10 Greatest Swordsmen in the Game of Thrones Universe, Ranked (2024)

The Game of Thrones universe boasts a myriad of formidable warriors, but only a select few are truly recognized as the greatest swordsmen and women of their era. While George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire features an extensive array of skilled fighters, the best swordsmen comprise many of the most iconic characters from the HBO adaptation that fans have come to admire.

Ranking Game of Thrones' best swordsmen involves more than just brute strength or speed; it also considers creativity, technique, and tactical skill. These talented men and women have made a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing their unique abilities and unforgettable moments throughout the series.

10 Ser Bronn of the Blackwater Is a Clever Rulebreaker With Great Ambitions

Portrayed by: Jerome Flynn

The audience first meets Bronn, a sellsword, in an Inn, where he offers his room to Tyrion for gold. Soon after, Catelyn Stark arrests Tyrion, suspecting him of hiring an assassin to kill her son Bran. A group, including Bronn, escorts Catelyn and Tyrion to the Vale. After spending nights in a sky cell at the Eyrie, Tyrion demands a trial by combat, and Bronn volunteers as his champion. Using cunning tactics, Bronn defeats Lady Arryn’s champion, prompting her to claim he fought dishonorably. Bronn is unfazed by her remark, pointing out that her knight fought with honor and died.

Throughout the eight-season run of Game of Thrones, Bronn rises in status, eventually becoming captain of the City Watch, training Jaime Lannister, and ultimately earning lordship over Highgarden as Master of Coin in King Bran the Broken’s Small Council. Bronn is living proof that a skilled fighter with great ambition can rise to a great position of power in this world.

9 The Mountain Is a Terrifying Giant With No Mercy

Played by: Ian Whyte / Conan Stevens / Hafthor Bjornsson

Ser Gregor Clegane, known as the Mountain, symbolizes brute strength and ferocity unlike any other. His imposing size and sheer power make him a terrifying opponent, feared by many. Gregor's violent nature is evident in his many ruthless battles, including the infamous trial by combat against Oberyn Martell. Oberyn almost defeats the Mountain but gets caught up in an emotional moment, making him reckless. In a terrifying ending, Gregor trips Oberyn and gouges his eyes out.

Despite his physical dominance, Gregor ultimately meets his end at the hands of his younger brother Sandor, whom he had pushed in a fire as a child, leaving him permanently disfigured. His legacy, marked by brutality and violence, serves as a stark contrast to the more honorable swordsmen on this list.

8 Arya Stark Grows Into a Pint-Size Assassin With Impressive Skills

Portrayed by: Maise Williams

While one of Arya’s main storylines revolved around becoming a “Faceless Man”, she picked up many cool sword and dagger fighting skills as well. Arya started her training in King’s Landing after she expressed her desire to become a knight to her father, Ned, who subsequently hired the Braavosi Syrio Forel. Syrio teaches her to be quick like a cat, to be fluid like water, and to use her inner senses rather than her eyes to pick up an opponent's impulse to attack.

During her time in the Free City of Braavos, Arya learns to fight with a stick and to fight blind, adding significantly to her fighting skills. After her return to Winterfell, the audience witnesses how skilled of a fighter she has become when she spars with Brienne, one of the best fighters in Westeros. The fight ends with a draw; a remarkable result given Brienne’s extraordinary skills.

7 Jon Snow Operates With a Chip on His Shoulder

Portrayed by: Kit Harrington

Jon Snow wanted to become a ranger at the Night’s Watch since he was a teenager, and he spent countless hours training with a sword. When he arrives at the Night’s Watch, he is the best of the recruits, teaching many others how to fight. In later seasons, Jon is forced to fight the Wildlings and the Army of the Dead, and he proves time and time again how brave and skilled he is.

When Jon and Sansa plan their attack on the Bolton’s to regain control of their ancestral home, Winterfell, and parley with Ramsay, even Ramsey acknowledges Jon’s skill, remarking that many call him the “greatest swordsman that ever lived.” Jon isn’t the strongest or tallest fighter, but he is well-versed in all the great fighting techniques and possesses a level of bravery and heart that makes him one of the best.

6 Syrio Forel Is a Master-Swordfighter From Braavos With Martial Art-Like Skills

Portrayed by: Miltos Yerolemou

Syrio is a Master Swordfighter and instructor from the Free Cities of Braavos who moved to King’s Landing. His specialty is the “Waterdance,” a fluid martial art-like movement combined with sword fighting. Syrio comes across as rather flamboyant, yet this average-sized man is incredibly quick and light on his feet. He doesn’t wear any armor and often takes advantage of the opponent’s slower movement by outmaneuvering them.

When the Kingsguard barge into Arya’s room to bring her to the Lannisters, the audience witnesses Syrio’s extraordinary skills. One guard tries to get past Syrio, but he easily disarms him. Armed only with a wooden training sword, he fights off a mass attack by the guardsmen, immobilizing them. He then engages Ser Meryn, who breaks his wooden sword. The scene cuts away before the fight ends, but it’s implied that Meryn killed him. However, if the Braavosi had a real sword, he would have easily beaten all of them.

