Who are the best Kingsguard in Game of Thrones History?

Hello everyone! Today I'll be examining the history of the Kingsguard in #asongoficeandfire, and then ranking the seven all-time greatest.
Be sure to subscribe if you enjoyed this video! What do you think? Is there anything I missed? What do you think of #houseofthedragon so far? More #asoiaf content is on the way!
Thank you all for watching! I'll be back with more theories on Sunday. I wasn't planning on making a video for this coming Sunday, but I've found a theory that has broken my brain and I have to share it. Character art in this video is by TheMico!
My Twitter: / quinnthegm
00:00 Knights in Fiction
00:30 Origins of the Kingsguard
01:01 Kingsguard Vows
01:32 Parallels with the Night's Watch
02:05 The Lord Commander
02:30 Ranking the Best Kingsguard
03:11 The First Knight*
04:12 The Second Knight
05:20 The Third Knight
06:40 The Fourth Knight
7:50 The Fifth Knight
09:03 The Sixth Knight
11:30 Dishonorable Mentions
12:50 Our Lord Commander
14:44 Concluding Thoughts

[@zaja2418]

I kinda like the irony that, speaking only from a martial point of view, Aerys II, one of the worst Targaryen kings ever, if not the worst, had one of the best Kingsguard rosters of all time: Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy, Jaime Lannister, Gerold Hightower, Lewyn Martell, Jonothor Darry, Oswell Whent. That's a solid squad, right there.

[@jeffmcmurray9856]

The first three are easy too 5 all time

[@joshuabryant9845]

​@jeffmcmurray9856 George says they are the 3 best swordsmen ever. Dayne #1 with Dawn, #2 Selmy, #3 Jamie. He also said that without Dawn, Dayne and Selmy are relative

[@panspermiapancakes]

Aerys was a good man in his early years. He surrounded himself with the most honorable and skilled knights. Unfortunately for Jamie, he was recruited into the kingsguard right after Aerys started going mad. While we mostly only hear about them from Ned's POV, he is a highly honorable person himself and he held extremely high opinions of all of them, with the exception of Jamie, even though Ned was technically their enemy. But yeah, because Aerys had so many honorable men among him to protect him, when he went mad, their honor and oaths bounded them to him for life, so they honored it even while their king started doing terrible things. In any sane persons view, protecting a mad man, oath bound or not, could be seen as pretty terrible. It was probably very conflicting for them. I think Jamie is just as honorable as most of his other kingsguard, but he was left in a very bad position at the end of the war when kingslanding was being sacked by his own family. He could die protecting the king, who would also die moments later, or just finish off the mad dog himself and serve the next king. While he broke his oath, the act of betrayal was honorable because the man he served was a terrible person. Jamie's loyalty to Aerys pretty much vanished after he found out he was only recruited to insult and spite Tywin by taking his first born son. Jamie was the first person recruited into the kingsguard just out of spite.

[@thalmoragent9344]

​​@@panspermiapancakesYeah, Aerys II was decent at first. Not the most effective but, still effective enough with Tywin as Hand

[@thalmoragent9344]

Nah, Aegon the Unworthy was even worse

[@Buford_T_Justice1]

The most interesting thing about Ser Duncan the Tall is that he is the greatest knight ever but technically might not have been officially knighted. The knight Dunc was squiring for died suddenly and it’s not clear whether he knighted Dunc or not. I love that!

[@adrianbergstrand9386]

@@Mhael_Logain Probably gonna see him knighted in a future dunk/egg series or books since there is a bunch happening between and after the dunk and egg books

[@stemill1569]

You say it yourself. SER Duncan the Tall. There wouldn't be a title if he wasn't knighted. And it was even acknowledged as his title was written in official documents.

