Inspired by the epic <em>A Song of Ice and Fire</em> novels authored by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones intricately weaves the tales of various noble families striving for supremacy across the expansive continent of Westeros. Simultaneously, an exiled princess from a once-mighty dynasty assembles an army across the sea to reclaim her rightful throne. Meanwhile, in the chilling northern territories, enigmatic White Walkers resurrect the deceased. The series captivated audiences with its compelling narrative, rich character development, and the shocking elimination of fan-favorite characters, ultimately securing its status as a monumental cultural phenomenon of the 2010s. However, it faced substantial backlash due to one of the most criticized finales in television history.
Reflecting a realm where fantasy collides with historical realities, the universe of Game of Thrones showcases a remarkable array of skilled warriors. Among these, swords reign supreme, with some crafted from a rare metal known as Valyrian Steel. Viewers are inevitably drawn to the screen during battle sequences, whether they feature large-scale conflicts or intimate duels, as they witness extraordinary displays of martial prowess. This article ranks the top swordsmen and women in Game of Thrones according to their combat skills, tactical ingenuity, and notable achievements throughout the series.
15
Ser Beric Dondarrion: The Resilient Leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners
Portrayed by David Michael Scott and Richard Dormer
During a brutal campaign in the Riverlands, Ser Gregor Clegane (Conan Stevens, Ian Whyte, and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) brutally massacres those in his path upon the orders of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance). In response, Eddard Stark (Sebastian Croft, Robert Aramayo, and Sean Bean</strong), the Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), dispatches Ser Beric Dondarrion (David Michael Scott and Richard Dormer) to bring him to justice. Tragically, Beric’s mission is thwarted when he is ambushed by Clegane’s men, resulting in a lance piercing his heart. Yet, in a twist of fate, the red priest Thoros of Myr (Paul Kaye) resurrects Beric, leading him to form the Brotherhood Without Banners, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the innocent from the approaching war.
Throughout the series, Dondarrion faces death multiple times, ultimately dying six additional deaths before his final demise in the epic Battle of Winterfell. He emerges as not only an inspiring leader but also a formidable soldier. His unwavering faith in the Lord of Light grants him the ability to ignite his sword with fire, making him a key player in some of Game of Thrones‘ most memorable duels, including an intense confrontation with Sandor Clegane (Rory McCann). Although Beric ultimately loses that duel, he holds his own against the Hound, a feat few can claim in one-on-one combat.
14
Daario Naharis: The Cunning Sellsword of Slaver’s Bay
Portrayed by Ed Skrein and Michiel Huisman
In a dramatic turn of events, after Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) incinerates the city of Astapor in Slaver’s Bay, the city of Yunkai hires a mercenary company known as the Second Sons to thwart her advance. However, one of the captains, the charismatic and rogue Daario Naharis (Ed Skrein and Michiel Huisman), becomes enamored with Daenerys and eliminates his fellow captains to bring the Second Sons to her side. His loyalty is further demonstrated as he aids in the conquest of Yunkai and eventually becomes Daenerys’s lover.
Daario’s combat style is characterized by agility and cunning. He employs a range of tricks during battles, from concealing weapons to sabotaging an enemy’s mount, ensuring he maintains the upper hand. Preferring to wield two swords, including a curved arakh reminiscent of those used by the Dothraki and a smaller dagger he often throws, Daario’s fighting skills are as captivating as his charming personality.
13
Ser Bronn of the Blackwater: The Sly Sellsword Turned Knight
Portrayed by Jerome Flynn
In a pivotal moment, Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) captures Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) to face justice for allegedly attempting to murder her son. Accompanying her is the cunning sellsword Bronn (Jerome Flynn), who later becomes Tyrion’s champion during a trial by combat. Subsequently, Bronn enters Tyrion’s service, motivated by the promise of gold, and eventually earns a knighthood after valorously fighting in the Battle of the Blackwater. When Tyrion is wrongfully accused of King Joffrey Baratheon’s (Jack Gleeson) murder and goes on the run, Bronn remains loyal to the Lannisters due to unpaid dues.
