You forgot to mention when Barriston said to Ned that he saw him "cut down a dozen good knights at the Trident" That would indicate that Ned must have been at least competent enough to defeat multiple knights without getting injured.

Tywin Lannister- "What killed your father?" Arya Stark- "LOYALTY."

It’s crazy how many times I’ve heard about Robert’s rebellion and always enjoy it

Dont sleep on Ned. He followed the Art of War. He either postioned his forces to be able to win, as in the battle of the bells, the trident, or on pyke, or he positioned them so there need not be a battle, such as storms end, the throne room, and bear island. And the instructions he gave Catylen to prepare the north for war were also very good. Too bad he didnt understand liars as well as war.

The illustration of Robert at 10:39 is SAVAGE

I always thought ned to be above average fighter, and that he was definitely better then most Lords

I think Ned still had to have been a better swordsman than you’re making him out to be here. The three kings guard were probably the most skilled fighters in the seven kingdoms at that point alongside barristen selmy, Jaime Lannister, and Robert Baratheon. Given the hype surrounding those ladder three, it feels like they would have no problems dispatching 7 northern lords despite being outnumbered, so the fact that Ned and co. were actually able to come out on top should be a decently ranked accomplishment.

“He was the better commander” Yeah I’d hope a good commander wouldn’t show up at a notoriously violent king’s castle with a retinue demanding retribution

You know how you know Ned is good. Selmy had respect for him and at least considered him a threat.

I think perhaps the reason we know so little of Ned's role in the battles he fought is that Ned was a modest man. He rarely spoke of fighting, unlike Robert who loved to tell the tales of his victories.

I want a spin off of Roberts rebellion. I pretty sure there was gonna be one but it got cancelled. Something like this would clarify so much in the lore of GOT

I think you’re selling Ned short saying that coming out alive against the kingsguard is basically nothing. Even if Reed saved him in the final second of the fight, managing to stay on his feet for the rest of the engagement indicates he was very skilled, given he was up against the finest swordsman of his generation and two other elite kingsguard.

I think we will see more of Ned's skills in the 6th book, when Bran sees his father's past.

Jaime Lannister was also extremely skilled at the time of the tourney of Harrenhall, being touted as the next Ser Arthur Dayne.

I don't know why, but I always get really happy when I see a new video from you.

They did Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Gerold Hightower a massive disservice in Game of Thrones. We did at least get to see the skill of the former but killing them so fast cheapens their reputation as 2 of the greatest knights in the seven kingdoms. Should have stretched that scene out more at the very least.

Last time I was this early Ned still had his head.

Here’s to the best character in the whole saga. So awesome he died in the first book, and people are still talking about him

I think during the rebellions, ned and jaime would have been far closer in skill than when they clash in kings landing. At that time, Ned was a battle hardened warrior as was Jaime. When they clash in Kings landing, Ned has been the lord of winterfell for 15 years, and Jaime was a kings guard knight who spent much of his time training and competing in tournament's.

Ned Stark is an exceptional commander - GG Martin ....he talked very highly on ned's tactical and strategical abilities ...Robert mentioned that ned and jon arren were the real ones who won the battle of trident ..excellent video good work

I think one of the best of them all " those who have swords and know how to use them but choose not too" Having the wisdom as a commander to win every battle with little casualties and not only survive but often times not even fight in the first place makes him one of the top dogs in my book

I think maybe GRRM doesn't show off Ned's abilities/past victories on purpose. Ned is a humble, stoic, and loyal man. A man with these qualities would not boast about himself as Robert or Brandon did. Just because some characters are cocky and loud does not mean they are all they talk themselves up to be, nor does it mean the Quiet Wolf wasn't just as great a fighter as them. I guess we may never know, but i think it boils down to is being a show off does not equal superiority.

Being recognized by badass the bold, is something that many many warriors can't do. Being above average is an understatement

Like your work, man, but I must say that this video seems to sell Ned VERY short. Ned was known to be a great warrior based on first hand observation. He performed well during the Greyjoy Rebellion and is said to have singlehandedly killed 12 knights at the Trident. Ned was well above average and was probably Kings Guard level - not the best of the Kings Guard, but middle of that pack. Elite.

When I think of Bed I think he knew he'd never be his brother or Robert. I also think he chose this cause he saw the flaws in their devotion to more physical means of solving disputes. That being said he didn't survive 2 great wars on his mind alone. Like his father said "do your best not to get into fights, but if you must fight...Win." That's how I see him, a dutiful thinker who just wants a quiet life. But above all else is a family man, and father's can do things far beyond their skill in the protection of them.