[@thepapakeeganshow6440]

Except from Dunk’s own statements and actions, he could have y’know, been lying the entire time? Like seriously he constantly gets nervous when people ask about his knighting, only the knight he squired for was there, and again, the death was sudden it wasn’t like it was a sickness and he wanted to give him a knighthood. And while I’m not positive isn’t the “official document” just his claim that the guy knighted him, which was backed up as he took Egg as a squire and eventually served as lord commander (aka no one is gonna question if he was knighted or not at that point)

[@danielallen4450]

@@adrianbergstrand9386 I honestly hope Dunk never gets officially knighted, because that way ( Depending on how we look at Barristan), the knights of his lineage uphold what it means to be a “true” knight, without actually being officially knights; it’s a very GRRM notion, tbh

[@adrianbergstrand9386]

@@danielallen4450 I can see that as being true, he and Sandor would both have that in common. However it seems like Dunk wouldn't refuse an opportunity of being knighted whilst Sandor does

[@fishpastethe4th340]

"shotgun wielding howland reed" cracked me up lmao

[@GreyWasteTim]

Can't believe you wouldn't consider legendary food taster Ser Boros Blount. Relegated to the (dis)honorable mentions.

[@pedroalmeida5216]

Ser Lucamore the Lusty.

[@sands201]

And Ser Osmund Kettleback!

[@Jaaack8297]

Blount-heads rise up!!

[@joaoferreira3007]

The greatest irony of Jaime Lannister, is that even though he did horrible horrible things, he is probably the character that saved most lives with an action in the whole series, because if i am not mistaken Kingslanding is one of the most populated city in planetos, so when he stoped aerys he really saved hundreds of thousands of inocents.

[@HOTD108_]

This is Jaime Lannister 101. It's literally the point of the character.

[@cadeconner519]

Most populated in Westeros but I’m pretty sure all of the free cities and the major cities in slavers bay are much bigger

[@prashantarya521]

1 million people. I think it was mentioned somewhere.

[@thalmoragent9344]

​@@cadeconner519 True

[@hillbillypowpow]

I think it's said there are great cities in Yi Ti that utterly dwarf King's Landing and Oldtown.

[@dfolz1101]

"Well, through *Ser Barriston Selmy, all things are possible, so jot that down."

[@paulcourtemanche3549]

Dunk the Hunk, THICCCC as a castle wall.

[@DominionSorcerer]

One objection! The title of "Warden of the East" is a military title held by the person responsible for the defence of the Vale, but it's not a landed title so therefore Jaime broke no vows by holding it.

[@Zach-mw5so]

Yeah I think titles mean landed titles. Both the Kingsguard and Night’s Watch literally name their leader “Lord Commander.” Is that not a title?

[@mappingshaman5280]

​@Zach-mw5so technically lord commander of the nights watch is a landed title since they control the wall and all lands in the gift. The kingsguard however hold no lands, unless you count the white sword tower which is splitting hairs if you ask me.

[@Popepaladin]

Yeah, the point is most likely to disallow hereditary titles one can pass on to their family. Military command and Hand of the King are allowed.

[@thalmoragent9344]

​@@Zach-mw5so Yes, their position, they still hold no Lands

[@thalmoragent9344]

I also like how the Hightowers have a title "Beacon of the South", which is kinda cool. Not Warden, but cool enough

[@EjectPackTorkoal]

Jaime was a great shield for the people of Kings Landing, but by definition was a terrible kings-guard

[@QuinnTheGM]

Exactly what made his ranking tricky.

[@ndep93]

He saved Kings Landing’s what he did. He was a brave Westerosi knight, and in this house, Jaime Lannister is a hero. End of story!

[@thewerdna]

Yeah, Jamie was a great knight, but terrible kings guard.

[@pterpsvin8887]

@@ndep93sopranos

[@OctopusWithNoFriends]

​@@ndep93ily 🤟

[@WillowGardener]

Shouldn't Gerold Hightower at least beat out the Hound? I mean I love the Hound as a character, but desertion is desertion. I think even Mandon Moore beats out Sandor, since he's very dangerous and obedient.

[@someanimal3506]

I agree. The hound really ought to be a dishonorable mention.

