The 25 Best Fighters on Game of Thrones, Ranked

4) SYRIO FOREL (Previous Ranking: 12)

Category: Artist, bravo, waterdancer

Fan favorite Syrio Forel, the generous Braavosi sword master, was by far the most controversial entrant on our original list. We decided on his placement based on a number of factors, including his limited screentime and skills known only by reputation. However, Syrio did provide Arya Stark with the underpinnings of her own swordplay, and he proved his own worth by opening a can of whoop ass on a squad of Lannister knights, knocking the bulk of them senseless with a wooden training sword and no armor. Although he met his ultimate fate offscreen, Forel was apparently unable to overcome the capable, armored and well-armed Meryn Trant.

While the majority of the fighters on this list are brawlers, the water-dancing Forel is an artist who uses a sword as his paintbrush; Arya Stark carries on his legacy. Syrio’s reputation, skill and popularity have inspired us to reconsider Forel’s ranking. With a decent sword in his hand, Forel would be near-impossible to defeat, and we suspect the First Sword of Braavos could even slice and dice The Mountain.