Includes SPOILERS for The Wheel of Time TV series through season 3, episode 3!

The Wheel of Time's season 3 cast includes exciting new characters from the books finally making their appearances, including Gawyn and Galad, Elayne's brothers. Their arrival in episode 2 results in an immediate energy shift, with the pair's shirtless sword duels attracting the attention of everyone around, including a moderately jealous Mat.

Mat Cauthon is one of the primary trio of boys from the Two Rivers, and while he isn't the Dragon Reborn, The Wheel of Time's season 2 ending and winning the battle for Falme alongside the Heroes of the Horn. As a rogue-like character with minimal fighting expertise demonstrated, it might be slightly confusing to see him defeat two talented warriors, but there are some reasons why.

Mat Has The Memories Of Several Military Leaders In The Wheel Of Time Books

The Old Blood Benefits Mat Throughout The Wheel Of Time

As established in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time book series, Mat possesses the memories of dead military leaders and soldiers, hence his occasional speech in the Old Tongue. The Old Blood of Manetheren runs deep in the Two Rivers, hence why multiple ta'veren were found in the same small village. Mat's father might not have been a soldier, but it's apparent that there have been warriors in their bloodline, as both Mat and his father are exceptional fighters, particularly with the quarterstaff.

Galad and Gawyn might be experts with swords, but Mat is an immensely talented fighter with a quarterstaff, just as Rand is a marksman with a bow. He learned from his father, and a quarterstaff has some advantages in combat against swords due to its reach, despite being a blunt-force weapon, making this an opportune match-up for him. Even though he's facing both of them, Mat is known for his luck, and he manages to defeat the noblemen without much difficulty.

How Mat's Fight With Galad & Gawyn Compares To The Books

The Context For This Fight Is Slightly Different, But It's A Beloved Moment

When this fight transpires in The Dragon Reborn, Mat is rather sick, adding to the overwhelming odds working against him as he takes on the two more experienced fighters. Gawyn, the kinder of the two men, tries to talk Mat out of taking on the fight, which happens in the Warder training yard in the novels. However, Mat insists, encouraging a wager and defeating both of them with a little bit of luck. This is regarded as one of Mat's best moments in The Wheel of Time books.