[@QuinnTheGM]

He was close, but we don’t know a ton about Gerold and his achievements. BUT he’s a crucial part of Sunday’s video, so you’ll see more of him soon.

[@1inchfemur]

Gerold was lord commander, and he was miles away whilst his king got brutally murdered. He's the kingsguard, not the defendwhoeverrhaegartellsyoutodefendguard.

[@zeoxyman]

Idk if Gerold beats out the Hound, but I do know the Hound would be very angry if he knew he was on this list

[@AveTrueToCaesar8212]

To be honest, under a better king, Sandor could have been one of the best Kingsguard of all time. The man was incredibly loyal, considered the knightly virtues to be of utmost importance despite being jaded towards the actual institution of knighthood, has a great moral compass despite not always following it due to the commands of his dishonourable patrons, is an amazing warrior and was incredibly brave during the Blackwater. Sandor gets a bad rep for deserting his post during the Blackwater, but people overlook that he led multiple sorties outside of the walls despite being heavily outnumbered and having to charge into the manifestation of his greatest fears, the wildfire. He wasn’t just scared of the fire, he was having repeated attacks from post traumatic stress disorder because the flames reminded him of the incident that maimed him. Yet still, he led the charge multiple times against Stannis. The true reason he broke, the real catalyst for him deserting his post, was that he realised he was doing those things for someone who was not only unworthy of his loyalty and sacrifice, but also did not care for him at all. Even a loyal dog can snap at its master if it is abused enough, Joffrey merely pushed him too far. Sandor would have been one of the best Kingsguard of all time, in my opinion, had he served a more just king. Someone he legitimately respected, someone he would have been willing to follow not just due to obligation or his vows, but because he genuinely respected them. Someone who wasn’t Joffrey. Sandor’s main characteristic is that he holds knightly virtues in such high regard that he regularly berates both himself and others for not upholding them enough. He often calls out hypocrisy and challenges others who he sees as dishonourable, such as Gregor or Boros Blount. Knightly virtues are everything to Sandor, even if he tries to pretend otherwise by masking his disillusioned sorrow with anger and hatred. The Hound is a mask, the man beneath it is as true a knight as one could ever be. His misdeeds and his perceived cowardice at the Blackwater are both the consequence of him having unworthy masters. What he did to the Butcher’s Boy was evil, but he did it on command of the Royal family. It should be noted that even the best of the Kingsguard such as Selmy, Dayne and Hightower were accessories to evil deeds, such as when they allowed Aerys to rape Rhaella whilst they stood guard at his chambers. When acting of his own accord, Sandor tries to rescue Sansa from the Lannisters, whilst also refusing to cross the line by sexually assaulting her, because he realised that would make him no better than Gregor. And even when there was nothing in it for him due to the death of Robb, he still rescued Arya from the Twins, because it was the honourable thing to do. A Kingsguard is only ever as good as the king they serve, Sandor just had the misfortune of serving one of the worst. Give him a better master and the man would be a paragon of virtue. I think the fact that he never got that opportunity adds an extra layer of tragedy to his character.

[@onslaught7566]

shoutout to Aemon the dragonknight , he really had to put up with 3 bad kings .

[@renaigh]

you believe everything you read in a story book? What are you, a literal child?

[@axelgonzalez5992]

Not really Baelor was a great king, he even Is the only king to ever save a kingsguard

[@MrMustache-yn4zm]

@@axelgonzalez5992 if Baelor was a great king then so was Maegor

[@fernandorivera4719]

​@@MrMustache-yn4zmNah. Baelor had many crazy hjinks, but they did not get anywhere near the level of threat that Maegor was. Maidenvault is diet Black Brides. Sept of Baelor is diet Red Keep. Baelor saved his cousin while Maegor killed his. There is no comparaison.

[@danielallen4450]

@@axelgonzalez5992 Baelor was a passable king at best. The Targaryens produced only a handful of good kings; he ain’t one.

