Arthur Dayne is remembered as the greatest knight of his generation, not only in martial skill but in value and virtue as a true knight. Even
Barristan Selmy, a living legend in his own right, thought that Ser Arthur surpassed himself in all respects. Ser Barristan, Jaime Lannister, and even Eddard Stark were all in awe of Ser Arthur, and recall him with nothing less than complete reverence. Jaime tells
Loras Tyrell (a member of the Kingsguard in the books) that Dayne "could have slain all five of you with his left hand while he was taking a piss with the right". The fact that Arthur Dayne used to stand by and do nothing while
the Mad King performed his atrocities did not taint his reputation at all.
When Rhaegar's apparent abduction of
Lyanna Stark helped provoke
Robert's Rebellion, he left Dayne and his fellow Kingsguard,
Gerold Hightower and
Oswell Whent, to guard Lyanna at the Tower of Joy in
Dorne. After the
Battle of the Trident, Eddard Stark and six companions arrived at the Tower to rescue her, and were confronted by the three Kingsguard, who refused to yield. Only Eddard and his friend
Howland Reed survived the battle that followed. Bran Stark recalled his father telling him that Dayne would have killed him if not for Howland Reed. As a mark of respect, Eddard returned Dayne's famous sword to his relatives at
Starfall.
When asked who would win in a duel,
George R.R. Martin said that if Arthur Dayne and Barristan Selmy fought with equivalent weaponry it would be a very even fight - but if Dayne was armed with his sword Dawn, he would have the advantage over Selmy.
[3]
damn pervert.
. Nobody has respect for them armorless tiny sword ballerinas after Meryn Trant destroyed their captain 1 on 1
