Game Of Thrones - 10 Fantasy Fights All Fans Want To See
Because our bloodlust is insatiable.
Due to the sheer size of George R. R. Martin's universe, the lands of Westeros and beyond are populated by some of the most rich and entertaining characters that have ever graced either page or screen. Inevitably, it's impossible to get into Game of Thrones without having a favourite character (who WILL die just as you get attached, thanks George) and it does seem to follow that the most beloved characters are those who end up fighting. And that can lead to some of their most memorable moments.
But the problem with having such a vast universe with a mammoth cast means that many of our favourites never get the chance to meet and cross swords. The show has already been the stage of some of the greatest ever onscreen fights. Nobody will forget The Mountain crushing Oberyn Martell's head like a watermelon, or Brienne of Tarth besting The Hound in one of the most brutal fights in the series.
However, despite already being spoiled we're a greedy bunch of fans, and we can't help fantasising about who might have won other fights, often between two characters we know will never get the chance to meet (usually because they're dead). So, to celebrate the recent home release of the sixth season of Game of Thrones, lets take a look at some of the dream fights we wish had occurred, and even predict who might have come out on top...
Beware: For the article is dark and full of spoilers...
10. Brienne Vs. Stannis Baratheon
Ever since Stannis Baratheon had Melisandre's demon offspring murder his younger brother, Renly Baratheon (in what was quite possibly the worst scene in the show's history), Brienne of Tarth, a female knight bigger and stronger than most men in Westeros, harboured a deep hatred towards the ultra-serious king.
A woman of her word, Brienne promised that she would avenge Renly, who she had sworn and failed to protect, and she finally got her revenge in series 5 by putting a mortally wounded Stannis out of his misery outside of Winterfell after his army had fallen against Ramsay Bolton's forces.
However, if Stannis was of full health and not already on death's doorstep, would he have defeated Brienne in a fight?
What Stannis lacked in size and strength he compensated for in intelligence and experience. A master technician and never one to shy away from the frontline in many a bloody battle, gloriously hacking down anyone in his path in season 2's magnificent Battle of the Blackwater. Stannis had the skill and determination to give the best swordswomen a run for their money.
The Winner: Brienne of Tarth
For all of Stannis' talents, Brienne is a warrior not to be trifled with. She crossed Westeros to slay Stannis, and it's doubtful that she would have been stopped even if Stannis had a sword in his hands when they finally met. And after taking down The Hound in a one-on-one fight, it's difficult to envision anybody getting the best of Brienne.
Either way though it would have been a fascinating duel to watch, as both fighters, being persons of honour and dignity, would have made sure that their fight would be fair, one-on-one, woman versus man. On this occasion though, woman would come out on top.