[@TheDeadlyKnight]

I previously did a thought experiment… a Dark Kingsguard. My Dark 7: Lord Commander Criston Cole the Kingmaker, Ser Jaime Lannister the Kingslayer, Lord Captain Victarion Greyjoy, Ser Gregor Clegane, Prince Daemon Blackfyre, Ser Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers & The Smiling Knight.

[@moritzl4024]

Why Daemon Blackfyre ? He was a great knight and very honorable. So much that it cost him everything, even his life.

[@TheDeadlyKnight]

@@moritzl4024 I agree. Daemon was noble. He’s here because he’s an infamous would-be usurper

[@moritzl4024]

@@TheDeadlyKnight He was legitimized and given the sword of Kings. Not to mention that he would have been a better King than Daeron.

[@noahmarshall873]

@@moritzl4024 legitimized bastards still come after trueborn sons though. and the dance set the precedent that the king can't name his heir so no matter how you look at it he's still a usurper

[@moritzl4024]

@@noahmarshall873 The Dance is a bad example for a precedent case. Rhaenyra was the rightful heir, and Aegon was the usurper. While Daemon was not the elder one, one could argue that by giving Blackfyre to him, Aegon indirectly named him heir. And not quiet few saw it that way.

[@CrusaderChris]

I think my favorite name for a Kingsguard is Ser Jeffory Norcross, known as Neveryield. Such a badass name for a knight. I also think Loras Tyrell could become a legendary Kingsguard for Dany or whoever ends up on the Iron Throne (assuming his injuries on Dragonstone aren't fatal). Great video!

[@QuinnTheGM]

Neveryield is a RAD nickname, I actually had a best-nickname speed round in an earlier draft of this video, but it got cut for time. I was partial to the Pale Griffin, but that may be my JonCon bias showing.

[@travismcnasty4239]

Just a tiny point against Ser Duncan. There are probably some Dunclings about.

[@collinwatts9390]

Not sure if Cole deserves to get a dishonourable mention. If we are talking about skill he is up there with some of the best and incredibly intelligent.

[@yoodlebug41]

I'd also love to hear a proper list about the worst kingsguard! Shoutout to Lucamore the Lusty

[@pablog444]

Just because he fucked a lot?

[@thalmoragent9344]

Yep, very true. Was out here with more wives and kids than most Martells we know about 😅

[@dee-taylor]

Before you enveiled your Lord Commander I was trying to think who it could be... you already listed Barristan, and Aemon, and Arthur, and I was at a loss. But then you said Dunk...DUH lmao. Obvious choice is obvious.

[@jeffwhite5007]

If you think that the dragon knight jumping in front of an arrow is impossible, read the story on Matiss Kivlenieks. He was a professional hockey goalie who died jumping in front of a firework to protect the pregnant wife of his other goalie teammate. Literally trained his entire life to throw his body in front of things and died saving 2 lives.

[@TheNewGuy21]

Your editing is so slick and cool. It's like precise and accurate to what you want to show! I wish I could edit like you really. Keep up the great ASOIAF videos! Always fun to talk about the lore and story etc.

[@outsidein9809]

Love the vids man! Keep em comin!

[@IronGuy.]

Great work. Keep the up the content quality and this Channel will blow up in no time

[@etnoballium4516]

Really great video quinn

[@033MMAFiend]

Absolutely tremendous video

[@Raleyg]

If this was strictly about who was the best fighters I think both Jamie and Criston should have been on the list. As well as Dwayne Corbray, surprised he didn't get a mention. Personally I'd kick out Sandor, Ryam Redwyne, and Gyles Morrigen, they just don't have the feats the rest do

[@brendan9868]

I love the irony of Dunk going down as one of the greatest knights to ever live despite probably never actually getting knighted. I do hope in the next Fire and Blood book we get some more fleshed out kingsguard members, the first had a few that were featured quite a bit, so I’m hoping that continues as it’s a pretty fascinating order and we’ve had quite a few names thrown at us without much context of who they were.