Bronn exemplifies a character willing to bend the rules of honor for survival. His pragmatic approach is evident during the trial by combat, where he skillfully evades all of Ser Vardis’s (Brendan McCormack) attacks, finishing off the knight when he is weary. The show frequently shows Bronn reaching for his dirk when confronted by aggressive knights, illustrating his readiness to fight and confidence in his ability to emerge victorious.
12
Ser Jorah Mormont: The Exiled Knight with a Loyal Heart
Portrayed by Iain Glen
Formerly the lord of Bear Island in the North, Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) was compelled to flee Westeros after engaging in illicit trade with slavers to settle his debts. The Master of Whisperers, Lord Varys (Conleth Hill), maintained contact with Jorah, offering him a royal pardon in exchange for spying on the exiled Targaryens. However, Jorah grows to respect Daenerys and pledges his loyalty to her cause to reclaim her throne.
His extensive training endows him with a distinctive combat style, allowing him to effectively leverage his armor against adversaries in the East. This skill set enabled him to triumph over one of Khal Drogo’s (Jason Momoa) blood riders and collaborate with Daario and Unsullied Captain Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) to infiltrate Yunkai. Jorah’s prowess was also evident during his time as a fighter in Meereen and in the pivotal Battle of Winterfell, where he showcased his resilience before ultimately sacrificing himself to protect Daenerys from danger.
11
Jon Snow: The Reluctant Hero of the North
Portrayed by Kit Harington
Raised as Eddard Stark’s illegitimate son, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) always felt like an outsider at Winterfell. Consequently, when Eddard journeyed south to fulfill his duties as Hand of the King, Jon chose to head north and join the Night’s Watch. His leadership potential caught the attention of Lord Commander Jeor Mormont (James Cosmo), who appointed Jon as his steward to prepare him for future command. However, a series of unsettling events north of the Wall compelled the Night’s Watch to embark on a perilous Great Ranging, thrusting Jon into a conflict far older and more complex than he had anticipated.
Jon’s rigorous training under Ser Rodrik Cassel (Fergus Leathem and Ron Donachie</strong), Winterfell's master-at-arms, equipped him with valuable combat skills that set him apart from other recruits at Castle Black. His adventures beyond the Wall further refined his abilities, allowing him to face formidable foes, such as Styr (Yuri Kolokolnikov</strong), the Magnar of the Thenns, and even slay a White Walker in single combat using his Valyrian Steel sword, Longclaw. However, Jon’s emotional nature often leads him into precarious situations, making him susceptible to manipulation and traps laid by his adversaries.
10
Robert Baratheon: The Warrior King Who Fell from Grace
Portrayed by Mark Addy
Following the tragic demise of his parents, Robert Baratheon was raised by Jon Arryn (John Standing) in the Vale, where he developed a close bond with Eddard Stark. The catalyst for Robert’s rebellion occurred when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding) abducted Eddard’s sister, Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi), who was also Robert’s betrothed. This event led to the deaths of Eddard’s father and brother at the hands of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen (David Rintoul), sparking a rebellion that ultimately ended the Targaryen dynasty’s rule over Westeros. Robert himself personally slayed Rhaegar in combat during the fateful Battle of the Trident.
By the time of Game of Thrones, Robert has succumbed to despair and lethargy, becoming a mere shadow of his former self. Yet, during his prime, he was a formidable warrior, wielding a two-handed warhammer with remarkable skill. His victory over Rhaegar stands as a testament to his prowess, as Rhaegar was renowned for his expertise in combat, yet Robert triumphed through sheer brute force and wrath.