You also could have mentioned how Sansa recalls that Bronze Yohn Royce beat him and Winterfells master at arms one after the other in the training yard

The honorable fool Ned

LETSS GOOOO ANOTHER VIDEO!! Keep up the great work man

Ned is a gorgeous example of the charm that a mediocre person can have, he's not that charming, not that skilled, not that charismatic, but to all the ppl that know him he is the best

1 minute late smh, ima go cry now

You're a really gifted storyteller, these videos are always awesome. Thank you!

1. I click so damn fast!! 2. Ned is that dude. 3. Your voice is so soothing!!

4 seconds, never been sooner!

Anyone who hangs around Robert Baratheon that much pretty much has to be a really good fighter. I assume all that Ned and Robert did for years was train. If Ned was trash then Robert would have noticed right away and never respected Ned as much as he did. That’s my thoughts on it anyway.

I like Ned he fought when he had to fight and really didn't care for violence. But he was a boy scout with notions about honor and it got him killed, in a different time period where men were more honorable he would've thrived, had he been a little bit more cutthroat like tywin or olenna he would've survived a little bit longer in the Game of Thrones.

I just don't think we should use tournaments to scale skills, the only thing we know about Brandom in terms of fighting is that he almost killed Petyr Baelish. Same to Rhaegal, besides tournaments his only known fight was against Robert in the Trident. We might be able to scale Ned's skills after the events in the joy tower are completely revealed.

greetings fellow loremasters

I think Ned is better than we give him credit for as he's basically always giving himself a handicap with his honour. Had he seen jaime throw bran out the window though... well lets just say jaime wouldn't have made it past the next episode, at least i dont think so.

I think making it through an entire war with no injuries definitely speaks to one’s capabilities

I heard that phone buzz my friend lol good video

I disagree before Arthur dayne he killed another kingsguard Hightower I believe. Also ned killed plenty not as good as Jamie but in his league and he commanded army's he was a general a strategist Robert was in the vanguard ned commanded the army's ned fought duels with people who didn't surrender. Jousts are not a test of best fighters , melee is but man to man on foot is different

I think I agree with your placement of his skill as a warrior. I do, however, think he was probably one of the best field commanders of his generation. Robb’s skill in that area at so young an age suggests he was mentored by a first rate general, and Ned would have been the one doing this.

I don't know about Ned's swordsmanship, but he must have been a brilliant mind in tactics. His children all possess some form of excellence in leadership and strategy. They must have learned from one of the best. Too bad he was too honorable for his own good.

I think if Ned grew up to be wise and brutishly strong, like the lovechild of Mountain and Viper, he would wield The Ice on the battlefield. What a vehemently putrid sight for his enemies. Psychological apprehension of the highest order. Ned would be called an elite even without fighting.

Good job👍

I agree that Ned was never on the level of Dayne or Jaime, but I hate the idea that he was merely better than average. By the end of the rebellion, he would have had more battle experience than Brandon, both in command and combat. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't he also have more experience than Jaime? GRRM basically says that the Dayne and Jaime were the best, but I think Ned was closer to them than he was to an average fighter. The fact that he doesn't like violence or showing off in tournaments like Brandon is not a weakness. Ned's strength seems like it was intentionally left ambiguous, and I see a lot of people assume this means he was nothing special, but I don't that is necessarily a valid assumption.

I don't know how skilled Ned would be in a one on one honor fight and I think that is a deliberate part of his character. Jamie is a preening peacock who views sword play as a game and a point of pride and boast. Ned is not a knight, he is a serious man from a harsh land where death comes for you quickly enough without brawling with drunks over hurt feelings. If he were not a man you could trust in a fight Robert would not have been his friend for long. I'm not saying he was an amazing fighter, but just because no living person willing to talk has witnessed you killing doesn't mean you haven't done any. Mormont saw him in a fight and decided to leave the continent instead of facing him. Whether it was for fear of his life or having too much respect for Ned and too much shame for his crime to fight him isn't that important, either way it says quite a bit. Jamie was given his spot on the kings guard out of spite for his father, and he was a boy who was now surrounded by the legendary fighters he grew up admiring. I doubt he ever had any real idea about how he stacked up against these men who were obligated to keep him alive. Arrogance and immaturity are not ingredients for a great warrior, at least in the show he seemed to learn some humility and responsibility eventually.