[@mappingshaman5280]

I mean he was knighted by his hedgeknight tutor but nobody recognises him.

[@benmccarthy1799]

​@@mappingshaman5280it's implied his tutor actually died before he was knighted.

[@brendan9868]

@@benmccarthy1799 exactly it’s never outright said but implied pretty often like how he wouldn’t knight Fossoway before the trial so Baratheon had to. Which shows he might’ve not actually been knighted as he doesn’t actually know the words or knows he can’t actually make a knight.

[@CatotheE]

Duncan was almost certainly knighted. Just not necessarily by Arlan. He died first. My guess is that he'll be knighted by Aegon.

[@jaimelannister1797]

@@CatotheEfor him to be knighted though would mean admitting he’s lied about being a knight all this time, so I’m not sure that’d happen

[@maviebaby]

This is a FANTASTIC list. No notes.

[@Jetsfan38]

I was so happy when i saw that you had Dunk as lord commander. I love Dunk.

[@EliJarJar]

Awesome video, best hand of the king video would be equally as awesome

[@merengueatang4]

Tbh, i assumed the white bull would be in there somewhere, but i guess we don't know enough about him. Not sure about the hound's placement, what with him abandoning his king and all.

[@critanalysis9546]

what a brilliant video!

[@RoleCrow]

I think my favorite aspect about ASOIAF are when George studies honor and what that means on a world like this, that's why the kingsguard and the nightwatch are my favorite faction, and John and Jaime my favorite characters because of their strugle with doing the right thing or being "honorable", for example Arthur Dayne is the paragon of honor in the story, everybody says he was the perfect knight, so was he honorable when he standed next to Aerys while he burned people alive with dragon fire? Because he did not broke his oath?

[@mistmanjones3555]

Controversial opinion but King Jaehaerys was too cruel with Lucamore Strong. Gelding him was overkill

[@HOTD108_]

King Jay-jay was just jealous of that Strong seed.

[@xcalibur1944]

He broke is vow and not killing him is mercy ,u idiot.

[@a.a677]

break your vows, deal with the consequences

[@Redsparrowcomics]

I think Jaehaerys probably wouldn’t have gelded him if he hadn’t had 3 wives and tons of kids. If it had been just 1 wife, I think he’d have just punished him, but his crafty ways to seduce 3 women without them or the court knowing, Jaehaerys probably didn’t trust Lucamore not to do the same in the North

[@amcc666]

Great video

[@Divine_Chareka]

Ser Duncan The Tall is the best Kingsguard knight in the history of Westeros. I cannot wait to see the Dunk and Egg show when it airs on HBO

[@herbertschulz4313]

My favourite kingsguard is balon swann

[@dancollins188]

Great list

[@JaguarBST]

Joffery’s roast of Jamie’s lack of legacy as the lord commander was justified.

[@brandonneldo112]

dalinar mentioned 😎 10/10

[@QuinnTheGM]

Glad somebody caught that.

[@michaelamurphy845]

I wish brienne could be a knight but I think the series is all aboutquestioning what a traditional knight, king, queen, lord, etc … great takes such a cool ass concept

[@AlgrenTheBlue]

I actually have no complaints with this list, awesome job and opinion, and I agree with how low Dayne is ranked

[@mementomori771]

I really like these videos I would've cheated and put Arryk and Erryk as one

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

Great list the top 3 clear the others

[@bradwolf07]

There were some great Knights to wear the White Cloak...I know this list would have been tough to make

[@yackgobus9060]

I'm blown away that the first guy on the list is a deserter. Shouldn't loyalty be in the top 3 traits amongst martial prowess and situational awareness?

[@nickgates4259]

I’d love to see spymasters ranked

[@sammakesstuff4176]

I would prefer a Rainbow Guard like Renly for the sole reason that each knight gets a color, like the power rangers

[@QuinnTheGM]

Renly had a lot of great ideas.

