The Best Warriors Shown In Game Of Thrones & House Of The Dragon

Highlights

In the world of
Game of Thrones
, skill with a sword and battle prowess can elevate a person’s status and power significantly.
Being born into an important family in
Game of Thrones
has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of personal power and influence.
Characters like Daemon Targaryen, Jon Snow, Oberyn Martell, Jaime Lannister, and Arthur Dayne are among the best warriors in Westeros.

As a great admirer of the art of swordsmanship and the rich history of Westeros, I find myself utterly captivated by the tales of Jaime Lannister and Ser Arthur Dayne, two knights whose skills with a blade are the stuff of legends.

In the realm of “Game of Thrones,” power and strength hold significant influence. A person’s mastery over a sword and readiness to employ it can elevate their status to greater renown and familial authority, or at minimum, safeguard their existing power.

There are countless numbers of deadly individuals hailing from the noble houses of Westeros and the far-reaching corners of the Known World. In both “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon,” we’ve witnessed the power and capability of a person wielding a blade. Below, we recognize five exceptional warriors who have proven themselves in battle or through remarkable on-screen feats, earning them a place among the best.

5 Daemon Targaryen

The Rogue Prince

The Best Warriors Shown In Game Of Thrones & House Of The Dragon

First Appearance: House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 1 “The Heirs of the Dragon”
Signature Weapon: Dark Sister

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be in awe of Daemon Targaryen, no matter if there are six or sixty opponents before me. The title “The Rogue Prince” itself speaks volumes about his warrior prowess. Although some fighters may boast superior skills, I would put my faith in Daemon’s unyielding determination and willpower on the battlefield. It’s not just about the techniques they wield; it’s about the indomitable spirit that makes a true champion.

With his innate warrior abilities and Targaryen upbringing, Daemon effortlessly matches the best fighters in the realm. His fervor for combat, unsurpassed among his peers, allows him to perform astonishing feats on the battlefield that others at his level can scarcely imagine.

In the third episode of “House of the Dragon,” Daemon cleverly turns the tables against The Triarchy through an ingenious plan. Pretending to surrender, Daemon’s soldiers feign defeat, luring the Crabfeeder’s men into a false sense of security. As part of this ruse, Daemon steps forward alone and engages in a brutal one-on-one fight with the Crabfeeder. In the process, he manages to slay dozens of their soldiers, leaving their ranks decimated. This tactical move provides enough time for Daemon’s forces to regroup and ultimately secure their victory in the war. The episode concludes with a striking visual: the lifeless body of the Crabfeeder, completely dismembered, symbolizing Daemon’s complete triumph.

4 Jon Snow

The White Wolf

First Appearance: Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1 “Winter Is Coming”
Signature Weapon: Longclaw

In the world of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” two significant characters, Jon Snow, who is both the King in the North and the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, stand out. While Jon is depicted as a capable swordsman in the novels, his fighting abilities are not as extensively emphasized as they are portrayed in the show. In the series, Jon Snow’s exceptional swordsmanship plays a pivotal role in defining him as one of the secret Targaryens.

Growing up as an outsider in a monarch’s household, Jon Snow was already an exceptional swordsman prior to joining the Night’s Watch. While serving at the Wall, he distinguished himself as one of its strongest warriors, initially eliciting jealousy and contempt from his peers. However, their feelings towards him shifted into admiration and a strong inclination to follow his leadership. Throughout the show, Jon Snow displayed numerous impressive sword-fighting skills. He defeated Wildings and Northmen twice his size in battles, and even managed to slay a white walker single-handedly.

Once, Lord Ramsay Bolton made a lighthearted comment that Jon Snow was famously regarded as an exceptional swordsman based on how others spoke about him. With his extensive experience in battles as both a soldier and a commander, it is evident why such praise is merited for Jon Snow.

3 Oberyn Martell

The Viper

First Appearance: Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 1 “Two Swords”
Signature Weapon: His spears and poisons

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about Oberyn, the Red Viper of Dorne, whose enigmatic charm left an indelible mark on me during Season 4 of “Game of Thrones.” With his cocky swagger and captivating allure, Oberyn had a knack for stealing the spotlight. But it wasn’t just his confidence that won us over; it was his unwavering determination and raw skill that truly left us in awe.

Prince Oberion of House Martell was formidable with a spear, which likely would have guaranteed his victory, if not for his determination to extract a confession from Gregor. This delay proved costly, allowing Gregor to regain strength and ultimately slay Oberion. In the brief moments he graced our screens, Oberyn demonstrated an accomplishment seldom achieved in Westeros: holding The Mountain at bay in single combat for a significant duration. His nimble footwork and coated weapons added to his fearsome reputation as one of the most challenging adversaries in all the lands.

2 Jaime Lannister

The Kingslayer

First Appearance: Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1 “Winter Is Coming”
Signature Weapon: His sword and a golden hand

Despite being branded as a dishonorable Oathbreaker by both nobility and commoners in Westeros, Jaime Lannister’s exceptional swordsmanship was undeniable. Recognized as a prodigy since his youth, Jaime earned knighthood before reaching the age of seventeen. His talents did not go unnoticed for long, as he was soon chosen to join the Kingsguard, an appointment bestowed upon him by then-ruler Aerys II Targaryen, making Jaime the youngest member ever in the esteemed ranks of the Kingsguard.

Although Jaime’s exceptional swordsmanship is mostly hidden from us until Season 3 when he loses his hand, we catch brief glimpses of it. Despite being shackled and injured during his encounter with Brienne of Tarth, one of the realm’s finest knights, Jaime still holds his own in their duel.

Despite having lost his hand, Jaime remains an impressive swordsman, a feat few other warriors could accomplish given similar injuries.

1 Arthur Dayne

The Sword Of The Morning

First Appearance: Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 3 “Oathbreaker”
Signature Weapon: Dawn

Not much is known about Ser Arthur Dayne of House Dorne, aka the Sword of the Morning, but what is known is that he was a noble knight, a loyal friend of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and is thought of as the clear choice for the greatest swordsmen Westeros and the Known World has ever seen. Arthur Dayne was a Westerosi legend who was greatly revered by all, to the point where Jaime Lannister, one of the best swordsmen around, looked up to him since he was young, and Barristan Selmy, another excellent warrior even into his old age, was not sure whether he could have ever beaten him.

In the Seven Kingdoms, Ned Stark is greatly admired for defeating the formidable knight, Arthur Dayne. However, it was later revealed that their encounter was not a fair one-on-one fight. Instead, Ned’s triumph came with assistance, while Dayne was taken by surprise.

During this flashback, viewers were given a unique opportunity to observe Dayne’s extraordinary swordsmanship abilities. He brilliantly fought against four adversaries simultaneously, leaving no trace of exertion on his face. It’s fair to conclude that Dayne held the title of greatest swordsman in Westeros.

2024-07-29 15:34