The North
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1. Eddard Stark vs 4. Qhorin Halfhand
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The main question that needs to be answered for the Ned is just how good is he? He’s certainly more well regarded in HBO’s adaptation where he goes toe to toe with the Kingslayer Jaime Lannister and the episode one script even states:
“Jaime is taller and broader in the shoulders. They are considered two of the greatest warriors in the Seven Kingdoms, and there can be little doubt that right now each man wonders who would win a fight”.
When it comes to the novels, we do know that Ned trained with Robert under Jon Arryn. Sparring with one of the best there ever was has to count for something. We also know Ned survived the Tower of Joy and some believe it was he who slayed the Sword of the Morning Arthur Dayne in single combat, though Ned himself admits that he would have died that day if not for Howland Reed. This statement doesn’t necessarily mean Howland saved him from Arthur Dayne but we don’t know for sure.
Qhorin’s skills are unquestionable, we know he’s one of the best technical fighters the North has to offer. The only question to answer is which Qhorin is prime Qhorin? Before or after he became the Halfhand? It’s said that he became just as proficient with a sword after his axe-catching incident but it’s not confirmed that he was any better. On the other hand…well, the other half hand…Qhorin cannot properly wield a shield. It would be only speculation to say Qhorin was indeed a better swordsman after the incident and even more speculation on top to say his offense could make up for his lack of defense against a top level opponent.
In a tough match to call, we turn to the man himself. George RR Martin has said on several occasions that Ned was merely a competent swordsman and that his talents were in commanding, not fighting. That’s not a great reference from the series creator and it would take more than being just competent to defeat Qhorin. So spake Martin.
Winner: Qhorin Halfhand
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3. Jon Umber vs 7. Jon Snow
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Jon Snow may be dead for now but his role in the story is far from over. With all the twists and turns in this series, it’s impossible to guess where his character will go when he’s resurrected. In round one, we came to the conclusion that Jon was the better sword between he and his half brother Robb Stark but, ultimately, Jon is more a leader of men than a fighter, just like Robb, and he’ll probably become a commander in war, just like Ned, as the series heads for its climax. Either amazingly great or gut wrenchingly terrible things are in store for Lord Snow’s future but let’s summarize what we know so far about Jon Snow the fighter.
Jon claims Qhorin Halfhand could swat him like a bug and when Mance is glamoured as Rattleshirt, Jon gets his ass thoroughly iced. He trains against multiple people at the wall but they aren’t high born trained swords, it’s expected for someone with Jon’s pedigree to be able to handle what was thrown at him. In the show he does kill a White Walker but he was rather lucky and if not for Longclaw being Valyrian steel, he’d have died well before his brothers got to do the honor. Jon Snow is without the aid of Valyrian steel in our contest which cuts into his speed advantage over Jon Umber and he’s surely outclassed here in strength. Jon will still be the quicker fighter, however, but is his agility and skill enough to topple the Greatjon?
To put it bluntly; no. End of series Jon Snow with Longclaw (or Lightbringer?) may be able to give someone like the Greatjon a fight but pre-dead Jon Snow with a regular steel sword won’t be able to overcome Jon Umber’s strength.
Winner: Jon Umber
