Who Would Win in a Fight Between Aerys' and Joffrey/Tommen's Kingsguard?

In the complex and often violent world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the Kingsguard plays a crucial role in protecting the life of their king. However, it's not always clear which Kingsguard would be more effective in a hypothetical fight. Let's delve into the strengths of Aerys II Targaryen's and Tommen Baratheon's Kingsguard to determine who would win in a battle.

Strengths of Aerys' Kingsguard

Under the leadership of Aerys II Targaryen, the Kingsguard was composed of some of the finest knights in Westeros:

Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword in the Morning - Known as the finest swordsman Jaime Lannister ever encountered. Prince Lewyn Martell - A celebrated knight from Dorne. Ser Barristan Selmy - Renowned for his skill and dedication, Barristan is celebrated as one of the greatest knights in history. Ser Oswell Whent - Also known for his prowess in combat. Ser Jonothor Darry - Another distinguished knight of the realm.

Besides these knights, Aerys also had the legendary Captain Commander, Shunsui Kyōraku, who brings a unique skill set to the Kingsguard. This formidable group of seasoned warriors would undoubtedly have a significant advantage over Tommen's guards.

Aerys' Superiority

Many of the knights in Aerys' Kingsguard are from a bygone era, where they honed their skills through rigorous training and combat. Their legendary status is not just a product of their unwavering dedication but also their exceptional abilities in battle. For instance, Ser Arthur Dayne, with his legendary sword, could be incredibly effective. His famous quip in A Storm of Swords suggests his prowess is almost unmatched:

I learned from the White Bull and Barristan the Bold. I learned from Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, who could have slain all five of you with his left hand while he was taking a piss with the right. I learned from Prince Lewyn of Dorne and Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Jonothor Darry, good men every one.

This statement clearly highlights the sheer power and skill of Aerys' knights, making any confrontation with them almost certain to be a one-sided affair.

Weaknesses of Joffrey/Tommen's Kingsguard

When we compare Aerys' Kingsguard to that of Tommen Baratheon, we can see several weaknesses:

Country Origin and Loyalty - Tommen's Kingsguard includes knights who were favored by Cersei due to personal connections rather than merit. This is evident from Ser Meryn Trant, who later became Ser Gregor Clegane. Such favoritism can lead to a lack of cohesion and effective leadership. Morale and Loyalty - The knights in Tommen's Kingsguard, such as Ser Boros Blount, Ser Preston Greenfield, and Ser Osmund Kettleblack, might be less disciplined and loyal compared to their predecessors. Their effectiveness can be questionable without a strong leader like Ser Jaime Lannister.

Furthermore, with the exception of Ser Jaime Lannister, several key members like Ser Arys Oakheart (Myrcella's sworn shield and a recent death) and Ser Balon Swann (who might lack the decisiveness of Aerys' knights) would struggle to match the skill and experience of Aerys' men.

Gregor Clegane: A Wild Card

One of the standout members of Tommen's Kingsguard is Ser Gregor Clegane, often referred to as "The Mountain." Although he is a formidable warrior, his legend is tinged with madness and an inability to think strategically. This mental instability could become a weakness in battle, making him a less reliable member of the Kingsguard.

Conclusion: Aerys' Kingsguard Triumphs

When faced with such distinguished knights as Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Barristan Selmy, and Ser Jaime Lannister, Tommen's current guard of Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Meryn Trant, and Ser Gregor Clegane would be severely outmatched. The historical record and personal lessons from past battles indicate that Aerys' Kingsguard has an irrefutable superiority.

In essence, Aerys' Kingsguard would easily defeat Tommen's Kingsguard in any combat situation, leveraging their legendary prowess, discipline, and moral clarity to ensure victory. As Jaime Lannister himself stated, the current generation would be outmatched by the Knights of old, making Aerys' Kingsguard the clear victors.