The Mountain vs. The Hound: A Clash of Virtues and Strength

There is no denying the

intense and fascinating rivalry

that exists between two

physically imposing characters in Game of Thrones.

The Mountain, also known as Tywin Lannister’s

personal bodyguard, and The Hound, the

formerly honorable

Sandor Clegane, are both

considered formidable forces in the

Game of Thrones universe, yet their

personalities and moralities contrast

significantly. This article aims to

explore the differences between The

Mountain and The Hound, examining

how their attributes mark them as

different kinds of adversaries, and

trying to answer the question of which

is truly better in the context of their

character development and impact.

Strength and Physical Prowess

First and foremost, when it comes to sheer

physical strength and combat prowess, The Mountain

is undoubtedly the superior of the two. Known for his

wieldy size and imposing presence, The Mountain

literally towers over others, dwarfing them with the

massive frame that epitomizes his strength and

endurance. His sheer size alone makes him a

potentially more formidable foe, as he can apply

considerable force and leverage his mass to overpower

opponents more easily. Combined with his

superior strength, The Mountain's

size and physical power create a

startling and almost terrifying presence in battle.

Character Traits and Moral Virtues

Contrary to his physical dominance, The Mountain

is often portrayed as a cruel and sadistic

individual, his character marked by a lack of

empathy and a willingness to inflict pain and

suffering upon others. His reputation for

murder and brutality is well-documented,

culminating in the infamous incident of his

murdering Qyburn, a loyal and scientific

mentor. This aspect of his personality

renders him a less sympathetic and more

menacing figure, as he does not exhibit the

emotional depth or ethical considerations

that might temper his actions.

On the other hand, The Hound, despite his

name and outward brutality, is a

character who holds a complex and

virtuous inner morality. Unlike The

Mountain, who is defined by his

cruelty, The Hound is more

virtuous, a quality exemplified by his

later allegiance to Arya Stark and his

protective and selfless nature towards her.

Impact on the Narrative and Alliances

The Mountain's ruthless nature places him as a

character whose alignment is often a

matter of the status quo or

near-term strategic interests, leading

to his vacillations in loyalty. His allegiance

Youssif is known to waver and shift

depending on who holds the

most power or who promises the most

advantage. This tumultuous

attitude towards loyalty is a testament

to his value as a character – while his

strength is undeniable, his

temperament and ruthless

banality may detract from his desirability

as a companion or ally.

In contrast, The Hound's transformation and

prominence in the narrative serve as a

reminder of the power of

redemption and the potential for change

within even the most hardened of

individuals. His journey from

brutality to protection is a compelling one, fostered

by his bond with Arya and his

honest, albeit difficult, moral

In this way, The Hound can be seen as a character

who embodies a more sustainable and

nuanced version of virtuous

personality, whereas The Mountain

remains, for the most part, a one-dimensional

cruelty figure, often

confined to instances of

brutality and violence.

Conclusion: A Question of Virtue and Strength

Ultimately, determining which is 'better'

between The Mountain and The Hound

is not so much a matter of

physical prowess, but a

question of character. While The Mountain

may be the physically more formidable

individual, it is The Hound who

embodies the greater moral virtue.

The Hound's journey from a

brutalized soldier to a

protective ally, and his

ability to form deep

connections and display

selflessness, is a testament to the

power of redemption and the

capacity for moral growth

even in the face of adversity. The

Mountain, while physically

imposing, remains a one-dimensional

cruelty figure, and his

alignment often follows the

worst impulses of political maneuvering.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Westeros, it

seems the choice between The

Mountain and The Hound is

more about which

virtue and

morality you find

more admirable. The

Hound

may be a

less formidable

physically, but his

innate

goodness and

emotional depth make

him a more

satisfying and compelling

character in the

perspective of

human virtue and

moral development.