Summary

• Power can be held in different ways - through positions, brute force, or intelligence.
• Characters on Game of Thrones displayed impressive shows of force and found ways to survive and thrive.
• Power dynamics could change drastically, and even the strongest characters could be taken down in an instant.

While power dynamics could change drastically in Westeros, the strongest characters on Game of Thrones always displayed an impressive show of force. As big as the world of the HBO fantasy series was, the characters were always the most compelling part and it was interesting to see how various figures of different standings found ways to survive and thrive in this deadly world. The show also proved that power can be taken away as some of the strongest Game of Thrones characters in one episode could be dead by the next one.

Game of Thrones' various kings and queens could hold power simply from the position they held. Other characters used brute force to conquer people. Then there were characters like Tyrion Lannister who relied on their intelligence to outsmart their enemies. With ice zombies, fire-breathing dragons, and mysterious religious entities, there were other factors that elevated certain characters to intimidate even the strongest warriors on Game of Thrones.

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25 Thoros Of Myr

Played By Paul Kaye

Thoros of Myr was originally sent to Westeros by the Red Priests to convert King Robert Baratheon to their religion. Thoros lost his faith, however, until the Lord of Light gave him the power to bring his friend Beric Dondarrion back from the dead — six times. Thoros' ability to bring people back to life appears limited to just Beric, indicating that the Lord of Light had bigger plans for the fallen knight. Thoros wasn't invulnerable himself either as he died in season 7 after being attacked by a wight polar bear beyond the Wall.

24 Sandor Clegane

Played By Rory McCann

Sandor Clegane, best known as The Hound, is a strong fighter who was burnt and scarred by his older brother Gregor as a child. The Hound was the bodyguard for Joffrey Baratheon, though he became a hunted man after he abandoned his post due to his fear of fire. The Hound was one of the most intimidating characters in the early seasons of the HBO adaptation, memorably taking on an entire tavern of enemies and winning more or less unscathed.

After Arya left The Hound for dead in Game of Thrones season 4, he regained his strength and sought a more peaceful path. However, he took up his sword once again to seek revenge on his brother while dying in the process.

23 Brienne Of Tarth

Played By Gwendoline Christie

As seen in her first scene, Brienne of Tarth earned her place in King Renly's Kingsguard after she won a tournament, though her status was called into question after she was blamed for Renly's murder. Brienne eventually impressed Jaime Lannister with her fighting prowess and loyalty, which led to her knighting by Jaime to become the first female knight in the Seven Kingdoms. Brienne continued to prove her strength in battle with other intimidating warriors like the Hound and even Arya Stark, earning her eventual title as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the end of Game of Thrones.

22 Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane

Played By Conan Stevens, Ian Whyte, And Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Ser Gregor Clegane was already an impressive warrior known as "The Mountain Who Rides" due to his size. He was one of the most feared warriors in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, showing off his strength like cutting a horse's head off with one blow and crushing Oberyn Martell's skull with his bare hands. The fear that surrounded him also made him more powerful as he would butcher anyone who angered him even slightly.

He was made even more terrifying after he nearly died from poisoning in battle with Oberyn Martell. He was saved and transformed into an undead monster before being appointed Queen Cersei's guard. He continued to show incredible feats of strength, like ripping a man's head off and bashing Qyburn's head against the wall like he was slatting a fly.

21 Euron Greyjoy

Played By Pilou Asbæk

Euron Greyjoy was a late villain addition to the show and one who was more of an annoyance than a threat. Though he saw himself as a would-be king, he was little more than a thuggish henchman for Cersei. Still, he managed to do considerable damage in that role. Euron leveraged House Greyjoy's mastery of sea power to raise the largest fleet in Westeros, making him a valuable ally to Cersei.

He then easily decimated most of Daenerys' ships while defeating the remaining Greyjoys and the Sand Snakes in one brutal move. He was also the only human in the series to take down a dragon and proved to be a worthy opponent for Jaime Lannister in a duel that killed Euron.

20 High Sparrow

Played By Jonathan Pryce

At first glance, the High Sparrow does not seem like much of a power figure in the story. He is a religious leader who lives a modest and grounded life. However, he inspired so many followers that he nearly overthrew the Lannister family. While Cersei attempted to use the High Sparrow's influence to get rid of the Tyrells, he proved incorruptible and used his new power to have her imprisoned. He proceeded to manipulate Tommen to gain control over the throne. Had he not underestimated Cersei's cunning, he could have ruled Westeros.

19 Robb Stark

Played By Richard Madden

Robb Stark was thrust into a position of great power after Ned Stark was executed. However, despite his young age, Robb proved himself to be a skilled military commander and inspiring leader, even being named the King in the North. Despite going up against more experienced enemies like Tywin Lannister, Robb won every battle he commanded. He outsmarted his enemies and was a skilled fighter himself. However, like his father, Robb wasn't a skilled politician, and he made several bad decisions off the battlefield. This eventually led to him and his army being killed at the Red Wedding.

18 Arya Stark

Played By Maisie Williams

From the beginning, Arya Stark is one of Game of Thrones' most impressive characters. She trained with the Faceless Men at the House of Black and White before returning to Westeros. While training with Jaqen and the Waif, Arya learned exceptional combat skills as well as how to change her face and take on another person's identity.

This training came in useful later in the series, as Arya is the one to defeat the Night King during season 8's "The Long Night." The young Stark also used her abilities to avenge her mother, Catelyn, and brother Robb's deaths by killing Walder Frey and his sons. Though smaller than some of the other warriors, she proved herself one of the deadliest.

17 Jaqen H'ghar

Played By Tom Wlaschiha

A member of the Faceless Men, Jaqen first encountered Arya Stark in season 2. After Arya saved his life, Jaqen killed three people for her and helped her escape Harrenhal with Gendry and Hot Pie, giving her a Braavosi coin and changing his face before disappearing. Jaqen's ability to change his appearance and become somebody else is a powerful asset that made him and the rest of the Faceless Men formidable enemies. Moreover, Jaqen held considerable influence over the people of Braavos as a House of Black and White representative; his power went beyond simple magical abilities.

16 Melisandre

Played By Carice van Houten