The concept of trial by combat is a prominent element in the Game of Thrones narrative, integral to the culture of Westeros as depicted in both the HBO series and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. This practice serves as a method for establishing guilt or innocence through a violent duel, often resulting in death. In the series, this tradition typically features champions chosen by the accused, allowing mighty warriors to engage in battle on behalf of their respective parties.
Interestingly, despite its significant cultural impact, the main series only showcases three instances of trial by combat. However, the storied history of House Targaryen reveals numerous trials prior to the events of the series, chronicled in texts such as Fire & Blood, A World of Ice & Fire, and the Dunk & Egg novellas. One notable tradition reflected in these histories is the “trial by seven,”wherein seven fighters would represent each side, a custom rooted in the Faith of the Seven and introduced to Westeros by the Andals.
13
King Maegor I Targaryen vs. Damon Morrigen – Trial of the Seven
Winner: Maegor I Targaryen
Maegor I, often referred to as Maegor the Cruel, was the third monarch of Westeros, notorious for his violence and mercilessness toward foes. Following the death of his brother Aenys, Maegor ascended to the Iron Throne with the aid of his mother, Dowager Queen Visenya. Upon taking control of King’s Landing, she openly challenged anyone opposing his rule to face him in combat, culminating in a trial by seven where Maegor emerged as the sole survivor among fourteen combatants.
12
Harrold Langward vs. Gyles Morrigen
Winner: Gyles Morrigen
After the mysterious demise of King Maegor I, his successor Jaehaerys I Targaryen offered members of Maegor’s Kingsguard a choice: join the Night’s Watch or face death. Ser Harrold Langward opted for a trial by combat, contending against the youthful Ser Gyles Morrigen. Ultimately, Gyles emerged victorious, elevating him to the position of Lord Commander of Jaehaerys’s Kingsguard.
11
Braxton Beesbury vs. King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Winner: Jaehaerys Targaryen
Despite King Jaehaerys I’s notable reputation for a long and relatively peaceful reign, he once engaged in a trial by combat to defend his daughter’s honor. Accused of seducing Princess Saera Targaryen, Ser Braxton Beesbury demanded a duel, but Jaehaerys ended up slaying him using the ancestral Valyrian steel sword, Blackfyre.
10
Victor Risley vs. Gareth Long
Winner: Gareth Long
During Aegon III’s reign, following the turbulent period known as the Dance of the Dragons, a brief insurrection in King’s Landing led to a trial by combat between Victor Risley and Gareth Long. Accused of conspiracy after Gareth’s capture, Victor sought justice through combat. However, Gareth defeated him and then formally joined the Night’s Watch.
9
Prince Aemon Targaryen vs. Morgil Hastwyck
Winner: Aemon Targaryen
Prince Aemon the Dragonknight, one of the earliest prominent Targaryens in Martin’s lore, is celebrated as an exemplary knight of Westeros. He defended the honor of his sister Queen Naerys against accusations of treason from Ser Morgil Hastwyck in a legendary trial by combat. His victory preserved Naerys’s name, reinforcing Aemon’s illustrious status among the Targaryens.
8
Duncan The Tall’s Trial of Seven
Winner: Duncan the Tall
Ser Duncan the Tall, known for his expertise in trials by combat, undertook three significant trials in his lifetime. His first involved defending a woman from Prince Aerion Targaryen. In this assault, Duncan garnered help from Crown Prince Baelor Targaryen, who ultimately sacrificed his life, but Duncan’s heroism shone through.
7
Duncan The Tall vs. Lucas Inchfield
Winner: Duncan the Tall
Duncan’s next combat trial took place in The Sworn Sword, which features his allegiance to Ser Eustace Osgray. In a heated dispute with Lady Rohanne Webber, who sent Ser Lucas Inchfield to defend her, Duncan faced off against Lucas and encountered a near-fatal underwater struggle. Miraculously, he was revived and ultimately prevailed.
6
Glendon Flowers vs. Daemon II Blackfyre
Winner: Glendon Flowers
In another thrilling instance from The Mystery Knight, during a tournament, Ser Glendon Flowers was wrongfully accused of stealing a dragon egg, falsely orchestrated to sabotage his chances against Daemon II Blackfyre. Their trial took the form of a joust, where Glendon successfully unseated Daemon, reclaiming his honor.
5
Lyonel Baratheon vs. Duncan The Tall
Winner: Duncan the Tall
Much later in his life, Duncan faced Lyonel Baratheon during Aegon V Targaryen’s reign. The conflict arose when Lyonel reacted angrily after Aegon V broke his betrothal with Lyonel’s daughter. Unlike most trials, this duel concluded without fatality, though Duncan’s skill in combat forced Lyonel to concede.
4
Rickard Stark vs. The Mad King
Winner: The Mad King
Rickard Stark’s harrowing trial by combat stands out as one of the most disturbing events in Game of Thrones. Occurring after the Mad King’s unjust accusations against his son Brandon Stark, Rickard chose trial by combat. However, Aerys II’s choice of fire as his champion led to a tragic outcome, as he burned Rickard alive, igniting the embers of Robert’s Rebellion.
3
Bronn vs. Vardis Egan
Winner: Bronn
Bronn’s battle against Ser Vardis Egan marks the first trial by combat in the Game of Thrones television series. After Tyrion Lannister is arrested under dubious charges, he demands trial by combat. Unable to secure Jaime Lannister as his champion, Tyrion enlists Bronn, a cunning sellsword, as a representative. In a strategic battle, Bronn outsmarts and defeats the heavily armored Egan, securing Tyrion’s freedom and laying the foundation for a lasting alliance.
2
Beric Dondarrion vs. The Hound
Winner: The Hound
In season three, another trial by combat unfolds when the Brotherhood Without Banners captures Sandor Clegane, known as The Hound, amidst accusations of his alleged crimes during his service to House Lannister. Arya Stark witnesses this trial where Beric Dondarrion, remarkably wielding a flaming sword, confronts The Hound. Beric’s resurrection offers emotional stakes, as he triggers Sandor’s deep-seated fear of fire. Despite this, The Hound ultimately secures victory, further complicating his already intricate relationship with Arya.
1
The Mountain vs. The Viper
Winner: The Mountain
The fiercely awaited bout between Ser Gregor Clegane, known as The Mountain, and Prince Oberyn Martell, the Viper, epitomizes the dramatic tension within Game of Thrones. Each champion represents a significant party in Tyrion Lannister’s trial for Joffrey Baratheon’s murder. Oberyn, fueled by vengeance for his sister’s death, initially dominates the fight, but his quest for confession leads to a shocking and tragic conclusion when the Mountain ultimately prevails, delivering a heart-wrenching twist.
Leave a Reply