9
Eddard Stark: The Honorable Warden of the North
Portrayed by Sebastian Croft, Robert Aramayo, and Sean Bean
After the rebellion, Eddard Stark assumed the role of Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, forging a family with his wife, Catelyn Tully (Michelle Fairley). Years later, he assisted Robert in quelling Balon Greyjoy’s (Patrick Malahide) rebellion and took in Balon’s surviving son, Theon (Alfie Allen), as a ward. Following Jon Arryn’s death, Robert summoned Eddard to serve as Hand of the King, leading Eddard to uncover shocking truths that would plunge the realm into chaos and civil war.
Unlike Robert, who allowed himself to deteriorate, Eddard maintained his physical fitness and honed his swordsmanship, ensuring his enemies remained uncertain of his capabilities in battle. The audience witnesses Eddard fight only twice: first in a brief duel against Ser Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), which is interrupted by a Lannister spearman, and then in a flashback where he and his companions confront two members of the Kingsguard. On both occasions, Eddard demonstrates his ability to hold his ground against more skilled adversaries, proving that even if he were to lose, he would make his opponent work hard for victory.
8
Syrio Forel: The Master Swordsman of Braavos
Portrayed by Miltos Yerolemou
Once serving as the First Sword of Braavos, Syrio Forel (Miltos Yerolemou) is a master of the Bravosi combat style known as water dancing. When Eddard Stark learns that his youngest daughter, Arya (Maisie Williams), longs to learn the art of combat, he hires Syrio as her instructor, believing that the fluidity and elegance of water dancing align better with Arya’s disposition than traditional Westerosi fighting methods. Tragically, their lessons are abruptly interrupted following the death of Robert, with Syrio last seen valiantly engaging Ser Meryn to provide Arya a chance to escape.
Syrio showcases his exceptional skills when he effortlessly overcomes Meryn’s guards using only a wooden training sword. He emphasizes the significance of nurturing both the mind and body, encouraging Arya to focus on the present moment and to be observant of her surroundings. One can only speculate how the duel with Meryn would have unfolded had Syrio been armed with a steel blade.
7
Ser Gregor Clegane: The Mountain of Brutality and Destruction
Portrayed by Conan Stevens, Ian Whyte, and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
Known widely as the Mountain that Rides, Ser Gregor Clegane is the tallest and most formidable man in Westeros, wielding unparalleled strength. His massive size is matched only by his ferocious temper, fueled by chronic pain, and he eagerly unleashes his rage upon anyone within reach. A loyal servant to House Lannister, he is frequently deployed whenever they seek to exert overwhelming force, whether it be through the slaughter in the Riverlands or serving as the crown’s champion during trials by combat.
Ser Gregor embodies brutality, relying on sheer strength rather than finesse with the sword, delivering massive blows capable of decapitating horses. His enormous stature allows him to absorb more damage than an average man before succumbing to injuries. After being resurrected by Qyburn (Anton Lesser), Gregor becomes nearly unstoppable, as he no longer feels pain. However, the degradation of his mind transforms him into an even more relentless force in battle.
6
Prince Oberyn Martell: The Vengeful Warrior with a Poisonous Edge
Portrayed by Pedro Pascal
Known as the Red Viper, Prince Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) is the passionate younger brother of the ailing Prince Doran Martell (Alexander Siddig). While Doran ruled Dorne, Oberyn traveled extensively, gaining knowledge, refining his combat abilities, and engaging in numerous romantic escapades with both men and women, including his beloved paramour, Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma). Upon reaching King’s Landing for the royal wedding, Oberyn seeks a position on the Small Council while also pursuing vengeance for the brutal murder of his sister and her children at the hands of Ser Gregor on Tywin Lannister’s orders (Charles Dance).
Oberyn’s fighting style starkly contrasts with that of Ser Gregor, as he relies on agility, precise strikes, and deadly poisons to overwhelm his opponents before delivering the final blow. His extensive studies have equipped him with knowledge of the human body’s most vulnerable areas, a skill he demonstrated when dealing with a disrespectful Lannister guard. His combat technique resembles a captivating dance, as he twirls his spear to confuse his adversaries while exhibiting his prowess to the audience, but unfortunately, his overconfidence ultimately leads to his demise.