I think the show did a good job putting his strength in a good balance. He could hold his own better than some but was smart enough to not do it alone because he openly acknowledges his own abilities. His fight with Jamie lanester looked like they were on par but you can see Ned is giving it his all while Jamie wasn’t being nearly as serious before they were interrupted showing he was enjoying a real challenge. Ned said himself, he’s a soldier. :-)

You forgot the battle of Talavera where he and the chosen men captured an imperial eagle... wait... i think i have the wrong franchise

Ned is the most honourable man Westeros ever had

Ned and Hester Tully led a calvary charge at the bells and he commanded the trident yes Robert won it but ned put Robert in position to kill raegar

Ned was never hyped up as a great fighter. Ned's strength was in his character.

Cool video

In the TV series Ned fought well against Ser Arthur Dayne and Jaime Lannister both regarded as the best of their era. Ned is a determined fighter with decent skill, he was eventually disarmed against a fully armoured Ser Arthur Dayne who had 2 swords but he put a good show in before that against someone far better than him. Most of his skill was in politics having the North back him and being close allies with King Robert.

Can u imagine if they do roberts rebellion and we see how close Ned was to those 6 men that came with him to the tower of joy and we see them survive all the great battles of the war and fight side by side with Ned all the way up to when they arrive in dorn. Seeing all his friends die except for reed would be heart breaking.

I wish we had gotten to see Robert's rebellion. Cripes. That helmet

You ahould do some videos on the stormlight archives. Breath taking series.

Can you do one on Stannis? I think he would be underrated.

Brittany said he saw Ned cut down a dozen great knights. That's all I need to here. Ned is under-rated

I think Eddard skill could be spotted both on the traits of Jon snow amd Robb stark. Robb being the firstborn it would make sense that he was trained by Ned to rule, command and keep the north unified. He was smart enough no not take the bait on dueling Jaime after the battle of the whispering woods but still managed to pull out victories, his sole Great mistake was breaking his oath and marry a nurse. With jon snow its the same thou at first he was hateful of being a peasant in the wall, he eventually started training and helping his fellow watchers. Eventually he grew to have the title of being a great fighter as well.

7:06 Did my man say Judgy Stark? LMAO!

Soo early !!

My theory is how land reed warged into Arthur dayne to save Ned and that’s why he can’t talk about it, he would be killed for being a warg and it was a dishonorable way for Arthur dayne to die

Can you make video about all know Gods?

Would really like to see the tourney of harranhal it’ll be cool

Thanks

Balon Greyjoy is literally the stupidest character in GOT. The first rebellion was what it was, he got a little ahead of himself and not only lost all of his sons except Theon, but also probably damaged the Iron Islands economy and military. The second rebellion though and his declaration as king completely lacked any sense. Also, why did he attack the Tully/Stark alliance instead of the Lannister/Tyrell alliance? Combined the lands of the Reach and the Westerlands were way more economically profitable to pillage or takeover than the more remote North. Euron definitely should have gotten the salt throne over this dumbass, at least he had the sense in the show to make an alliance with the Lannister’s. (I haven’t caught up with the books as I’m on book 1 right now, so I don’t know what book Euron does or has done yet.)

I know its too much to ask but can you please do the recap of all ASOIAF books i really need to hear it

Can a video of a list of Targaryen wars

Ned being evenly matched with Jaime in the show was more of a honor to the actor than anything. He was one of the big draws for the show and did a great job kicking the series off. It would’ve been disappointing seeing Sean get beaten in a fight so early. Rewatching the seasons it’s honestly unreal that he was in Season one, just feels like great to watch him in that role.

When did they say who won the melee at harrenhall I thought it was still unknown in the books

People should read the dance of the dragons and learn about the brutality of northerners , Ned was definitely a very good warrior

I think he was more skilled than everyone thinks

I think Ned is a lot better than appears but he is more the general than the warrior. Ned was never someone to seek glory. He would train but not boost of prowess. I think there are subtle hints at his ability like how Robert while riding with him wanted to have some fun and ride how they “used to” which implies he was a good horse rider. Ned was able to travel by himself through enemy territory from Targaryen supporters through the vale which sure he acquired some help but went through unscathed.

I always thought of Ned as a great commander, not a swordsman. Good warrior, but not great like some others, as he did not even enjoy fighting. It was more of a duty for him, but a duty done well. Kind of like Randyll Tarly, who is described as a great soldier and commander, yet not uses his valyrian sword in combat that often.

a win is a win

I also think Neds fighting capabilities were probably nothing to write home about. Because there was never much talk about it before he got his hero status and was just a second born son. And that's odd because being a competent warrior would have been a very viable "career path" for him before he became Lord of Winterfell. I also don't think Rhaegar was necessarily any good at fighting beyond looking good in tournaments. While he won, those were competitions where everyone would be very interested in sucking up to the royal family. And no one wanted to be the one who cut the crown prince's face in half. So every contest he was in would have been super orderly and by the book with points awarded after. And you know he would be the kind of person who was totally nerding for points.

