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| Syrio Forel by Amok © |
Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.
With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)
Syrio deserves special consideration as originally he was #6 on the list of Greatest Warriors. Since then I have removed him entirely as new information has come out about the World of Ice and Fire or in the case of Syrio a lack of it.
While cool that he throws out the line: "what do we say to the god of Death? Not today"- we really do not have much to go on with him.
Further still, is the First Sword of Bravos simply a glorified bodyguard? We don't really know at least how he tells it.
With all this said we don't know enough about him to say where he would land. My current revision has him somewhere around maybe #30. And even that is just a guess.
Her is the original posting of when I had him ranked at #6 only updated for spelling and consistency.
Now we turn to one of the most enigmatic figures in A Song of Ice and Fire: Syrio Forel
(And yes, many readers doubt that is his real name.)
No character thus far has inspired as much speculation, debate, and outright affection as the former First Sword of Braavos. To call him widely loved would be a massive understatement. From his stylish water-dancing philosophy to his memorable mentorship of Arya Stark, Syrio quickly became a fan favorite—and one of the most theorized characters in the entire series.
Syrio Forel
Few characters in A Song of Ice and Fire spark as much speculation and affection as Syrio Forel—the enigmatic Braavosi swordsman who becomes Arya Stark’s tutor.
We first meet him in King’s Landing when Ned Stark grants Arya unusual latitude. In a society where highborn daughters are groomed for political marriages, Arya’s tomboy nature sets her apart from Sansa. Ned allows her to train with Syrio rather than confining her to more “ladylike” pursuits. The First Sword of Braavos takes the young girl under his wing and begins teaching her the water dance—a light, agile fencing style far removed from the heavy plate armor and brute force common in the Seven Kingdoms.
More Than He Appears From the start, Syrio feels like an enigma. He wields a slender blade and emphasizes balance, perception, and adaptability over raw strength. His training goes beyond swordplay; he is essentially preparing Arya to become an assassin. There is constant commentary on his prowess, yet the reader never quite gets the sense that he is exactly what he claims to be.
One potential mark against him is the lack of demonstrated battlefield leadership. However, if theories connecting him to the Faceless Men of Braavos hold weight, “leadership” could mean something far more subtle and deadly.
The Enduring Mystery Syrio’s fate during the Lannister coup in King’s Landing is one of the series’ great question marks. He faces off against multiple Lannister guards and Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard—a seemingly suicidal stand. George R.R. Martin has stated (paraphrasing) that fans should accept Syrio is dead and that he is not invincible. Yet many readers—including this one—remain skeptical. Martin has been known to push back against fan theories when annoyed, only to later lean into them. The “too good to be true” exit, combined with Arya’s later training in Braavos, makes it hard not to suspect Syrio (or someone connected to him) is still influencing events. Jaqen H’ghar is another popular candidate, but Syrio feels like the most elegant solution.
This “Boba Fett effect”—the mysterious, quasi-anti-hero who says little but does much—explains much of his popularity. Even if he truly fell in the Red Keep, his impact on Arya (and the reader) is undeniable.
Ranking Rationale Syrio landed at #6 on this list previously. Now? No idea where ut we can't easily say Top 20. We never see him in a prolonged, high-stakes fight against a legendary opponent, so his placement relies heavily on implication and reputation. Like one or two others ranked even higher, it is the off-screen sense of mastery and the way he transcends conventional Westerosi fighting that earns him this spot. The water dance, his calm confidence against overwhelming odds, and his lasting influence on Arya all speak volumes.
Whether he is truly gone or not, Syrio Forel remains one of the most compelling and mysterious warriors in the series.
he should be higher.
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