Gregor Clegane, aka The Mountain, was a vile man whose actions were so questionable that, even by the standards of Game of Thrones, they raised a few eyebrows. He was cruel and needlessly violent in situations that required restraint.
The Mountain was loyal to Tywin and Cersei Lannister. Devoid of honor or morals, he would carry out their dirty work, which initially included rampaging and pillaging through cities and lands. Emboldened by House Lannister and his own sheer brute strength, The Mountain did not stop there. While the Game of Thrones fandom was glad to see him go in the dramatic Cleganebowl, if it had ever come to a one-on-one duel with these characters, he wouldn’t have survived them either.
Jon Snow
Carries A Tactical Advantage
- First Seen In Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter Is Coming”
These qualities would prove disastrous for someone like The Mountain, who is rash, hostile, and aggressive. Most of Jon’s opponents have been strong and seasoned warriors, while The Mountain unjustly killed the defenseless. The majority of his victims were babies, children, and helpless people who couldn’t fight back. The Mountain’s hollow aggression and rashness will be counterproductive against a strategic opponent like Jon, who adapts quickly under pressure.
Ser Brienne Of Tarth
A Strong Knight With Brute Strength
- First Seen In Season 2, Episode 3: “What Is Dead May Never Die”
When it comes to honor, Ser Brienne of Tarth is just as exemplary as Jon. And when it’s about raw strength and brute force, she’s no less formidable than The Mountain. Her ability to execute bold combat moves in a strategic manner will leave an unthinking brute like The Mountain in the dust. Brienne trained her whole life to silence the men who sneered at her abilities and battle prowess.
Khal Drogo
A Seasoned Warrior
- First Seen In Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter Is Coming”
Khal Drogo led his Khalasar with pride, and while he made an effort to embrace the noble ways of rule, the Dothraki weren’t the kind to give in to change easily, at least at that point. Drogo won battles and achieved significant victories over his enemies. As Viserys Targaryen correctly pointed out to his sister, Daenerys, Khal Drogo was an undefeated warlord, and that’s why he wore his braids in pride.
Given the Dothraki way of life, Drogo will naturally hold an advantage over The Mountain, who is used to the comforts of Westerosi life. Additionally, Drogo has the build and stature to tackle The Mountain. He wields his Arakh with precision, and The Mountain would be a fool to meet him in an open field. Between the sadistic vassal, The Mountain, and the conqueror warlord, Drogo, who faces no trouble traversing harsh terrain, the latter will have the upper hand.
Ser Arthur Dayne
The Sword Of The Morning Would Rely On Technique Over Strength
- First seen In Season 6, Episode 3, “Oathbreaker” As Part Of Bran Stark’s Vision
Ser Arthur Dayne would cut through The Mountain like a knife through cake using his sword, Dawn. He bore the title, Sword of the Morning, and wielded House Dayne’s ancestral blade, which is only inherited by one deemed worthy. Ser Arthur was the finest swordsman that ever lived. Famous for defeating the deadly Smiling Knight in single combat, he would dismantle this unruly brute.
Ser Arthur’s swordsmanship was legendary, unmatched in both skill and finesse. A knight of the Kingsguard, he could wield two swords at once. Ned Stark described him as “the best swordsman he ever saw.” He outclassed Ned and all those who met him outside the Tower of Joy. Ser Arthur was only defeated when Howland Reed intervened in their duel and stabbed him from behind.
Young Robert Baratheon
A Behemoth In His Younger Days
- First Seen In Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter Is Coming”
The young Robert Baratheon was a burly man with unrivaled strength. His weapon of choice was a warhammer with which he knocked down Rhaegar Targaryen at the Trident. After winning his rebellion, he became lazy and self-indulgent, but as a young man, he had exceptional qualities.
Gregor’s defeat at the hands of a young Robert would stem from a combination of factors – notably, Robert’s superior training, stamina, and speed. Young Robert (unfortunately not seen in Game of Thrones) will need more than brute strength to outmaneuver The Mountain. Relying on his battle intelligence, he will have to dodge and deflect the dim and impulsive Mountain’s strikes. Robert would ultimately use his warhammer to bring his opponent down.
