Top 10 warriors in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon

Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are the most popular fantasy TV shows ever created. Both shows feature epic battles and fierce warriors who fight to protect their kingdoms. In the land of Westeros, many warriors have stood out for their strength and skill in battle. Gauging the strength of warriors from centuries ago can be difficult, as the parameters of strength can change over time.

While some warriors may have been formidable due to their possession of dragons, this list will focus on those skilled in physical melee combat. Furthermore, the list will not include those yet appearing in the series. This makes choosing the strongest warriors even more challenging, as the list will only contain those who are central to the story or whose skills are legendary. Here are 10 of the most skilled warriors from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

10. Ser Harwin Strong

Ser Harwin Strong, also known as Breakbones, was a mighty warrior during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen and a key player in the events leading up to the Dance of the Dragons.
He was renowned for his great physical strength and skill as a fighter.

He was the sworn protector of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Lord Commander of the City Watch in House of the Dragon. According to George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, Harwin was said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms in his day, being described as massive and redoubtable. His physical prowess and strength were evident at Rhaenyra’s wedding, where he beat his way through a crowd of people to emerge with the princess.

He fought in several battles and tournaments, including the Tourney at Rhaenyra’s wedding in Fire and Blood. In this tourney, he was defeated by Ser Criston Cole. In House of the Dragon, Ser Harwin was involved in a brawl with Ser Criston Cole, who refused to fight back after goading Ser Harwin into attacking him.

Despite his ultimate death in a fire orchestrated by his brother Ser Larys, Harwin Strong was remembered as a fierce warrior and a loyal supporter of Rhaenyra Targaryen. His legacy continued to be felt long after his death as his sons with Rhaenyra went on to become powerful lords and Dragonriders.

Read Next: Who is Alys Rivers? Why she might play a major role in House of the Dragon

9. Ser Criston Cole

Ser Criston Cole, also known as the Kingmaker, was a knight and warrior known for his strength and courage in battle. He was a master of the longsword and morningstar and fought in several competitions and tournaments throughout his career. One of his most impressive combat achievements was defeating Daemon Targaryen in a tourney.

In the joust, Cole threw Daemon off his horse, and when Daemon challenged him to a duel on foot, Cole accepted and eventually won. This was a remarkable feat, considering Daemon had been dominating the tournament for an extended period. Cole’s victory earned him the respect of Princess Rhaenyra, who later appointed him as her sworn protector. Cole eventually rose to become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. During the Dance of the Dragons, Cole served as one of King Aegon II Targaryen’s most trusted advisors.

During Aegon’s coronation in the Dragonpit, Cole was named the Hand of the King by King Aegon III and placed the crown of Aegon the Conqueror on the young king’s head. Cole was instrumental in the war, leading many victorious battles and earning a reputation as a skilled and fearsome warrior. He was known for his superior knowledge of tactics and strategy, often using his cunning to outsmart and outmaneuver his opponents.

One of his strategies was to goad a much stronger opponent into making a mistake so he could overpower them. Cole eventually met his end at the battle known as The Butcher’s Ball. Despite his controversial legacy, there is no doubt that Criston Cole was a formidable warrior and Commander whose martial prowess played a significant role in the events of the Dance of the Dragons.

8. Lord Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, was a renowned warrior and Commander. He was highly skilled in sailing and navigation, as well as in battle. As a member of House Velaryon, one of the most powerful noble houses in the Seven Kingdoms, Corlys was trained in combat and warfare from a young age.

He played a vital role in the Targaryen conquest of Dorne and was instrumental in the war against the Triarchy, a coalition of city-states in Essos. In the War for the Stepstones, he was seen wielding a large two-handed battle axe, a weapon that can stop an enemy in their tracks without the need for additional movement with a sword.

This was demonstrated during the battle of the Stepstones in episode 3, when Corlys led his men into the fight and cut down the Crabfeeder’s troops one-by-one, showing his ferociousness in war and his direct and purposefully brutal nature. Corlys Velaryon was an exceptionally skilled naval commander and warrior. He was renowned for his exploits as a captain of his ships, using them to significant effect in battles against pirates and rival houses.

