Was Stannis a Good Swordsman? Reevaluating the Character in 'Game of Thrones'

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation, Game of Thrones, Stannis Baratheon is not often portrayed as the most formidable swordsman. However, the evidence suggests he may have been highly skilled in combat, both in the books and the series.

A Disciplined and Serious Warrior

Stannis is depicted as a disciplined and serious warrior, often fighting alongside his men. While his notable combat scenes show that he can hold his own in battles, he is not characterized as a legendary swordsman like Jaime Lannister or Ser Arthur Dayne. Instead, his strength lies more in his leadership, tactical abilities, and unwavering sense of duty.

Underrated as a Swordsman

Recent research into both the novels and the television series has revealed that Stannis may have been highly underappreciated as a swordsman. In several key moments, he demonstrated exceptional fighting prowess, such as at the Battle of Blackwater and at Slaughter of Winterfell.

Key Battles

1. The Battle of Blackwater: Stannis led a daring assault and managed to kill numerous Lannisters single-handedly from the wall. He also survived an attack by Bolton's horses, managed to escape to the woods, and killed two more men, despite being injured. These feats demonstrate his combat skills and resilience in battle.

2. Slaughter of Winterfell: In this devastating battle, Stannis proved to be a formidable opponent. He may have not been as physically imposing as some of the other characters, but his effectiveness in battle cannot be overlooked.

A Skillful Commander

In the show, Stannis is often seen leading troops from the front, getting his hands dirty and fighting alongside his men, similar to how his brother, Robert Baratheon, did in his younger years. However, in the books, his combat skills are not prominently featured. He is more known for his tactical abilities and as a battlefield commander who never suffered a defeat until the Battle of Blackwater.

Warrior Veteran

The books do not explicitly state Stannis's prowess as a swordsman, but they give the impression that he is a battle-hardened fighter. He was renowned as a battlefield commander, and most people respected his combat skills, even if they were not as exceptional as those of characters like Jaime Lannister or Oberyn Martell.

Stannis's skills as a combatant are a result of his extensive experience in warfare. Given his status as one of the lords of a great house, his combat skills would naturally be of a high calibre. While he might not have been the 'best of the best,' his extensive combat experience in multiple wars places him among the top tier of fighters.

Without disputing his fighting skills, it is clear that Stannis Baratheon was a formidable swordsman and warrior. His ability to lead from the front and survive in spite of his injuries at Winterfell indicates a level of combat proficiency that was highly valued in the complex and dangerous world of Game of Thrones.