HBO’s upcoming “Game of Thrones” spin-off, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, has made headlines following last week’s release of the prequel’s teaser focusing on the adventures of the humble knight Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg.
While the story is set to explore Duncan the Tall’s quest to become arguably the most famous knight in the history of Westeros, it’s worth pondering how GOT’s most elite fighters would fare against this legendary hero.
Consider yourself warned, though, for there are spoilers ahead.
No.7 – Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane
Gregor’s Famous Kills: Oberyn Martell, Beric Dondarrion.
A hulking mass of dread and mayhem, Ser Gregor of House Clegane was a terror beyond reckoning, embodying the peak brutality that GOT is famous for.
Under the orders of Lord Tywin Lannister, Gregor participated in some of the most brutal periods of the realm, like the first Sack of King’s Landing, where he murdered Elia Martell, and the burning of the Riverlands in the aftermath of Jaime Lannister’s capture at the hands of Robb Stark.
Duncan may be at a disadvantage in the power department, as Gregor has proven he can crush a skull with his bare hands following his defeat of Oberyn Martell.
No. 6 – Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Sandor’s Famous Kills: Undead Gregor Clegane, Beric Dondarrion, Polliver.
Gregor’s younger brother, Sandor, could prove to be the more exciting matchup for Duncan.
While Gregor has the height and power but not the skill to go toe-to-toe against Duncan, Sandor has all, including the agility and savagery he was known for.
Sandor was a veteran of many fights, battling Stannis Baratheon’s men in the Battle of Blackwater, defeating Beric Dondarrion in a single combat, killing Polliver and his companions, and surviving the Long Night.
No. 5 – Brienne of Tarth
Brienne’s Famous Kills: Stannis Baratheon, Emmon Cuy, Robar Royce.
The only woman in the list, Brienne of Tarth, is GOT’s version of Éowyn in “The Lord of the Rings”.
While Brienne being graded higher than the Clegane brothers would probably elicit dissension from the series’ avid fans, take note that she alone can boast of beating up The Hound in hand-to-hand fighting.
Before this, she killed class A fighters in Emmon Cuy and Robar Royce.
Later in the series, she saves Sansa Stark from Bolton soldiers, kills Stannis Baratheon, and survives the Long Night.
Brienne has the skills, experience, physical might, and courage to surpass opponents, even against Duncan, who is rumoured to be her ancestor.
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No. 4 – Oberyn “The Red Viper” Martell
Oberyn’s Famous Kills: Unknown.
Though he was not a knight, Oberyn Martell employed a fighting technique that is fatal to giants like Duncan if used correctly.
Oberyn’s advantage over Duncan is not only his agility, but also his choice of weapons.
In the pivotal single combat showdown between Oberyn and Gregor Clegane in Season 4 of GOT, The Red Viper used a spear instead of a sword.
This was crucial as the spear’s reach negated Gregor’s height advantage.
Oberyn danced around while poking Gregor’s vital parts like knees and armpits, incapacitating The Mountain before dealing a final blow.
Sadly, Oberyn met a head-crushing fate when he allowed an emotional outburst to distract him from the fight.
No. 3 – Jaime “Kingslayer” Lannister
Jaime’s Famous Kills: Jory Cassel, ten unnamed Stark soldiers, Euron Greyjoy.
He may have spent most of the seasons maimed, but Jaime Lannister was a killing machine in his prime, a natural talent, according to Barristan Selmy.
Knighted at 15 years old, Jaime showed a shade of greatness by holding his own against the Smiling Knight of the infamous Kingswood Brotherhood.
Despite a major defeat in the Battle of Whispering Wood, it took 10 Stark soldiers to overpower him, forcing Robb Stark to admit that even he would not win one-on-one against Lord Tywin’s firstborn.
No.2 – Arthur “The Sword of the Morning” Dayne
Arthur’s Famous Kills: The Smiling Knight, Ned Stark’s companions.
Wielder of the most famous sword in Westeros, Dawn, Arthur Dayne was considered by many as the greatest fighter that ever lived, surpassing even the other legends in history, like Duncan, Barristan Selmy, and Aemon the Dragonknight.
This is an opinion repeated by Ned Stark, Catelyn Stark, and Jaime Lannister, and most importantly, the author himself, George RR Martin.
No.1 – Barristan “The Bold” Selmy
Barristan’s Famous Kills: Maelys Blackfyre, Simon Toyne, Khrazz, Mero.
Probably the most accomplished knight in the history of Westeros, Barristan trumps Duncan and even all the other fighters in the list just by looking at his accolades.
And no, this is not a case of recency bias.
His achievements include ending the Blackfyre rebellion, saving King Aerys II in the Defiance of Duskandale, and surviving the Battle of the Trident in Robert’s Rebellion.
But what makes Barristan the best candidate to beat Duncan is the fact that they have battled before.
At sixteen years old, Barristan unhorsed Duncan the Tall during the winter tourney at King’s Landing.
This may not be a single combat per se, but it provides a sneak peek at how a prime Barristan and Duncan fight would have played out.
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