200 replies to this topic

[Kevan Lannister]

Of all the warriors mentioned from recent times, like Barristan Selmy, Jaime Lannister, Ned Stark, to even Khal Drogo, who do you think is the greatest warrior?

[Pellaeon]

If stay alive is a condition:
-Ser Barristan
-Ser Jaime
-Ser Loras

[Child of Spring]

Ser Grandfather! Even though he is sixty-something (I think?), he can still kick some serious ass!

[hombay]

Arthur Dayne.

[Kevan Lannister]

Pellaeon, on 18 May 2012 - 08:33 AM, said:

If stay alive is a condition:
-Ser Barristan
-Ser Jaime
-Ser Loras

It's not, the greatest warrior could be poisoned, or in a situation with overwhelming odds (like Ned Stark). Brandon Stark may be a greater warrior than Ned?

It says Loras is not as good as his brother with a sword, it couldn't be him.

Barristan Selmy is my choice, or Khal Drogo.

[Thendel]

I read an SSM where the Father Above more or less stated that Barristan Selmy and Arthur Dayne in their prime and with similar weaponry were the best fighters in modern time, though I imagine twohanded Jaime would have been a runner-up.
As of Dance, I believe the title goes to either Garlan Tyrell or Victarion Greyjoy.

[Ser Adam Dayne]

The greatest dead warrior is Ser Arthur Dayne.  The greatest one alive somewhat harder.  The usual suspects are all in some state of hardship:  Jaime lost his sword hand, Loras might be dying, the Hound dead or a changed man, Gregor dead and who knows what Ser Robert will be like.  Then we have Ser Barristan.  He might be old, but I'm guessing he could give most a run for their money.  I think based on what we know (reputations as well) in no order it would be Balon Swann, Garlan Tyrell and Lyn Corbray.  I also feel that you could throw some Ironborn in there as well.  Most of these guys we've never even seen fight, just how others hold them in high regard.

[Evamitchelle]

Thendel, on 18 May 2012 - 09:21 AM, said:

I read an SSM where the Father Above more or less stated that Barristan Selmy and Arthur Dayne in their prime and with similar weaponry were the best fighters in modern time, though I imagine twohanded Jaime would have been a runner-up. As of Dance, I believe the title goes to either Garlan Tyrell or Victarion Greyjoy.

Quote

September 02, 2011
THE SWORD OF THE MORNING VS. BARRISTAN THE BOLD

[NOTE: This is from private correspondence without the usual header information we use to verify. However, a screenshot of the message can be seen here, with the name of the respondee redacted.]
Who would win in a fight, Barristan Selmy or Arthur Dayne (in their best days)?
Dayne... if he was armed with Dawn.
If both men had equivalent weaponry, it might be a toss-up.

Is this the SSM you're referring to ?

[Natalie_S]

How about The Hound?

[Apple Martini]

Dead: Arthur Dayne
Alive: Barristan Selmy, still

Jaime's out because of his hand. Loras is very, very good but I think Barristan's experience would trump him.

I love imagining a scenario where Robert found out what Cersei and Jaime were doing, and Jaime had to face Barristan in single combat for his trial. That would've been one for the ages.

[Pomp & Happenstance]

Depends on the Time/Age of the person, as well as if there motivated (Like Robert's case).

My guess would be Arthur Dayne w Dawn then Barristan Selmy (Slightly younger), as we have more definitive examples of their prowess. Followed by Jaime pre goldenhand, Robert and Ned in there younger days (though Brandon was said to be better), and Khal Drogo... Though there are dozens of warriors alive today that are just as good if not better, we just don't see them directly in the story.

[Groat]

Jaime with a magical golden hand, dual wielding Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.

[Crown]

Ser Barristan the Bold, the one and only.

