game of thrones - Was Ned Stark actually a good swordsman?

Inspired by this question (Is there any proof that Jaime Lannister is actually a good swordsman?), the OP mentions Ned in a way that he thinks Ned is a great swordsman. I don't recall anything from the books or show that indicate anything at all about his swordsmanship, he's usually talked about it terms of his honor, or skill as a commander. Aside from vague "we were great once, Ned" comments from Robert (and weren't we all great in our youth? :) ), what evidence do we have that Ned was notable as a swordsman?

Answer

Books Answer

No there is no such proof or indication about Ned's talents.

He was an aristocrat so obviously he received martial training but never quite shone like many other big names of Westeros.

As you noted, he is known for his honesty and honor, not for his skills as a fighter.

He must have been good enough however as he fought directly in many battles including the raid at Tower of Joy but there is no evidence suggesting that he was a great warrior.

Others like Jaime, Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy, Loras Tyrell, Garlan Tyrell, Oberyn Martell, Lyn Corbray, Qhorin Halfhand etc are all described as exceptionally gifted. Even Robert was counted as a great warrior once. The same has never been said about Ned.

And he is not alone in it, the same has never been said about Tywin Lannister, Jon Arryn or Hoster Tully either. Mace Tyrell is explicitly called out as an incompetent Commander. I am actually glad that ASOIAF doesn't follow the silly tropes that the Good Guy (there are no good guys in the series but that's how some people view Ned) is supposed to be a great warrior, oh and warning, TV Tropes link. Ned has other redeeming talents, he was great at administration and laws.

So in conclusion, there is neither any evidence, nor a claim in the first place that Eddard was among the biggest fighting stars of Westeros.

And I have found a Citadel entry on this same question. This is what GRRM is reported to have said himself:

GRRM has previously stated that Eddard was a competent swordsman. However, Brandon was the real swordsman in the family (SSC).

If George says he was a competent (and therefore not an exceptional one) swordsman, I guess that settles it. Good enough but not Excellent.

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