Why whycreate?

Lol I feel like when people talk about Arthur Dayne, they always mention How he can slay 5 people alone...... So add 2 other extremely talented knights they should've easily dispatched Ned and his men...... But they didn't, and I'm truly bummed out that Martin hasn't been clearer on that because it's disrespectful to think Ned Stark wasn't an above average swordsman.

Is there any reference to the roles other characters played in the rebellion I.e Jon Arryn?

Im just commenting

Can you make a video about Robert baratheon

nice

Its become a bit of a popular trope among 'book' loyalists to constantly point out 'ned was never portrayed to be that good of a fighter'. Having read the books and watched the show, this is something that erks me. Firstly, ned wields a greatsword. To wield a greatsword even mildly effectively you have to be a monster of a man. Second, as you eluded to in this video, ned survived battles without taking any injuries. DO YOU KNOW HOW UNBELIEVABLY DIFFICULT THAT IS. Saying ned survived a battle without taking injury but didnt distinguish himself shows a massive gap in understanding of what a battle is actually like. Ned never valued killing, it was a duty. He never bragged about it or saught it. Robert wanted any excuse to fight and saw it as the ultimate glory. Ned might not have been the greatest swordsman in the realm but he was a damn good fighter and a complete beast of a man

Strength and skill beats pure talent i guess, thats why robert defeated Rhaegar at the trident.

I think Ned vs Jaime in season 1 showed up different to me. Ned looked like he was breathing heavily while swiging and deflecting Jaime's sword swings while Jaime looked like he was at ease.

I think Dayne, Hightower & Whent were sent to the wall Arthur Dayne is Mance Rayder, Gerold Hightower is Tormund Giantsbane and Corryn Halfhand is Lord Whent. Look at how when Mance was Glamored as the Lord of Bones he whipped Jon Snow's (one of the best swordsman in 7Kingdoms) ass

I feel Ned was a commander, rather than a front line warrior

I think George under sales ned he ahs shown in the books and the show that he can be an elite swordsman his feats kind of prove it

Ned's not dumb...period..! Show Ned didn't give justice on how brilliant of a tactician he was making use of what little resources he had down south. His strategy prior to making open war with the Lannisters were very sound till his great wife of a Tully screwed everything for him

29 minutes after upload! Give ya boi a like😁

Whay do you think about a total war game aroung the GOT universe?

Barriston Selmy said to Ned " Your too modest I seen you cut down a dozen great knights ". That was in season 1 Ep. 5 The Wolf and the Lion. He killed Gerold Hightower before Arthur Dayne at the Tower of Joy. So Eddard Stark is no slouch.

I also think it's a bit hard to assess the skill of the soldiers of the past, because people tend to remember the dead - especially the ones they like - with an almost legendary status that not necessarilly correponds to the truth.. We hear from Ser Arthur Dayne, for exemple, from Jayme Lannister - who was knighted by him - and from Ned Stark - who has very fond memories of the man, and, as you noted yourself, wasn't as skilled as people think. Was Arthur as invincible as people think? Even Jayme, who lost his hand and his skill with the sword, still makes men terrified, even if they should know that, by logic, they can, now take him on. Ser Beric Dondarrion is remembered as a great knight, but he lost countless times and was just lucky that he had someone to ressurect him... Idk, I think it's kinda pointless to speculate on these things. In the end, the myth about these men will always be bigger than themselves. Also, we know from stories like Ser Jorah that sometimes an inferior knight with a boost of confidence can perform better than his normal, and, as any professional player can tell you, consistency is more important than one time feats.

I do also recall in the books when the Royce were taking waymar to the wall Ned spared in the yard with Bronze Yorhn Royce and got his ass kicked. I think Sansa recalls this when she's in the vale. Above average for a lord, but nothing special is my thoughts.

Rhaegar got Arthur Dwayne to take a dive so he could crown Leanna during the tourney barristan implys rhaegar didn't trust him to take a dive he hesitates and tells danerys rhaegar never won many joists and he never loved the song of swords he was never a great jouster!!! He just wanted to be able to crown Leanna the queen of love and beauty

You should do this for some other characters

WC!!!

In Greyjoys rebellion ,I believe Neds swords kills were ,in his mind anyways, lacking in comparison to many. I think he felt that to rule the North he needed without a doubt to be a strongly capable swordsman. I don't believe he craved the roll as a great fighter ,weather to feel worthy of the people who trusted him or to feel worthy of his name and ancestors , including his brother and father.

Ned was very skilled we don’t know what happened at Tower of Joy so we can never place were Ned is on the skill tree