[@tiny_wizard]

While I agree with your views on Jaime, I'm fairly certain that being a Warden doesn't immediately come with lands. It just means that you exercise chief military authority over specific geographic regions of the Seven Kingdoms. It just so happens that for reasons of convenience the title of Warden was awarded to the Great House of that region.

[@joecooper7843]

I really hope if we get future dunk and egg novels that we have egg as a pov character as he gets older, would be nice to know how he perceives things

[@Necroxion]

Hear me out Quinn A vid of you making a "dream team" Court of King's Landing with your best King, Queen, Kingsguard, Court Maester, Masters of Ships, Coin, Spies, Arms, Hand, etc.

[@ma20combat]

Two Lord Commanders os the Kingsguard that i wanted to know more about would be Alyn “The Pale Griffin” Connington and the “Demon of Darry” I think they were two badass Knights in their time

[@mtlacunae8659]

Ser Robert Strong Sandor Clegane Ser Arthur Dayne Ser Duncan the Tall Ser Jaime Lannister Ser Aemon the Dragon knight Ser Barristan Selmy as Lord Commander That would be my fantasy league Kingsguard.

[@MrShaneVicious]

9:05 Aemon served 5 kings, his uncle being the 1st

[@jamiswamp]

One quick thing you failed to mention about the creation of the Kingsguard: Aegon already had a retinue of knights protecting him and didn’t think he needed a kingsguard, until Visenya drew her sword and slashed his cheek before any of his knights did anything. She also called them weak and slow, so there’s that

[@Munax.]

Great video. My only objection is Hizdahr deserved Sir Barristan's coup he didn't do bad to gouvenr Mereen.

[@lukavidakovic2385]

Ser teryn mant clearly takes thr number 1 spot

[@cruzaider5339]

Of course the honourable, Ser Meryn Trant!

[@juannunez6404]

I'm forma Morelia, México and I love your videos of ASOIAF

[@033MMAFiend]

Could you please do a video essay on Then “Reek” Greyjoy

[@kevinneutzling8267]

Ryam was most famous for once breaking 30 lances against Ser Clement Crabb in what is regarded as the greatest jousting match in Westerosi history. He’s also the one who uncovered the famous Lucamore the Lusty scandal.

[@rikflag6]

The Lunk gets his rightful place at the top! I know he is a bit too old by now, but Tom Hopper would have made the PERFECT Duncan in the tv show. When I saw him as Luther is Umbrella Arcademy, I just couldn‘t stop thinking: that is Ser Duncan the Tall

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

He was great in black sails, that show had such complex characters. You're right though, he would be perfect if he was younger, not many 6 foot something guys who can act well

[@rikflag6]

@@Captain_Insano_nomercy haven‘t seen Black Sails, but I have heard good things about it. Guess I will give it a try :)

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

@rikflag6 it has a slow first season admittedly but it really picks up in the second

[@joshgraham5141]

Didn't he already play Dickon Tarly?

[@rikflag6]

@@joshgraham5141 yes, but Game of Thrones used the same actors for different role a few time, so that wouldn’t really have been a problem

[@dirtysheepdog]

Brienne should have her own Honorable mention for earning her spot into Renly’s Kings (Rainbow?) guard. She did watch him die, but not even Aemond the dragon knight could have prevented that death

[@Chadius_Thundercock]

A. That’s not the kings guard B. She doesn’t have much impressive feats in the books

[@luisaana8783]

Dunk the hunk 12:59

[@irishbeast7644]

Surprised Joffery Doggett didn’t make it onto the list or even an honourable mention, considering he was the grand captain of the warriors sons and helped in the defense of Alysanne at maidenpool.

[@the_dancing_koko7663]

what was summerhall theory on Ser Duncan the Tall?

