Game of Thrones: 6 Knights Who Can Beat Ser Duncan the Tall, Ranked

Ser Duncan the Tall has the build of a giant, the grit of a street brawler, and a stubborn sense of honor that makes him one of Westeros’ most admirable warriors. HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has introduced audiences to Peter Claffey’s towering hedge knight, but his formidable reputation raises an intriguing question: which legendary Game of Thrones knights could actually defeat him?

Dunk is no pushover. His endurance in The Hedge Knight’s Trial of Seven is legendary, while later accounts credit him with killing Daemon III Blackfyre and defeating Lyonel Baratheon. Yet Westeros has produced deadlier swordsmen whose skill and battlefield feats could outweigh his strength.

Here are six warriors ranked by their achievements, fighting prowess, and chances of defeating Dunk at their peak.

6 Ser Criston Cole Disarms the Rogue Prince

Ser Criston Cole may have made a spectacular mess of Westerosi politics, but his prowess with a weapon was undeniable. At the 104 AC tournament celebrating King Viserys I’s accession, Cole defeated Prince Daemon Targaryen in both the melee and joust. According to Martin’s Fire & Blood, he knocked Dark Sister aside with his morningstar during the melee and also defeated Daemon, Ser Arryk Cargyll, and Ser Erryk Cargyll in the jousting lists.

His remarkable run ended when Lord Lymond Mallister defeated him. Nevertheless, the documented tournament results establish Cole’s versatility against accomplished opponents. That morningstar would be particularly troublesome for Duncan. Dunk relies heavily on strength, endurance, and overwhelming pressure, whereas Cole’s weapon offers opportunities to disrupt an opponent’s guard.

However, Duncan’s resilience could turn a technical contest into a brutal struggle. Cole has the skill to win, but his advantage is less convincing than those of the knights ranked above him.

5 Ser Jaime Lannister Slays Karstark Heirs

Before losing his sword hand, Jaime Lannister was a swift, aggressive swordsman. Knighted at fifteen after distinguishing himself against the Kingswood Brotherhood, he soon became one of the youngest Kingsguard knights. At the Whispering Wood, Jaime killed Rickard Karstark’s sons while cutting through Robb Stark’s guards. Even weakened and chained in A Storm of Swords, he impressed Brienne with his swordsmanship.

At his peak, Jaime’s speed and precision could overwhelm Dunk’s brute strength. However, losing his right hand would drastically shift the odds.

4 Ser Aemon the Dragonknight Defies Death

Prince Aemon Targaryen, the legendary Dragonknight, epitomized Westerosi chivalry. During Daeron I’s conquest of Dorne, he survived a poisoned arrow meant for the king, defeated a Dornish champion, and killed two attackers while defending Daeron at a treacherous peace meeting. His reputation endured long after his death. As recounted in The Sworn Sword, Daemon dismounted to protect the injured Corbray from being trampled.

He also reportedly considered Cregan Stark the finest swordsman he had ever faced, suggesting experience against opponents whose abilities rivaled his own. Dunk matches Aemon’s courage, but the Dragonknight’s celebrated swordsmanship could give him an advantage. His composure could counter Dunk’s aggression, though his legendary reputation makes victory far from certain.

3 Ser Daemon Blackfyre Fells Corbray

Daemon I Blackfyre was a fearsome warrior despite his failed rebellion. At Redgrass Field in 196 AC, he crushed Donnel Arryn’s vanguard before dueling Gwayne Corbray for nearly an hour, eventually grievously wounding him with Blackfyre. As recounted in The Sworn Sword, Daemon dismounted to protect the injured Corbray from being trampled and ordered that he receive medical attention.

That act of mercy proved costly. The delay helped Brynden Rivers position his archers, who subsequently killed Daemon and his sons. Against Dunk, Daemon’s physical strength, exceptional endurance, and mastery of Valyrian steel would present a terrifying combination. Unlike Duncan, whose greatest advantage often lies in surviving punishment, Daemon demonstrated the technique necessary to overcome another elite warrior wielding a legendary blade.

Importantly, this is Daemon I Blackfyre, not Daemon III, whom Duncan killed decades later.

2 Ser Arthur Dayne Slays the Smiling Knight

Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, stands among Westeros’ most accomplished swordsmen. Serving in Aerys II’s Kingsguard, he helped defeat the Kingswood Brotherhood and personally killed its notorious leader, the Smiling Knight. He wielded Dawn, House Dayne’s ancestral greatsword, traditionally reserved for a knight worthy of the Sword of the Morning title.

His reputation receives additional support from private correspondence attributed to George R. R. Martin, archived by Westeros.org. Asked whether Dayne or Barristan Selmy would win at their peaks, Martin reportedly answered:

Dayne… if he was armed with Dawn.

With equal weapons, he added, the duel “might be a toss-up,” though the correspondence remains unverified. Against Dunk, Dayne’s precision and legendary sword Dawn would punish reckless aggression. Even his death at the Tower of Joy speaks to his prowess, as Ned Stark admitted he owed his survival to Howland Reed. Dayne has the technical edge, but another knight boasts something better: an actual victory.

1 Ser Barristan Selmy Defeats Dunk at 16

Unlike the others, Barristan Selmy has already defeated Dunk in a tournament. At King’s Landing’s winter tournament in 253 AC, the sixteen-year-old defeated Prince Duncan Targaryen and Ser Duncan the Tall, then Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, earning his knighthood from Aegon V. Barristan’s victory is recorded in A Storm of Swords and recalled in A Dance with Dragons, with the tournament history confirming his triumph. He later killed Maelys the Monstrous in single combat during the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

His experience and discipline make him a fearsome opponent. Dayne may have Dawn, but Barristan takes first place because he has already defeated Dunk in competition. Barristan defeated Dunk in a tournament, not mortal combat, but that proven victory puts him ahead of the rest. Meanwhile, HBO has renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for Season 2, arriving in 2027 and adapting The Sworn Sword.

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