguard at fifteen. In his prime, he was widely considered the greatest swordsman in Westeros. Even after being held captive for months and with his hands chained, he proved to be a difficult opponent for Brienne of Tarth.

After losing his sword hand, Jaime was forced to retrain with his left. While he struggled to regain his former skill, he still proved to be a capable fighter. His natural talent, combined with years of training and battle experience, cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled warriors in the Seven Kingdoms.

Ser Criston Cole

Ser Criston Cole rose from a minor house to become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. His skill with a sword and other weapons was proven early on when he defeated Prince Daemon Targaryen in a tourney. Cole’s fighting style is precise and calculated, relying on his formal training and battle experience.

As a knight of the Kingsguard, he was responsible for training the royal children, including Aemond Targaryen. His dedication to his duties and his prowess in combat made him a respected and feared figure at court. He played a significant role in the events leading up to and during the Dance of the Dragons, serving as a key ally to Queen Alicent Hightower.

Sandor Clegane (The Hound)

Sandor Clegane, known as “The Hound,” was a fearsome and powerful warrior. Though he was never a knight, his skill in battle was undeniable. He was known for his immense strength and his brutal, no-nonsense fighting style. He served as Joffrey Baratheon’s personal bodyguard for years before abandoning his post during the Battle of the Blackwater.

The Hound’s travels through the war-torn Riverlands further honed his survival skills. His duel with Brienne of Tarth, though it ended in his defeat, showcased his tenacity and ability to endure incredible pain. He was a survivor who fought with a ferocity that few could match.

Gregor Clegane (The Mountain)

Gregor Clegane, “The Mountain,” was a man of monstrous size and strength, known for his brutality. His sheer power made him one of the most terrifying fighters in Westeros. He was a key enforcer for House Lannister, leading their forces in battle and carrying out their brutal orders.

His duel with Oberyn Martell demonstrated his incredible resilience. Despite being severely wounded and poisoned, he managed to kill the Red Viper. Even after his supposed death and reanimation as Ser Robert Strong, he remained a mindless, unstoppable force of destruction.

Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth is a warrior of exceptional skill and determination. Despite not being a knight for much of her life, she proved herself in numerous battles. She first demonstrated her prowess by winning a melee against many other knights, including Loras Tyrell. Her size and strength, combined with her unwavering loyalty, make her a formidable opponent.

She famously defeated a weakened and chained Jaime Lannister and later bested Sandor Clegane in a brutal duel. Her training with a sword, coupled with her experience fighting in the wars that ravaged Westeros, has made her one of the most respected and capable warriors in the Seven Kingdoms.

Oberyn Martell

Prince Oberyn Martell, the “Red Viper” of Dorne, was a swift and deadly warrior. He was known for his mastery of the spear and his use of poisons. His fighting style was acrobatic and unpredictable, making him a difficult opponent to face. He studied at the Citadel and learned much about the human body, knowledge he used to his advantage in a fight.

His duel against Gregor Clegane was a display of his incredible speed and skill. He successfully wounded The Mountain multiple times, moving with a grace that few could match. Though his quest for a confession ultimately led to his demise, he proved that he was one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

Arya Stark

Arya Stark’s journey transformed her from a noble’s daughter into a deadly assassin. Her training began with Syrio Forel, who taught her the Braavosi “Water Dancing” style of fencing, which emphasized speed and agility over brute force. This foundation was perfectly suited to her small stature and quick reflexes.

Her skills were further honed through her harsh experiences traveling through Westeros and her time with the Faceless Men in Braavos. She learned to fight with various weapons and became a master of stealth and deception. Her duel with Brienne of Tarth showed how she could combine her different training styles to hold her own against a much larger and stronger opponent.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow’s upbringing at Winterfell and his time with the Night’s Watch molded him into a skilled and resilient warrior. He possesses a combination of formal training and the harsh experience of fighting wildlings and the undead beyond the Wall. He proved his abilities in numerous battles, including the Battle of Castle Black and the Battle of the Bastards.

Wielding the Valyrian steel sword Longclaw, Jon has faced down some of the most fearsome enemies in Westeros. While he may not be the most technically gifted swordsman on this list, his bravery, leadership, and proven combat experience make him a formidable fighter.

Syrio Forel

Syrio Forel was the former First Sword of Braavos, a title given to the city’s greatest swordsman. He was a master of the “Water Dancing” style of fighting. He taught a young Arya Stark the fundamentals of this agile and precise form of swordplay.