[@Prof_Dr_col]

Gotta love Dunk

[@loganboyd-so6yd]

Having ser Robert strong on your kings guard would be pretty op

[@pyropulseIXXI]

The Kingsguard and the Others are described using the same imagery; just another parallel, or anti-parallel, between the Night's Watch and the Kingsguard

[@MosHighChadro]

Sir Barristan Selmy is my favorite... Besides Sir Duncan the tall.

[@nsamu]

I agree with Duncan 100%. I also love Jaime, but I can't argue with your reasons for not including him.

[@ryanherbert4878]

Obvious next video should be best ever small council rather than just hand please 😊

[@QuinnTheGM]

I like that idea!

[@abdulwahab558]

Don't disrespect my GOAT Criston Cole he had the most power any Kings Guard ever had p.s A great video can't wait for WoW and your videos regarding it😭😭

[@mrsduncanthetall]

Fuck yeah. I was literally holding my breath

[@mappingshaman5280]

That last one makes me wonder what would have happened in the story had he not been at summerhall.

[@QuinnTheGM]

That’s one of a million super interesting what ifs in this story!

[@strongsuccessfulweeb1400]

Jaime, Aemon the DK and Gywn Corbray is my top 3

[@kingryan69]

while I was watching this I was saying " if he doesnt have dunk on this list.... : lol

[@wilfredoelias3819]

Wait why didn’t Hizdahr zo Loraq deserve a Coup? (I’m assuming that’s what you’re referencing when saying Selmy “accidentally aided in a coup”.

[@QuinnTheGM]

There’s really no evidence that he’s connected to the poisoned locusts or to the Harpy, which were the reasons the Shavepate fed Barristan prior to the coup. It was likely just a powergrab on behalf of the Shavepate.

[@enzobodean2599]

dope

[@DarkKing009]

My Kingsguard rosters of all time: Ser Rickard Thorne, Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Duncan the Tall, Ser Criston Cole the Kingmaker, Sandor Clegane, Ser Aemon the Dragonknight, Ser Samgood of Sour Hill.

[@janwel74]

If Brienne of Tarth had qualified for this ranking, I would have her at least 3rd or 4th of the list.

[@arshbs]

Found the show only fan

[@scummyfish]

yep. probably not as good a fighter as most on this list, but very honorable nd can be relied upon.

[@janwel74]

Actually, I rank her high because she’s one of the most chivalrous, faithful and honorable characters, let alone a more than solid fighter. She would make a better knight than many renowned kingsguards.

[@janwel74]

@@arshbs hardly so… I like book!Brienne far better. The show didn’t make her justice.

[@janwel74]

@@longmist6508 she’s 17 in the books and ALREADY beaten Jaime (arguably the best swordsman in Westeros, though I admit he wasn’t at top form), Loras, top notch swordsman too, and a good number of thugs one by one and also in group. She’s already proven she’s a very good fighter. Since she has her own POV we know for a fact that she is loyal, honourable and one of the most knightly characters. If she is not kinguards’ material, I don’t know who is.

[@patrickmonahan5272]

I didn’t watch all of it yet but you know dunken would’ve beaten aerys insane ass just for the duskendale thing

[@kewinczarny5985]

I'm suprised that Marston Waters isn't on the list. Only because of him both Aegon II and III didn't die at the beginning of each reign

[@samueldawe7225]

I don't know if it is fair to put Ryam down because he was a bad Hand in a ranking of greatest Kingsguards.

[@chables74]

Algormancy!

[@kylelobb7736]

I agree with the decision to put Authur Dayne a bit lower on the scale of best King's Guard. While he does have a great reputation and is arguably the best warrior of his generation, we know too little about him compared to the other king guard members. So we can only judge Dayne on his reputation. Hopefully, GRRM can flesh out Arthur Dayne in future works so we can put Aurthur higher (or lower) on best king's guard list

[@trypwnthis22]

What about the white bull?

