Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinordi
The fight between Brianne and Jamie bore little resemblance to the books. Jamie, a year in captivity and shackled had Brianne on the ripped the whole fight. Her inner monologue was running with how fast and strong he was even in that weakened state.
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It was through Jaime's point of view that we saw the fight. I think a lot of what we saw was his pride. Brienne isn't trying to hurt him so she doesn't have a terrible lot of options in a sword fight. She knows he's malnourished, so why not let the fight drag on for a long time and tire him out? Jaime's thinking he has the upperhand, but he's playing into Brienne. It was only when his swings got heavy and he slowed down that she pushed back and won. He also notes, like the Cleganes, Brienne is stronger than him.
Sure, malnourished and manacled are huge disadvantages. At that point the fact Jaime is putting up a fight at all against another great swordsman in Brienne is a testament to his skill, but I don't think he's in a class all of his own.
As for Eddard, he obviously can hold his own but he can't be in that upper echelon. 3 vs 7 fight against the Kingsguard, as good as they were, only went Ned's way because of Howland. He also spared with Bronze Yohn Royce. Fighting 2 vs 1 alongside Rodrik and they still lost.
George R.R. Martin has said before the best fighters would be a tie between a prime Barristan Selmy and Arthur Dayne welding Dawn. Selmy would win if not for Dawn.