Could Jaime Beat Aragorn?
We've all spent way too much time arguing with friends about which fictional hero would win in a backyard duel. Whether they're swinging a glowing blade or a massive slab of iron, these characters have defined what it means to be a master of the sword across movies, books, and games. With that in mind, here are 20 swordsmen ranked from weakest to strongest. Do you agree with our picks?
1. Syrio Forel
The First Sword of Braavos taught that lesson to Arya Stark. While he may know the “Water Dance,” Forel quickly falls when he must fight knights in armor with a wooden practice sword. While his speed is supernatural, Forel has no magical armor or invincible strength to boost him higher on this list.
2. Bronn of the Blackwater
Bronn doesn’t concern himself with honor or “playing fair.” As long as he lives to see another sale, that’s all that matters. He’s great in a street fight, but most spell-slinging warriors later on this list would mop the floor with him.
3. Inigo Montoya
Sure, he’s a level 8 “wizard” with a blade in his own universe. But rogues who feint and swordsmen who out-reach him can still trouble him. He can’t compete with radioactive weaponsmiths or stone-cutting science-magic in his relatively realistic world.
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4. Jon Snow
The "White Wolf" has survived countless battles and even a return from the afterlife, proving he’s a gritty and capable combatant. He handles his Valyrian steel blade with enough skill to take down White Walkers. But his style is more about survival and raw instinct than refined artistry.
5. Boromir of Gondor
Few fighters could go toe-to-toe with dozens of raging Uruk-hai the way Boromir could. Blessed with immense strength and years of military training, he survived wave after wave of enemies on the front lines. But even this legend couldn’t outlive Elves or dodge every blade like a Ranger.
6. Ser Arthur Dayne
The Sword of the Morning was one of Westeros’ premier knights before his legendary fall at the Tower of Joy. Rumor has it that Ser Arthur single-handedly fought off numerous skilled swordsmen. Arthur lives on as a legend for a reason.
7. Raubahn Aldynn
The “Flame General” of Final Fantasy XIV is revered for his incredible strength and dual-wielding abilities. Even after losing one of his arms, Raubahn can hold his own against some of the biggest bruisers in the entire world of Eorzea. He wields greatswords that could fell most knights in medieval fantasy.
8. Jaime Lannister
Before he lost his dominant hand, the "Kingslayer" was widely considered the most talented duelist of his generation. He possessed a natural grace and speed that made swordplay look effortless, allowing him to humiliate almost any opponent who challenged him. His raw talent cannot be ignored, though his lack of magical abilities means he can only climb so high in a multiverse ranking.
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9. Connor MacLeod
With hundreds of years to refine skills, mastery becomes inevitable. The Highlander uses his “Immortal” status to be a threatening adversary in sword fights. Connor’s use of enchanted regenerative abilities gives him an edge, but he’s still a fantastic sword-fighter nonetheless.
10. Legolas Greenleaf
While he’s famous for his archery, this Elven prince is also a blur of motion when he draws his twin long knives. He moves with a supernatural lightness that allows him to run across falling stones and take down massive Oliphaunts with ease. His Elven reflexes are far beyond what any human can manage.
11. Geralt of Rivia
Geralt’s mutant Witcher abilities grant him better-than-human reflexes and incredible strength. This beast slayer can combine his swords with mystical Signs to push back foes or protect himself from harm. Because his power level comes from magic, Geralt is much stronger than a typical sword-wielding fighter.
12. Link
The Hero of Time has conquered evil again and again with the help of countless swords. Link wields magical weapons often, but his go-to move is always the Master Sword from the Hyrule legacy. Thanks to the Triforce of Courage coursing through his veins, he can conquer gods and monsters that tower over him.
13. Drizzt Do'Urden
Drow by birth, ranger by training. Nothing explains this Forgotten Realms warrior like his sword-fighting abilities. Dual-wielding two scimitars allows Drizzt to dance around the battlefield in absolute harmony. He’s also a magically trained elf, which grants him abilities like conjuring spheres of shadow to blind his enemies.
14. Lan Mandragoran
As the greatest blademaster in the Wheel of Time series, Lan is a man who has turned his body into a living weapon. He’s capable of "sheathing the sword," a technique where he accepts a wound to deliver a fatal blow, showing a terrifying level of discipline. His focus is so intense that he can hold his own against supernatural monsters that would terrify an entire army of regular soldiers.
15. Aragorn
As a Ranger of the North and the rightful King of Gondor, this warrior has decades of experience fighting orcs and monsters. He wields Andúril with a level of stamina and strength that far exceeds a normal person, thanks to his blessed Númenórean bloodline. No wonder he’s a legend in The Lord of the Rings.
16. Guts
By now, it should be clear what comes with wielding gigantic weapons in a series as over-the-top as Berserk. Guts’ signature sword, the Dragon Slayer, is so massive that few could lift it. The cursed Berserker Armor grants him strength far beyond that of mortal men, allowing him to slice through foes with ease.
17. Sephiroth
The legendary soldier from Final Fantasy VII wields the Masamune, a ridiculously long blade that he handles with terrifying grace. He’s infused with alien cells that give him god-like strength and the ability to fly or cast devastating meteoric magic. He’s less of a man and more of a force of nature.
18. Roronoa Zoro
As a master of the "Three Sword Style," this One Piece warrior actually carries one of his katanas in his mouth while he fights. He can tear through entire ships and even mountains by focusing his "Haki" to harden his blades and increase his striking power. His physical durability is legendary.
19. Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Arguably one of the hardest bosses in all of gaming, Malenia’s swordsmanship is on another level. Her speed and agility are unmatched by most characters, allowing her to perform her famous dance maneuver. Couple that with her ability to heal herself with every enemy she strikes, and you’ve got a bona fide nightmare.
20. Vergil
The son of Sparda from Devil May Cry moves with such incredible speed that it often looks like he’s teleporting around the battlefield. He wields the Yamato, a dark blade capable of cutting through the very fabric of space and dimensions with a single draw. Since he’s half-demon, he can tap into his "Devil Trigger" to gain even more power, making him almost impossible for any mortal swordsman to even perceive.