Corlys was also a formidable fighter on land, wearing a suit of Valyrian steel armor that made him nearly invincible in combat. His many victories and accomplishments further increased his reputation as a warrior and Commander. His impressive skills and achievements have earned him a place in the annals of Westerosi history.

Read Next: HBO is open to any number of Game of Thrones spinoffs, as long as the scripts “feel good”

5. Aemond Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen, also known as Aemond One-Eye, was a member of the Green faction during the Dance of the Dragons. He was a skilled warrior feared by many due to his reputation for cruelty and brutality.

Aemond was known for his martial prowess and was a skilled fighter. He was trained in various weapons, displaying particular skill with a longsword. Despite losing his eye, Aemond developed into a dangerous swordsman under the guidance of Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. In House of the Dragon, Aemond overpowers Criston Cole during a training session, displaying his prowess with the sword.

Aemond participated in many battles during the Dance of the Dragons, including the siege of Harrenhal. His actions earned him many enemies, and his reputation as a fierce warrior and a cold-blooded killer made him feared by many.

In summary, Aemond Targaryen was a skilled warrior known for his martial expertise and willingness to do whatever it took to win. However, his reputation for cruelty and brutality made him a controversial figure, and his actions during the Dance of the Dragons earned him many enemies.

Read Next: Ewan Mitchell based Aemond’s peculiar style of walking on eighties horror icons

5. Daemon Targaryen

Prince Daemon Targaryen, also known as the Rogue Prince, is a vital character in House of the Dragon and a member of the Black faction. Prince Daemon is a skilled warrior with a reputation for being cunning and ruthless. He is known for his role in the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war in the Targaryen dynasty.

Daemon was a skilled rider and jouster, and he was also known to wield a sword with excellent proficiency. He wielded the Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister. Daemon was the Commander of the City Watch and resorted to ruthless techniques to keep criminals in line.

He fought in several battles during his lifetime. One of the notable battles that Daemon fought was the Battle of the Stepstones, where he singlehandedly ambushed and killed the Crabfeeder Cragar Drahar. His bravery and skill on the battlefield were instrumental in securing a victory for the Sea Snake’s army.

Daemon was also known for his cunning and deceitful nature. He was a master of military strategy and was not above using trickery and manipulation to achieve his goals. His reputation as a skilled warrior and a clever strategist made him a formidable opponent on and off the battlefield.

5. Khal Drogo

Khal Drogo was a powerful Dothraki warlord and the husband of Daenerys Targaryen. He was known for his exceptional warrior skills and ferocity in battle. Drogo was a fierce fighter, and his strength and agility made him nearly unbeatable in combat.

He was skilled with his arakh, a curved sword traditionally used by the Dothraki. As the leader of the largest khalasar in the Dothraki Sea, Drogo was also a brilliant strategist. He was able to outmaneuver his enemies and was known for his lightning-fast raids on neighboring cities and settlements.

One of the greatest testaments to Drogo’s strength and skill as a warrior was the length of his braid. Dothraki warriors are known to cut off their braids whenever they lose a fight. Drogo’s braid was exceptionally long, as he was known to have never faced defeat.

He displayed this ferocious fighting ability when one of his khalasar members challenged him to a one-on-one battle, in which Drogo expertly defeated and killed his opponent. Unfortunately, during this fight, he suffered a minor cut that later grew infected. Drogo’s life was ultimately cut short when he succumbed to a severe illness caused by this wound.

4. Robert Baratheon

Robert Baratheon was a renowned warrior and one of the most skilled fighters in Westeros during his prime. He was of exceptional strength and stature, standing over 6 feet tall and weighing around 300 pounds, with broad shoulders and powerful muscles. He was known for his immense physical power and ability to wield a warhammer easily. Robert was a veteran of many battles, having fought in numerous conflicts.

