HBO’s House of the Dragon boasts an incredible range of characters, well versed in medieval warfare, most notably swordplay. Various Westerosi knights who have in the past served as Lord Commanders of the Kingsguard or knights as in the Royal Order, or been commanders at the helm know a thing or two about swinging swords and slaying enemies.
While the rogue prince, Daemon Targaryen, and his nephew, Aemond Targaryen are expert swordsmen in House of the Dragon, it turns out, that there are many more skilled knights in the lore that deserve recognition because of the contributions that they have made. Here are some of these highly skilled warriors.
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7 Ser Arryk Cargyll
The member of the Kingsguard, Ser Arryk Cargyll brilliantly duels against Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon season one, episode nine “The Green Council.” The fight breaks out because him and his twin brother, Ser Erryk get to Aegon Targaryen first, and per the orders of Otto Hightower, the twins are to bring the wastrel straight to his grandfather.
Meanwhile, Alicent Hightower sends Ser Criston Cole but her son, Aemond, volunteers. Ser Erryk knows all about Aegon’s misdoings in the Street of Silk, and thus finds him unworthy of the throne. The twins argue over it and eventually, Arryk fights Ser Criston to seize Aegon. Arryk puts up a good fight but is disarmed by Ser Criston who is a far better swordsman than him.
6 Ser Erryk Cargyll
Ser Erryk seizes this opportunity to break away from the Greens, and he helps Princess Rhaenys Targaryen escape the Red Keep. He is an ace fighter, a knight of the elite Kingsguard, and moreover an honorable man. House of the Dragon shows him and Ser Arryk train in sword-fighting in the Red Keep’s courtyard. Both brothers fight fiercely and are on par with one another.
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A skilled warrior, Ser Erryk defects to the Blacks because he cannot withstand the Greens’ treachery, and knows he should utilize his talents to fight the just cause, i.e., Queen Rhaenyra’s. Ser Erryk also brings Viserys’ crown with him which Daemon places on Rhaenyra’s head. He swears the holiest of vows and promises to guard the Queen until his last breath.
5 Ser Harrold Westerling
A knight from House Westerling in the northwest of Westerlands, Ser Harrold served in the Kingsguard of Viserys I Targaryen, first as a member and later as Lord Commander. Ser Harrold takes charge as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard after Ser Ryam Redwyne passes away. In HBO’s House of the Dragon season one, episode one “The Heirs of the Dragon,” Ser Harrold welcomes Princess Rhaenyra as she climbs off Syrax’s back. Later, he escorts her to the Great Hall to see her uncle, Daemon. He also protects Viserys I during the brothers’ confrontation.
As Daemon inches closer, Ser Harrold draws his sword and stands in his way. Because Viserys’ reign is relatively peaceful, Ser Harrold gets a few opportunities to prove his swordsmanship. He is shocked at the turn of events after Viserys’ death and quits his post as Ser Criston Cole shows open defiance after killing Lord Lyman Beesbury. As someone who holds an important position in court, Lord Commander Westerling’s sword prowess is a matter of fact.
4 Ser Harwin Strong
The late Ser Harwin Strong was known as “Breakbones” for his strength and combat skills. A knight from House Strong, Ser Harwin was appointed as the Commander of the City Watch in HBO’s House of the Dragon. The City Watch of King’s Landing is military order composed of formally trained peacekeepers. Ser Harwin Strong was a controversial figure as he fathered Princess Rhaenyra’s three boys.
Ser Harwin instructed his oldest two in sword fighting in House of the Dragon and beat Ser Criston Cole senseless when the latter insinuated Jacaerys and Lucerys are his children. One of the finest swordsmen in the realm, Ser Harwin and his father, Lord Lyonel Strong perish in the fire at Harrenhal, orchestrated by Lyonel’s son, Larys.
3 Ser Criston Cole
Ser Criston Cole is a fine swordsman, a knight of the prestigious Kingsguard, and eventually takes charge as Lord Commander under Aegon II. The royal princes – Alicents and Rhaenyra’s sons are trained by him. It is because of his lessons in swordplay that Aemond Targaryen goes on to become a fierce fighter.
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Ser Criston’s sword twirling and combat skills are par excellence. He, however, is more lethal with his weapon of choice, i.e., the mace with a spiked head known as Morningstar. He jousts against Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon season one, episode one and unhorses him. As Prince Daemon wields his Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister in a contest of arms, Ser Criston uses his mace and defeats him.
2 Aemond Targaryen
An exceptional swordsman, Aemond Targaryen will play a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons. He is the second son of Alicent Hightower and Viserys Targaryen and spends most of his time reading, practicing sword fighting, and riding on the biggest dragon in House of the Dragon – Vhagar. Aemond is everything that a fierce sword fighter should be. He is swift of foot, skilled, and knows the art of combat better than his brother, Aegon.
1 Daemon Targaryen
While Ser Criston defeats Daemon Targaryen using his Morningstar, the fact remains, that Daemon is a far better swordsman than him. The Old King Jaehaerys bestowed Visenya’s longsword, Dark Sister upon Daemon as recognition for his remarkable fighting skills.
Daemon took out the prince-admiral of the Triarchy – a man named Craghas Drahar in a single combat. He slew him into two using Dark Sister. Daemon is one of the key players in the civil war and will show his prowess in the upcoming season of House of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon
- Release Date
- August 21, 2022
- Creator
- Ryan Condal
- Cast
- Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Seasons
- 1
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