5 The Hound Strikes Fear as a Powerful Fighter Motivated by Revenge

Portrayed by: Rory McCann

Sandor is Ser Gregor's younger brother. While Sandor is not a knight, he is Joffrey’s sworn protector, and for good reason. There aren’t many men who could take on Sandor Clegane. Sandor is very tall, strong, and remarkably quick for a man of his size. Fueled by his hatred of his older brother who burned off half of his face, he shows little to no hesitation when it comes to killing people.

Throughout the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, Sandor beats countless opponents with ease until he meets an exceptional woman, giving him a run for his money: Brienne of Tarth. Brienne is even taller than the Hound and equally skilled. They face off after a dispute over protecting Arya. For a while, the fight seemed well-balanced with both landing impressive blows at each other. Ultimately, their fight leads them to the edge of a mountain and the Hound loses his footing, tumbling down.

4 Jaime Lannister Becomes a Gifted Swordsman With a Tarnished Reputation

Portrayed by: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Jaime became a knight at the tender age of 16. He was the youngest Kingsguard member of all time, appointed to the Kingsguard by King Aerys II, known as the Mad King, whom he later killed when he wanted to burn down King’s Landing with Wildfire. Jaime Lannister is widely considered one of the most skilled swordsmen in the Seven Kingdoms, renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship, agility, and tactical prowess.

In the show, Jaime doesn't get to show off his fighting skills very often. However, in a sword fight against Ned, he is clearly the better swordsman. Jaime has a short fight scene with Brienne as well when he manages to unsheathe one of her swords. However, after he loses his precious swordhand, Jaime becomes a changed man. Now forced to rely more on his mind than his fighting skills, he still makes a valuable military commander.

3 Barristan Selmy Is an Honorable Knight With an Impeccable Image

Portrayed by: Ian McElhinney

Barristan Selmy barely has any fight scenes in the show, but the showrunners make an effort to emphasize that he was nicknamed “Barristan the Bold” for a reason. He was knighted at 17 and served three Kings before Joffrey dismissed him. Despite taking issue with the cruelty of the Mad King Aerys II, Selmy remains loyal to the Targaryens. Now at an advanced age, he’s still a formidable fighter.

After his dismissal, he joins Daenerys as her Queensguard, aiding her with wisdom and stories of her deceased family members. Selmy has one opportunity to show off his extraordinary fighting skills when he helps Grey Worm and a group of Unsullied who get ambushed by a group of the Sons of the Harpy. Barristan cuts down an impressive number of attackers before he succumbs to his fatal injuries.

2 Brienne of Tarth Dutiful Warrior Maiden Who Redefines the Values of Knighthood

Portrayed by: Gwendoline Christie

Brienne of Tarth, a direct descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall, defies gender norms in a patriarchal society. Trained from a young age by her father, Brienne has proven herself a formidable fighter, unmatched by most men who constantly underestimate her. Her notable victories include defeating Ser Loras Tyrell - a very skilled fighter in his own right - in one-on-one combat, demonstrating her exceptional skills and resilience.

Brienne’s character embodies the qualities of a true knight: honor, loyalty, and courage. Her unwavering commitment to protecting those she serves is showcased throughout the series. After her epic journey, she is finally knighted by Jaime Lannister, becoming the Lady Commander of the Kingsguard under King Bran the Broken, marking a historic moment for women in knighthood.

1 Arthur Dayne Legendary Knight Admired By Everyone

Portrayed by: Luke Roberts

Arthur Dayne may only appear in flashbacks in Game of Thrones, but he is celebrated as the legendary wielder of the "Sword of the Morning." Renowned for his exceptional skill, he famously defeated the Smiling Knight and was deeply compassionate, often advocating for the Smallfolk before the king. His reputation as a fierce warrior and a noble soul sets him apart in the annals of Westerosi history.

In Bran’s visions, the Three-Eyed Raven showcases Dayne's prowess during the duel at the Tower of Joy, where he and Ser Gerold Hightower guard Lyanna Stark on Prince Rhaegar's orders. After Hightower is defeated by Ned Stark and his men, Dayne expertly fends off multiple attackers. The climactic duel between him and Ned is intense, but he ultimately falls to a surprise strike from Howland Reed, marking a tragic end for the legendary knight.

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Game Of Thrones

TV-MA

Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for a millennia.

Release Date

April 17, 2011

Creator(s)

David Benioff , D.B. Weiss

Cast

Kit Harington , Isaac Hempstead Wright , Iain Glen , Peter Dinklage , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Emilia Clarke , Maisie Williams , Sophie Turner , John Bradley , Lena Headey , Liam Cunningham , Aidan Gillen , Alfie Allen , Conleth Hill , Rory McCann , Jerome Flynn , Jacob Anderson , Kristofer Hivju , Gwendoline Christie , Nathalie Emmanuel , Carice Van Houten , Natalie Dormer , Stephen Dillane , Charles Dance , charlotte hope , Michelle Fairley , Jack Gleeson , Richard Madden , Hannah Murray , Sibel Kekilli , Julian Glover , Brenock O'Connor , Rose Leslie , Michael McElhatton

Main Genre

Drama