Syrio believed that the key to fighting was to be as swift and quiet as water. Though he was only seen fighting with a wooden practice sword against armored Lannister guardsmen, his ability to disarm and defeat them showed his incredible skill. He imparted to Arya a philosophy of fighting that she carried with her throughout her journey.

Bronn

Bronn is a cunning and pragmatic sellsword who relies on his wits as much as his blade. His fighting style is efficient and opportunistic, focusing on survival rather than honor or showmanship. He proved his deadliness when he championed Tyrion Lannister in a trial by combat at the Eyrie, using his agility to defeat a more heavily armored knight.

Throughout his time serving Tyrion and later Jaime, Bronn has shown his resourcefulness in numerous fights. He is not a knight and doesn’t fight like one, often using his environment and any dirty trick necessary to win. This practical approach to combat has allowed him to survive and prosper in a dangerous world.

Daario Naharis

Daario Naharis is a charismatic and deadly sellsword who rose to become a commander of the Second Sons. His skills were honed in the fighting pits of Essos, giving him a ruthless and efficient combat style. He is proficient with both a Dothraki arakh and a Myrish stiletto, making him a versatile fighter.

He is confident in his abilities and is not afraid to take risks. He killed his fellow captains to pledge his company’s allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen and served her as a loyal warrior and advisor. His experience in both single combat and large-scale battles makes him a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Grey Worm

Grey Worm is the commander of the Unsullied, the elite warrior-eunuchs of Astapor. The Unsullied are known for their absolute discipline and mastery of the spear and shortsword. Grey Worm is a prime example of their rigorous training, displaying incredible skill and bravery in battle.

He led the Unsullied in many of Daenerys Targaryen’s campaigns, proving his worth as both a soldier and a leader. His fight against the Sons of the Harpy in the streets of Meereen, where he was severely wounded but survived, demonstrated his resilience and dedication.

Jorah Mormont

Ser Jorah Mormont was an exiled knight from Westeros who became one of Daenerys Targaryen’s most loyal companions. He was a seasoned warrior, having fought in the Greyjoy Rebellion where he was one of the first men through the breach at Pyke. His experience in both Westerosi battles and as a sellsword in Essos made him a capable and reliable fighter.

He won his knighthood on the battlefield and was a skilled jouster. Throughout his service to Daenerys, he protected her from numerous threats, including defeating a Dothraki bloodrider in single combat. His combination of formal knightly training and practical fighting experience made him a tough opponent.

Aemond Targaryen

Prince Aemond Targaryen is a skilled and fierce warrior, known for his dedication to sword fighting. He trained extensively with Ser Criston Cole, becoming an exceptional swordsman from a young age. His aggressive and versatile fighting style makes him a formidable opponent in one-on-one combat.

Riding the largest dragon in the world, Vhagar, Aemond is a terrifying presence on the battlefield. His skill with a sword, combined with his ruthlessness and ambition, establishes him as one of the most dangerous figures during the Dance of the Dragons.

Ser Harwin Strong

Ser Harwin “Breakbones” Strong was said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms during his time. As a knight and later Commander of the City Watch, he was a formidable fighter. He was responsible for training Princess Rhaenyra’s sons in swordsmanship.

His strength and fighting prowess were well-known. When Ser Criston Cole insulted Princess Rhaenyra’s children, Harwin beat him severely. He was a respected and powerful figure at court before his untimely death in a fire at Harrenhal.

Cregan Stark

Lord Cregan Stark was the formidable head of House Stark during the Dance of the Dragons. He was known as a legendary warrior and a stern, honorable lord of Winterfell. His reputation as a swordsman was admired and feared throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

Although his fighting skills are more noted in the books, his presence and the respect he commanded from figures like Daemon Targaryen speak to his abilities. He was a key player in the later stages of the civil war, bringing the strength of the North with him.

Ser Ryam Redwyne

Ser Ryam Redwyne served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard during the reigns of King Jaehaerys I and King Viserys I. In his time, he was considered one of the most legendary swordsmen in Westeros. He was respected by all as a paragon of knighthood, much like Barristan Selmy in a later era.

Though he is an old man and dies of illness early in House of the Dragon, his reputation precedes him. He is mentioned in the same breath as the greatest knights in history, a testament to the skill he possessed in his prime.