Syrio Forel (Game of Thrones)

Syrio Forel is a fencing master from Braavos. Ned Stark hired him to teach his daughter Arya how to wield a sword.

Major Plots
Syrio Forel is quite an accomplished fencer and was the First Sword to the Sea Lord of Braavos for nine years. He later moved to King's Landing where he was hired by Ned Stark to teach his daugther Arya the Braavosi way of sword fighting. As the sword dance of Braavos, or water dance as Syrio calls it, uses smaller swords and puts a larger emphasis on quick attacks, it seems to fit Arya better than the greatswords the people of Westeros often use. Syrio is refered to, even by himself, as Aryas dancing master. Most people do not seem to get it's true meaning, and is probably deliberate, as it is not customary for young girls to get fencing lessons, and might be frowned upon. Besides instructing the little Stark girl in the way of the sword, Syrio also gives her other tasks like chasing cats and balancing on her toes to train her.

After Ned's attempt to take power is thwarted, ser Meryn Trant together with four Lannister guardsmen are sent to fetch Arya. Syrio protects her and easily takes out the four guardsmen, even with his wooden sword. He tells Arya to run, and she pleads for him to come with her. But as he says: "The First Sword of Braavos does not run." Syrios ultimate fate is never shown, however, ser Trant manages to break the wooden sword and is later shown alive and well at king Joffrey's side.

Differences between book and television

 * In the the book Game of Thrones Syrio is described as bald, while in the television series he has curly dark hair.