Ser Arthur Dayne was a knight of Starfall and the Sword of the Morning. He was the younger brother of Ali Dayne, and the elder brother of Ashara and Allyria Dayne. Hailing from House Dayne he became a member of Aerys II’s Kingsguard and was considered the most chivalrous warrior of the Seven Kingdoms. He had the sword Dawn, and wore it on his back. He gained the trust of the smallfolk of the kingswood by paying what he and his forces took their grievances to Aerys II. Arthur defeated the Smiling Knight in a single combat and ended the threat of outlaws. He then shortly after knighted Jamie Lannister (Jamie who idolized Arthur greatly). He became the champion of the tournament that honored Viserys Targaryen’s birth in 276 AC, defeating Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. However Arthur lost to the Prince by breaking 12 lances against Rhaegar at the tourney at Storm’s End. At the tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC, he lost againto Rhaegar. Him and Rhaegar were also said to be very close friends. It is speculated that Arthur help aid in the kidnapping of Lyanna Stark near Harrenhal at the end of the year of the false spring. Once the rebellion ended, Arthur along with Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Gerold Hightower were found at the Tower of Joy. Arthur was killed there by Eddard Stark and his companions, but the exact details are unknown. Eddard Stark described Arthur Dayne as one of the finest knights he had ever seen, and said Arthur would have killed him if not for Howland Reed. Catelyn Stark also referred him as the deadliest knight of Aerys II’s kingsguards. Stones used from the Tower of Joy were used to build Arthur’s cairn by a nearby ridge. Arthur Dayne’s sword Dawn was returned by Eddard Stark to Lady Ashara Dayne, as a sign of great respect. He was remembered as a skilled fighter, along as a valiant and true knight.
