I think debates are fantastic. So it is to little surprise that I FREQUENTLY find myself involved in them. Whether it be related to sports, music, movies, etc., it is always fun to argue your point. Especially when it concerns HBO’s fantasy saga "Game of Thrones."
With the sixth season fully underway, along with no access to reliable Wi-Fi or HBO GO here in rural Virginia, I am sadly unable to watch the magic which I am sure has been unfolding in Westeros with every passing Sunday. Therefore, in the absence of my favorite show, (not including ESPN’s "First Take"), I am forced to reminisce about the previous five, outstanding seasons.
As I figuratively journey back through the Emmy-winning medieval fantasy, overflowing with a rare alchemy of gruesome action, familial power, lascivious behavior, and a tremendous amount of drinking, I have found myself hung up on one question in particular: Who is the show’s greatest fighter? Disregarding Gregor Clegane...that man is an absolute nutcase and I am approximately 187 percent sure he is using some form of HGH.
I was initially going to base my rankings off of the books, written by George R.R. Martin, combining both the characters’ previous and existing reputations. However, having not read the books, that did not seem like the appropriate approach. So, I have decided to craft this list strictly from what was shown in the show.
The Top Three:
1. Khal Drogo (Dark Horse)
Even though I have heard that the books only rumor of Drogo’s barbarism, the show more than solidifies such speculation, as he is shown absolutely ravaging a fellow Dothraki’s throat with his bare hands. If you have not yet seen this scene, and you have any doubt in this ranking, then you should most certainly take a look. Although he is not seen in much action, not much additional action would have been necessary in convincing me of his obviously unparalleled abilities. Sure, this is a darkhorse number one. However, Khal Drogo did not have access to the quality of armor and weaponry as the other fighters on this list… Imagine the damage he could have done on the battlefield with a little protective covering and a shield. Similar to the question of what LeBron would accomplish if he was ever provided with a supporting cast. Case closed.
2. Oberyn Martell (An Even Darker Horse)
The Red Viper of Dorne. I think we can all agree that his nickname alone is already prreeettttyy dope, and might even consider a top five nomination on creativity alone. But what pushes Oberyn into the second slot is his performance against Gregor Clegane in the fourth season, in which he toppled The Mountain, thanks in large to his dazzling skills with a spear. This duel was easily the best of the entire series thus far. I think it is safe to say that is widely agreed upon. Granted, Oberyn did not walk away as a champion… not in the slightest. His premature celebration did nothing more than allow Clegane to regain his footing and resume what ultimately became a merciless beatdown. The ill-advised trash talk aside, I’m rolling with Oberyn Martell any day of the week.
3. Jon Snow (The Darkest Of Horses)
Jon Snow has proven to be quite the combatant despite his young age. While he is young, he has acquired a tremendous amount of experience in a short amount of time. Formerly trained in Winterfell, as the bastard of the great Ned Stark, Snow has arguably become the most talented swordsman of the Night's Watch. His accomplishments are nothing to scoff at. In fact, they are the driving force behind his ascension. As commander of the Night's Watch, Jon Snow has slain many enemies, comprised of a great number of unforgiving Wildlings, as well as various other adversaries of the Watch. However his most impressive feat in battle is none other than his head-to-head duel with the White Walker, Hardhome, late in the fifth season. Okay, what? Yes. Yes. Correct. Jon Snow killed a White Walker. Definitely a fighter that is not to be overlooked. Being the son (technically) of Lord Eddard Stark, Jon Snow adopted and raised one of House Stark's six direwolf pups, Ghost. The direwolf's strong allegiance to Snow makes them an incredibly dynamic duo in battle, and makes Snow an even more formidable opponent.
Now there are other characters who are deserving of a spot on this list. However, if I had to pick three warriors to accompany me to a bar fight in Westeros, these are the guys I'm rolling with. No question.