[Ser Adam Dayne]

I would live to see a Barristan/Loras fight.  Loras has youth on his side, and is definitely quicker than Barristan, but Selmy has probably forgotten about more fights than Loras has even been in.  A Barristan/Jaime fight (with hand of course) would be epic as well, though I think I'd have to give it to Jaime.  I think it was Martin's intent to have Jaime be the best sword alive, and have Jaime know that, then bring him low by taking his sword hand.  Hopefully in the next book we see Jaime fight with his new sword hand.  I want epic one-on-one duels in the next book.  I want to see Lyn Corbray finally in action, also Garlan, Balon Swann and Crakehall, who I think people overlook a lot.  I'm not saying he should be up there with Barristan and Jaime, but I feel like he's really good, even though he was taken captive.  Strongboar versus Victarion would probably be a good match, both huge, massive powerful guys.  I also want to throw Jason Mallister in here also, I want more of that guy.  Though he's older and more of a commander, I wouldn't mind seeing Randyll Tarly fight.

[The Last Direwolf]

Depends how you define recent. Within the last hundred years, undoubtedly Ser Arthur Dayne. From the current series, either Ser Barristan of Jaime. It's difficult. If Ser Barristan was in his younger days, he would own Jaime, but perhaps Jaime's youth might win the fight? IDK.

[The Last Direwolf]

Ser Adam Dayne, on 18 May 2012 - 10:21 AM, said:

I would live to see a Barristan/Loras fight. Loras has youth on his side, and is definitely quicker than Barristan, but Selmy has probably forgotten about more fights than Loras has even been in. A Barristan/Jaime fight (with hand of course) would be epic as well, though I think I'd have to give it to Jaime. I think it was Martin's intent to have Jaime be the best sword alive, and have Jaime know that, then bring him low by taking his sword hand. Hopefully in the next book we see Jaime fight with his new sword hand. I want epic one-on-one duels in the next book. I want to see Lyn Corbray finally in action, also Garlan, Balon Swann and Crakehall, who I think people overlook a lot. I'm not saying he should be up there with Barristan and Jaime, but I feel like he's really good, even though he was taken captive. Strongboar versus Victarion would probably be a good match, both huge, massive powerful guys. I also want to throw Jason Mallister in here also, I want more of that guy. Though he's older and more of a commander, I wouldn't mind seeing Randyll Tarly fight.

Ser Barristan was a gifted jouster and swordsman. Loras is only a gifted jouster. His swordplay skills are never really said to be extraordinary. Barristan would win.

[Ser Amoc]

It seems that Arthur Dayne equipped with Dawn is the universally agreed upon "Greatest Westerosi Warrior" in the modern age. If anything, this just muddles the events at the ToJ even more. If Dayne is so good, how did he lose to Ned Stark and his crew? Especially knowing that Ned isn't considered much of a warrior when compared to the greats, although I'm sure wielding Ice helps out a lot.

All this speculation!!! I just want the next book out asap!

[jon rr stark]

Easy Arya Stark. Who has killed so many as her both in cold blood and as of necessity. She walked away from the hound and left him to suffer a horrible death, her skills are already impressive and about to get more impressive. Also dont forget she does/ will control the most vicious and fearless wolfpack in the world. Wait till she turns up with darksister and Nymeria and if anyone can wrag a dragon its her. One on one I'd back her against any of the warriors above. First they'd laugh at her then follow the dance of syrio the smile would fade as they realise that warm feeling is the blood rushing from their throat and a giant direwolf is licking its chops as all light fades from the world.

[Alric Stark]

Ser Barristan the Bold. GRRM stated only with Dawn was Ser Arthur Dayne a better fighter. Without Dawn it was a toss up.

Given that we have only heard of Dayne from reputation and seen/heard of Ser Barristan through slaying Mageor the Monsterous, his exploits as Arstan Whitebeard, the fact still at an advanced age he basicly told the assembled Kingsguard he would cut them down and they blinked not him, and his fight against the Pitfighter where he told him...surrender or I kill you, then he did it. Plus even Jamie while he has his hand seems to admire him. I think we can safely say Barristan.

Someone has to defeat him before someone else can be speculated on.

[kkae]

Dead: Ser Arthur Dayne
Formerly: Kingslayer.
Now: Nobody qualifies.
In Future: Gold Hand the Good

Edited by kkae, 18 May 2012 - 10:37 AM.