Arya Stark: The Best Assassin, Not Necessarily the Best Fighter

A question often arises among fans of Game of Thrones: Was Arya Stark the best fighter in Westeros? The TV show certainly suggests otherwise, as her skill and agility were demonstrated in pivotal battles, particularly the battle of Winterfell. Let's delve into this topic and examine the factors that contribute to Arya's fighting prowess and limitations.

Skills and Battles in Game of Thrones

The battle of Winterfell in season 8 prominently features Arya Stark. She was able to slay White Walkers with ease and even survived when backed into a corner. The fact that a seasoned fighter like Jorah Mormont fell while she did not highlights her exceptional combat abilities. However, this does not necessarily make her the best fighter in Westeros. There have been several fighters in the series who could have actually defeated her if given the opportunity.

Potential for Improvement

Some might argue that with proper training, Arya could have been a much more formidable fighter. Her preference for water-dancing, a technique that was often foreign to most Westerosi fighters, suggests a willingness to adapt and innovate. Nevertheless, training is a significant factor, and without it, her skills would be limited. If her training had been more realistic and comprehensive, as it was for her brothers, she might have a better chance of being a top-tier fighter.

Assassin Skills vs. Fighter Skills

The primary skills that Arya developed through her training with the Faceless Men (FM) were those of an assassin. While her fighting skills are formidable, they were not designed to be the pinnacle of combat in Westeros. Her training involved more than just fighting; it encompassed deception, adaptability, and the ability to move silently and blend skills are more suited to covert operations rather than open combat.

Arya is also a girl, and on-screen, she is relatively small. Physical strength is a crucial factor in combat, and despite her agility and skill, Arya's stature would make it challenging for her to compete against larger, stronger opponents. For instance, her sparring session with Brienne of Tarth in Winterfell clearly illustrates her limitations. Brienne, being significantly stronger, was able to overwhelm Arya, especially when she was wielding a lighter sword.

Mockingbird vs. Mountain

The fight in the Meereen pits, where a brute force fighter triumphed over a smaller, faster one, provides a stark contrast. Similarly, the battle between Ser Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) and Ser Barristan Selmy showcases that skills and speed alone are not enough to overcome superior physical strength. While Arya is likely more agile and skilled than the examples given, her limitations are still present. Training and hard work can improve her skills, but physical attributes like strength and reach are harder to change.

Given these considerations, Arya Stark is undoubtedly a skilled and talented fighter, particularly in covert operations. However, in one-on-one combat or battles, her skillset may fall short. She would be the best fighter for covert operations and especially for assassinations, where elements of stealth and deception are crucial. If the question is about the best one-on-one fighters, then Arya would likely not be the top choice.

Conclusion

In summary, while Arya Stark is a highly skilled and dangerous opponent, she is not the best fighter in Westeros overall. Her skills are highly specialized and perfect for stealth operations but less effective in traditional combat scenarios where physical strength and larger scale battles play significant roles.