Jaime Lannister is one of the most popular characters from Game of Thrones that fans both hate and love - largely depending on how far into the show they are. Of course, he’s also one of the best fighters in Westeros, and his reputation as a swordsman is a huge part of his character. Certainly, losing his right hand didn’t help with this, but the King Slayer still has a reputation to uphold.
It's not surprising, then, that he had plenty of swordfight scenes throughout the series. Not all were phenomenal, though. Some of his were exercises in perfect swordplay, dramatic, and just plain fun to watch... and others were more than a little disappointing.
Battle Of The Whispering Wood
It’s time to really throw it back, to when Robb Stark was leading an army against the Lannisters. This is when Jaime gets taken prisoner, and it’s not exactly a great battle for this sword fighter.
It would’ve been pretty exciting if Robb had actually taken Jaime up on his offer for a one-to-one battle, but alas, it only ended in his capture.
Locke & His Men
After Brienne and Jaime are taken captive by Locke and his men, Jaime is egotistical and proud. He gets his right hand chopped off, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to escape.
This sword fight is pretty lackluster, since Jaime is pretty useless with just his left hand, right after getting his dominant hand cut off. He’s unsuccessful, and he’s locked back up. It's just pitiable to watch.
Sack Of Highgarden
Jaime takes the Lannister army to take Highgarden after Lady Olenna pledges to Daenerys. The sack is successful, but there isn’t much to actually see of Jaime fighting.
However, this moment is still totally iconic, because it ends in Jaime confronting Olenna and her confession that she had Joffrey killed. As far as sword fights go, though, it’s pretty low on the list.
Bronn
This sword fight is merely all about training, but it’s still impressive to watch Jaime learn again how to fight and overpower Bronn with his left hand.
It’s also one of the funnier fights, where Bronn reacts to Jaime’s growing skill by taking off his golden hand - and playing dirty. It’s a strong lesson for Jaime, and one of his first successful fights as a leftie.
The Sand Snakes
After Bronn and Jaime successfully kill the first round of soldiers in Dorne in an attempt to find Myrcella, they are cut off by the Sand Snakes. Jaime battles Obara Sand, who is a tough match.
It’s an intense and skillful battle, but it’s cut off when Areo Hotah appears with his group and guards, and Bronn and Jaime are forced to lay down their swords.
Brienne Of Tarth
In season 2, Brienne of Tarth is determined to bring Jaime Lannister back to King’s Landing for Catelyn. Along the way, Jaime is pretty annoying - and finally, on a bridge, gets his chance to escape.
The two end up in a duel, with Jaime still bound and totally exhausted. Brienne focuses on hitting, and not hurting him with the sword. It’s riveting to see these two pros go at it - but Brienne doesn’t aim to kill, and Jaime is too malnourished to have any real chance.
The Dorne Soldier
When Bronn and Jaime head to Dorne to retrieve Myrcella, they are soon met with Dorne soldiers. This is Jaime’s first real fight after having his right hand chopped off, and it doesn’t start very well.
However, he blocks a swing with his golden hand, and it’s a pretty cool moment for the audience and for Jaime - who uses that as an advantage to kill the soldier with his left hand.
Battle Of The Goldroad
One of Jaime’s most redeeming moments is when he refuses to back down on the Goldroad against an army, even when Daenerys herself appears on a fire-breathing dragon that is destroying everyone and everything.
It isn’t exactly a duel, but Jaime is in the middle of battle. This riveting scene is a nail-biter, and fans didn’t really know who they wanted to win. Luckily, the main crew makes it out alive.
Eddard Stark
There’s a lot of tension between the Starks and the Lannisters in season one, and this is one of the first huge sword battles of the entire series. Jaime is still an egotistical villain at this point, and Ned’s skills catch him off guard.
Still, it’s as intense as they come, and it doesn’t really have a satisfying end. Of course, fans do learn that Jaime is honorable - and wanted to stab Ned all on his own. It’s one of the most classic and memorable fights on the show.
Euron
Fans will say what they want about season 8, and while Jaime’s character arc might be one of the saddest things to come of it, it was a redeeming and powerful moment for him to fight Euron on his way to Cersei.
He is wounded, but he prevails, and fans are more than pleased to see Euron bleeding out after Jaime finally gets his wish to fight him. It’s his last fight, and might just be his best.