1. Ser Arthur Dayne
HBOArthur Dayne's status as the greatest warrior to have ever spilled blood in all of the Seven Kingdoms is so well established in George R. R. Martins books that it would have caused a great deal of ill-feeling among die-hard fans if he werent to have some influence over the HBO show. Not only did Ser Arthur Dayne have a huge impact on Lord Eddard Stark who claims that the legendary knight was by far the finest warrior he had ever seen (despite eventually being the man who killed Dayne) but he is also given some more significant airtime in season four. In a characteristically spiteful attempt to mock his uncle/father, Joffrey examines the Book of Brothers and compares Jaimes humble entry to the sprawling deeds accredited to Dayne. Of course Jaime doesnt need educating about the legend of Arthur Dayne as the Kingsguard member of the Mad Kings court was the man who originally gave the then-heir to Casterly Rock his knighthood. Dayne is described as wielding a magnificent great sword called Dawn which was supposedly forged from the remains of a fallen star who needs Valyrian steel, eh? Though in HBOs show we arent given a clear account of why Dayne was such a great warrior, the fact that the greatest living fighter, Ser Barristan Selmy, was in awe of the knights combative skill is all you need to know. As far as we know, unlike the Gregor Cleganes and Ser Duncan the Talls of the world, Arthur Dayne wasnt physically spectacular but rather relied on supreme technique, timing and swordsmanship to allow him to overcome every opponent.