Ser Duncan the Tall is an important figure in Westeros, a famed knight known for his honor and loyalty, and whose legacy remains a story told for many generations, as we’ve heard on Game of Thrones. For someone who occupied four pages in the Book of Brothers, Ser Duncan truly must be quite the man.

His sword-fighting skill in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was untested, and even after the Trial of Seven, we know he still has much to learn. However, we know he’d be much more than a knight in the years to come, and this means he’ll improve as a fighter and rank among the greatest.

If Ser Duncan in his prime met any of the famed knights and warriors from Game of Thrones, how would he fare? Who would he crush to the ground, and who could defeat him? Let’s find out.

10. Loras Tyrell

Finn Jones in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Ser Loras Tyrell is a crowd-favorite tourney knight and was regarded as one of the most skilled in Westeros. As a highborn, he was trained from a young age, which means he possesses sufficient skills and experience, especially in jousting.

However, when it comes to real fighting, such as trial by combat and wars, we’re not certain if he could stand a chance. Ser Duncan the Tall has more edge over Loras, just by his body size alone. He’s also more levelheaded than the proud and temperamental knight, which also plays a huge role in combat.

9. Bronn of the Blackwater

Jerome Flynn in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Bronn of the Blackwater is indeed one of the finest sellswords in Westeros, with several experiences in battles, and has always escaped danger. He’s quite interesting in the sense that he’s cunning and is very strategic, but if desperate times call for desperate measures, he won’t hesitate to commit dishonorable tactics.

You won’t likely see Duncan do anything like this, but fighting against Bronn gives him enough advantage. He’s way stronger and absolutely built for long, intense fights. Bronn will have to find a way to outsmart Dunk, which can be his only ticket to winning.

8. Brienne of Tarth

Gwendoline Christie in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Brienne is a great match against Duncan, both physically and skills-wise. She is well-trained and has been in several duels, not to mention against some of the greatest knights in Westeros. Her temperament and discipline also serve her well during intense clashes, and her honor matches Dunk’s. In a real brawl, they may end in a draw.

This is plausible in the sense that even though Dunk is taller and has more reach than Brienne, the latter can still overpower him using combined skill, strength, and stamina. But since this is Dunk in his prime, he will certainly give a good fight, too.

7. Oberyn Martell

Pedro Pascal in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Now, we’ve come to the part where we meet the toughest and coolest fighters in the realm. The Red Viper’s duel with Duncan is something everyone would want to see because this is like putting a heavyweight tank against a lethal duelist.

Oberyn is quick and light on his feet, exceptionally skilled at sword fighting (he does it in style, too), and he uses poison to slow down his enemies. Meanwhile, Dunk’s advantage would be his brute strength, and one clean hit from him could end the prince.

However, Oberyn is the one most likely at an advantage here because not only can he outskill Dunk, but the manticore venom will do a lot of damage to the knight.

6. Sandor Clegane

Rory McCann in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Duncan will have a tough time fighting Sandor Clegane. Not only do they have almost the same body size, but The Hound has more advantages than Dunk, even though the latter has improved as a knight. Sandor is an aggressive fighter, but he doesn’t waste his movements. He is precise and practical.

He fights with the intention to kill, and as a veteran himself, he has lots of brutal encounters that Dunk might have never experienced before. Sandor isn’t known for honor, so we cannot expect him to fight fair against Dunk at any chance.

5. Gregor Clegane

Hafþór Björnsson in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

An even more formidable foe than Sandor, Gregor can squash Dunk in a duel. Both have gigantic statures and overwhelming strength, but skills still play a massive factor in determining the winner, especially with an exciting duel like this.

Duncan can deliver solid blows on Gregor, probably slow him down, or match his endurance level. It might only be through a miracle that he would survive, though, but there will always be a chance. On the other hand, The Mountain possesses all the qualities that can overpower even a tank like Duncan.

4. Barristan Selmy

Undoubtedly one of the best swordsmen in Westeros, Barristan Selmy embodies both honor and strength, making him a worthy and great match against Duncan. While Duncan always has the advantage of reach and robustness, Barristan’s elite swordsmanship, decades of experience, and battle knowledge put him at a better position than the younger knight.

Even at Barristan’s old age, he’s still deadly—what more during his prime? He has gone toe-to-toe with legendary fighters and emerged unscathed. Dunk’s size won’t likely intimidate him, much less let it get the best of him.

3. Robert Baratheon

Mark Addy in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

Robert might be smaller than Duncan, but he is still huge compared to other warriors. We know Dunk in his prime has the knowledge and skills of a traditional knightly combatant, but if he were to lock horns with this legendary fighter, the odds might not be in his favor.

The King of the Seven Kingdoms is known for his brute strength, and he can win at least three battles in a single day. Let’s not forget that he wields a warhammer—one good blow to Dunk’s head and he’s done. Robert is also used to fighting in a chaotic arena, which could prove a disadvantage for Dunk.

2. Jaime Lannister

A match between Dunk and Jaime might be unequal at this point, knowing the former would heavily rely on his durability rather than talent, and the latter already has all the skills to win, although it might take him some time to really put his opponent to the ground.

Jaime may admire Duncan’s legacy, which is shaped by honor and great deeds, but combat-wise, the Kingslayer would undoubtedly emerge as the victor. His combined expertise in swordsmanship, speed, and strategy can defeat another’s raw strength any day.

1. Arthur Dayne

Luke Roberts in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO

The Sword of the Morning isn’t a legend for nothing—he is the finest of all knights that ever lived in Westeros. It would be a stretch to say that Dunk has any chance of overpowering someone like Arthur Dayne; even George R.R. Martin believes this famed knight could beat Barristan (via Westeros.org).

At this point, Dunk’s only win in this fight is the honor of clashing swords with a top-tier swordsman. The hedge knight can still give a good show, perhaps impress Arthur with his brute strength and endurance, but it’s highly unlikely the odds would favor Dunk.

TV Series:Game of ThronesShowrunners:David Benioff & D.B. WeissBased on:A Song of Ice and FireRelease Date:April 17, 2011 – May 19, 2019Rotten Tomatoes (as of March 1)89%

Which knight in Westeros is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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