He was the rebel army leader during the war that overthrew the Targaryen dynasty and placed him on the Iron Throne. He was also a seasoned warrior in single combat, having defeated many opponents in tournaments and battles. Robert was known for his frenzy in action, charging headlong into his enemies with abandon.

He was an excellent rider and skilled in using various weapons, including swords, axes, and hammers. He was particularly fond of using a spiked iron warhammer in battle, which he wielded with great ferocity and strength. The greatest testament to his skill as a warrior was the Battle of the Trident, where he defeated Rhaegar Targaryen in single combat.

Read Next: Vikings Valhalla’s Leo Suter rumored to play Cregan Stark in House of The Dragon Season 2

3. Ser Jaime Lannister

Known as the Kingslayer, Ser Jaime Lannister is a skilled swordsman who was the youngest member to be inducted into the Kingsguard. He served under several kings, including Aerys II Targaryen, Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, and Tommen Baratheon.

He is also known for his role in the War of the Five Kings, serving as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard for King Joffrey. Jaime Lannister was one of the most skilled and feared warriors in Westeros during his prime. He was known for his unparalleled swordsmanship, tactical brilliance, and courage on the battlefield.

At the age of fifteen, Jaime participated in the campaign against the Kingswood Brotherhood, during which he saved Lord Sumner Crakehall from Big Belly Ben and crossed swords with the psychotic Smiling Knight. After the brotherhood had been defeated, Jaime was knighted for bravery shown on the battlefield by Ser Arthur Dayne.

Jaime was particularly renowned for his skill with a sword, which he wielded with great speed and precision. He was also a skilled jouster and horseman, having won many tournaments. He was famously captured and held prisoner by the Stark forces during the War of the Five Kings and lost his sword hand. This injury severely impacted his fighting ability, forcing him to learn to fight with his other hand.

Read Next: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) to play a knight in medieval horror Virtue

2. Ser Barristan Selmy

Another legendary swordsman, Ser Barristan Selmy, served as a member of the Kingsguard for several kings, including Aerys II Targaryen, Robert Baratheon, and Joffrey Baratheon. Ser Barristan Selmy was one of Westeros’ greatest knights and warriors during his time. He was known for his chivalry, loyalty, honor, and unmatched skill with a sword.

Ser Barristan was a veteran of many battles, having fought in conflicts throughout his long career. He was a member of the Kingsguard for over 40 years, serving under several kings, including Aerys II Targaryen, Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, and Tommen Baratheon. As a Kingsguard, he often distinguished himself in battles, earning a reputation as a formidable warrior.

Ser Barristan was a master swordsman, skilled in using various weapons, including swords, spears, and daggers. He was particularly renowned for his skill with a sword, which he wielded with great speed and precision. He was known for his lightning-fast strikes and ability to anticipate and counter his opponents’ moves.

Ser Barristan was also an excellent horseman and jouster. He won many tournaments throughout his career, earning a reputation as one of the greatest knights of his time. Ser Barristan was also a skilled strategist, serving as a military commander in several battles. He was widely respected and admired throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

1. Ser Arthur Dayne

Arthur Dayne, also known as the “Sword of the Morning,” is considered one of the greatest warriors in the history of Westeros. He was a member of Aerys II Targaryen’s Kingsguard.
Dayne was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and combat skills. He was considered the most skilled swordsman of his time and was feared and respected by his enemies and allies.

Dayne’s weapon of choice was a legendary sword called Dawn, the ancestral sword of House Dayne. Dawn was made from a meteorite and was said to be as sharp as Valyrian steel. He was the only person authorized to wield this sword, passed down through his family for generations. Dayne’s most famous battle was the fight at the Tower of Joy, where he fought alongside his fellow Kingsguard against Eddard Stark and his companions.

Although Dayne fought valiantly, he was eventually killed by Eddard Stark due to the intervention of Howland Reed, who attacked Dayne from the back with a stab to his neck. Despite his tragic end, Dayne’s reputation as a warrior and legacy lived on, and he remained a legendary figure in Westeros long after his death.

Read Next: The Best Game of Thrones cosplays: The most impressive and accurate costumes inspired by the show