The Second Best Fighter in the Night's Watch After Jon Snow

In the world of Game of Thrones, the Night's Watch is a formidable force, tasked with safeguarding the realm from various threats. Among its members, who were they besides Jon Snow, the most renowned fighting leader, that stood out as the second best in terms of combat skills? This article delves into the candidacy of several notable fighters, including Ser Alliser Thorne and others.

1. Ser Alliser Thorne - The Skilled Swordsman

Skilled Swordsman and Trainer: Ser Alliser Thorne is a seasoned swordsman and a training instructor for new recruits at the Wall. While Jon Snow displays exceptional combat skills and leadership, Thorne is often portrayed as a formidable opponent. Despite his antagonism towards Jon, Thorne's combat prowess is widely recognized. His role as a trainer at the Wall highlights his importance as a combat instructor.

Ranking: In terms of sheer fighting ability, Ser Alliser Thorne is usually recognized as the next best fighter after Jon Snow. This ranking is based on his experience and skill, making him a prominent figure in the Night's Watch.

2. Qhorin Halfhand - The Dangerous Old Man

Retired Ranger and Warrior: Qhorin Halfhand, a retired ranger, is known for his dangerous and formidable nature. He spent several winters beyond the Wall and faced dire circumstances. A Wildling tried to cut off his head, but he managed to block it with his hand and kill the attacker with his axe. His reputation as a dangerous fighter is evident, as Rattleshirt and his band were sent out specifically to kill him.

Ranking: Qhorin Halfhand is considered a formidable fighter, making him a strong contender for the second best fighter. His exceptional combat skills and past experiences position him as a significant threat.

3. Waymar Royce - Standing Against Overwhelming Odds

Ancient Power and Magical Demon: Waymar Royce met his end while battling an ancient power, a magical demon. Despite facing superior numbers, he traded blows with this powerful being before his ultimate defeat. Royce's determination and skill in such a challenging situation make him a worthy contender for the second-best fighter.

Ranking: Waymar Royce's bravery and combat aptitude in facing an ancient power and magical demon make him a vital candidate for the second best fighter in the Night's Watch.

4. Iron Emmet and Alliser Thorne - A Close TIE

Eastwatch's Best Blade and Exemplary Trainer: Iron Emmet, the best blade in Eastwatch, is in charge of training there. Similarly, Alliser Thorne, another instructor at the Wall, needs to be exceptionally skilled to command in a merit-based system. In fact, Emmet even beat Jon Snow himself during a training exercise in book 3 of the series.

Ranking: The ranking between Iron Emmet and Alliser Thorne is a close tie. Both are highly skilled fighters, each excelling in their respective capacities of Eastwatch and the Wall, respectively.

5. Jeor Mormont - The Veteran Commander

Resilient and Experiened: Jeor Mormont, the Lord Commander, commands respect and has extensive battle experience. This veteran fighter has a strong reputation, especially after his remarkable display when he nearly decapitated a stabber, stemming multiple wounds to his back. His lineage and family's martial prowess suggest he would be a formidable fighter in the Night's Watch.

Ranking: Jeor Mormont's battle experience and resilience make him a strong candidate for the second-best fighter in the Night's Watch.

Conclusion

Jon Snow's exceptional skills and leadership make him the top fighter in the Night's Watch, but several others are up to the challenge of competing for the second-best position. Whether it's the skilled Ser Alliser Thorne, the dangerous Qhorin Halfhand, the brave Waymar Royce, the capable Iron Emmet, or the experienced Jeor Mormont, each of these fighters brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the best fighter in the Night's Watch after Jon Snow?
A: Jon Snow is considered the best fighter in the Night's Watch. However, several others are equally skilled and form a strong second-best contender group.

Q: Why is Ser Alliser Thorne considered the second-best fighter?
A: Ser Alliser Thorne is a skilled swordsman and instructor at the Wall, recognized for his combat prowess. His role as a trainer and his ability to defeat Jon Snow in training makes him a strong contender for the second-best fighter.

Q: What makes Qhorin Halfhand a notable fighter?
A: Qhorin Halfhand's reputation as a dangerous old man who trained and led rangers for the Night's Watch is well-known. His skill in blocking an attack with his hand and killing the attacker with his axe is a testament to his formidable fighting abilities.