[@ashleyofnaath]

Do you know if Kingsguard were permitted squires? Reason I ask is because I've wondered if they were allowed, might Gerold Dayne (Darkstar) have squired for his cousin Ser Arthur, and could Gerold have been with Arthur at the Tower of Joy for any amount of time? If so, Darkstar could have some important information to be revealed down the line. Obviously he wasn't there when Ned's group arrived; but maybe he was for a time before, and when Arthur got word of the loyalist army's fall and Ned claiming the throne for Robert, he sent Gerold away for Gerold's own safety because he knew Ned would be coming for Lyanna and a fight would ensue. And maybe Gerold wasn't given an explanation for why he had to leave, so this immature kid grows up hating Ser Arthur over a misunderstanding that was actually meant to protect him.

[@amcc666]

~I am the night~

[@ashleyofnaath]

@@amcc666 But are you Oberyn's son? That's the question...

[@DominionSorcerer]

Jaime has two squires, so presumably. They are still knights, after all.

[@ashleyofnaath]

@@DominionSorcerer Good point. I don't necessarily go by Jaime though because as was pointed out in the video, he was given extraordinary privileges that violated his oath because of who he was. So idk if it's common practice for Kingsguard to take squires or if Jaime allowed himself to do so because his sister was the dowager queen and his "nephew" the king.

[@DominionSorcerer]

@@ashleyofnaath true, but the vast majority of those "privileges" happened without the larger public knowing like fathering children. Holding the title of Warden of the East isn't against the kingsguard oath since it's not a landed title. It's a title of office.

[@doboss13]

i love ser criston cole THE KINGMAKER

[@mister_i9245]

7:33 being blasted to death by a valyrian steel shotgun is pretty honorable imo

[@Marc_Araujo]

The first Kingsguard of Jaehaerys I is prob the greatest lineup in the order's history.

[@tariizm1500]

what about Gwayne Corbray

[@bmirkhanzadeh]

Barriston would be my lord commander and above dunc! Barriston is the best fighter in the history of the Westros and perhaps one of the most honorable knights!

[@jabunzama]

Lol I'm pretty sure the 5th Blackfyre Rebellion was ended by more than just Ser Bazza, considering how many men went to fight in the war of the Ninepenny Kings 😅

[@FrizziExRose]

Ser Gyles lookin like David Tennant 👀

[@QuinnTheGM]

I had the same thought! Honestly some of my favorite ASOIAF art I’ve ever seen.

[@Seven_Leaf]

Dunk also had a family.

[@shanocampo30]

Ser Barristan Selmy is the best knight in my opinion. He served 4 kings (Jaeherys, Aerys, Robert, Joffrey) and was named Lord Commander by King Robert and served for 17 years . He saved King Aerys in Defiance of Duskendale. He killed Simon Toyne and ended the Kingswood Brotherhood. He won in multiple tourneys. A veteran of 3 wars (2 W - 1 L). 1. Ended the War of 9 Pennykings by killing Maelys. 2. Lost but survived the Battle of the Trident and was pardoned by King Robert after the rebellion. 3. Participated during Greyjoy Rebellion and won. He is currently the Hand of the Queen of Daenerys in the books. He is old and still alive in the books but he is still feared and respected by others. Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon respected him although he was an enemy during the rebellion because of his honor. GRRM said that he is equal to Ser Arthur Dayne in terms of skill, but Ser Arthur has a slight edge because of Dawn. #BarristanTheBold

[@Salty_ZA]

I respect your decision of not putting jaime lannister, he is very vain however i do believe he will redeem himself to be one of the better kingsguards if george ever finishes the story. They tried to depict this in the main series but it wasnt as impactful or rewarding in a way.

[@18pablo88]

You left out Lucamore the lusty Strong

[@Mo-sk7xo]

until I get fire and blood 2 iont know how I feel about the dragon knight I'm sure he's a good knight but I need a Lil more of his paper work in front of me before I ever put him before Bariston

[@tombullard123]

Abandoning your post (which you swore for life) should immediately disqualify you from being one of the greatest kingsguard of all time

[@cheffdonty]

Best Kingsguard is Jonquil Darke