Mat vs Galad

[TheOldTounge]

Welp, this is my first post and I'm not entirely sure this is the appropriate place for this discussion. It is as far as I can tell, but I'm sure I'll be getting yelled at for something shortly :)    

 

With that said, I have always been very interested in the WoT Cage Match etc. discussions and find them fascinating to consider and expand on. One fight I can't seem to find a discussion on however, is as titled - Mat vs Galad.

 

We all have our own images of Mat and Galad and their abilities/skills, and I'm sure there are a thousand ways this could be done and many may have a different opinion on how this would go down. In my blissful ignorance however, I have written down a little short featuring today's contenders and how I envision the fight playing out. I am not that great of a writer, but I did my best. (FYI - I am currently on Path of Daggers)

 

I look forward to your responses/reactions, kind and unkind but as stated I'm popping my cherry on this one so please..be genteel :)

 

____

 

Mat vs Galad - Fight to the death

 

• Mat has his 'standard' gear: Ashandarei, Medallion, luck enabled, etc. and of course his hat :)
• Galad has his 'standard' gear (I have no idea what that is really): such as his sword, whitecloak armor or w.e.
• This fight is taking place during Crown Of Swords (since that is the last book I have read).

And so, here goes nothing :)

___

 

Mat fingered the Tar Valon coin in his pocket and thought about the plump girl who had smiled at him back in town. Maybe if he survived this, he would ask her to dance. 

 

Standing across from him inside the huge ring of Whitecloaks, Galad stood 15 paces away and looked as calm as ever, with his hands behind his back. The sword that hung on his belt seemed an extension of himself as if he barely noticed it was there. Mat pulled the brim of his hat down low and mumbled to himself "Blood and bloody ashes!" Why did he always have to stick his hand in the fire?

 

The Whitecloaks had come to arrest Perrin, and before Mat knew what he was doing, he had challenged Galad to a duel, where if he won, the Whitecloaks would leave Two Rivers and never return. Galad looked much the same as he had the last time Mat saw him, and yet very different.. He was perhaps even more confident, if that was even possible, and had the look of a man who has seen many battles. He looked very dangerous standing there, and Mat was sure the stories he heard about him since they last saw each other were true. He certainly looked like he could use that sword. This was not the same man Mat had challenged along with Gawyn with his quarterstaff back in Tar Valon. And yet, he was still so damn pretty! 

 

Galad took sure steps towards him and Mat did likewise. At 10 paces they stopped, and Galad eyed Mat up and down, sizing him up in a moment. "I did not wish for this, Matrim, and I do not wish to kill you. We can still seek reason, yes?" he said somewhat pleadingly. 

 

Mat looked at him with disdain "There is no reasoning with you bloody whitecloaks. I will do as I must for my friends." Galad grimanced as if insulted, or perhaps disappointed, but he simply said "Remember you asked for this, as I also will do what I must."

 

Mat was cursing himself yet again for getting involved, but bringing up Ashandarei, he squared off to Galad and readied himself. With a sigh of resignation, Galad simply stood there looking like a hawk watching his prey, hands still behind his back "Let us settle this, then."

 

Wasting no time, Mat cried out and charged with startling speed. Galad did not move or flinch, but the moment it seemed Mat would simply strike him down, his sword came out faster than Mat could even follow. They met, Mat's staff whirling in a blurr, and Galad bringing his sword up in a flash to meet him. The clang of metal on metal echoed in the hills. In an instant, Mat was moving back the way he came and it was all he could do to keep Galad's sword away from him. 

 

He saw nothing but the man in front of him, who moved as if born with the sword in his hands, performing forms Mat had never even heard of. Barely deflecting a thrust against his heart, Mat side-stepped and brought Ashandarei down on Galad. Mid stroke, Galad casually changed his footing and knocked it away, putting a shallow cut into Mat's upper arm in the process.

 

Heart pounding in his ears, Mat eyed the Whitecloak warily. Galad seemed surprised Mat was still standing, but the expression passed in an instant and his face was all calm again and as unruffled as if he was attending a ball. Mat knew he was out skilled as Galad stepped forward to begin another flurry of attacks, and sweat beaded down his face. Still, Mat would not go down without a fight. "Carai an Caldazar! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!" He met Galad strike for strike, barely keeping his footing, but this fight would not last very much longer. Mat was breathing heavily while the man in front of him looked as calm as when they started despite his furious whirlwind attacks. The dice were tumbling in his head, and flickers of memories long past floated in the back of his mind. 

 

Staff spinning in his hands, he flung himself around Galad. Circling like a leopard as he stabbed and slashed in flurries, but Galad was meeting his every blow, instantly altering his positioning mid step to meet the oncoming assault with perfection. Countering with deft speed and ability, Galad quickly had Mat on the defensive once again. He was stepping backwards fast, dice tumbling, doing all he could to keep the sword out of his chest. 

 

Suddenly, Mat lost his footing and came crashing down into the dirt, Ashandarei coming up awkwardly. He felt the spear point strike something, and looked up to see Galad clutching his thigh, an expression of disbelief on the man's face. Cursing, Mat flung himself back to his feet and whirled around to face his opponent. The shock was gone from Galad's face just as quickly as it had come. He moved, striking like a Viper, and the wound hardly seemed to slow him down even if he was slightly favoring his injured leg. 

 

Mat, still fighting for his life, was moving backwards again and barely blocking each assault. He could feel the sun shining on his back, and as he side-stepped another thrust from Galads sword, the sun came out from over his shoulder and shone directly into Galad's eyes. At the same time, the foot of Galads hurt leg caught on a rock and he went down to one knee. Mat was not sure how, but the Whitecloak still threw a frenzy of attacks at him, slashing him across the chest. Ignoring the burning sensation, Mat whirled and caught Galad's forearm with Ashandarei. Attacking without mercy, and with all his remaining energy, Mat moved in a blurr, putting everything he had into one last flurry of attacks. Still fighting on one knee, Galad blocked and parried the initial onslaught somewhat awkwardly, but he couldn't stop everything. Ashandarei sliced where the neck meets the shoulder, and spinning, Mat thrust Ashandarei's blade through his heart. Galad swayed for a moment, pained eyes looking into the sky. "Egwene" he whispered, and fell back, eyes already glazing over.

 

Mat stood, panting. There were cries of surprise and outrage coming from the Whitecloaks surrounding him, some even grabbing the hilts of their swords. Pulling a kerchief from his pocket, Mat wiped his face and turned towards the town. Reaching the ring of Whitecloaks, he kept his eyes straight ahead and did not slow. One of the Whitecloaks whispered something to the one standing in his path, but all he caught was something about 'honor' and 'Galad's last orders'. The man begrudgingly stepped aside. Mat didn't care at the moment what they thought or said or did. His eyes were on the town and he was already thinking about... What was her name?

 

____

[mb]

generally threads in the wrong section are moved to the right section by a moderator/administrator.

 

The scenario seems nicely written.

 

There might be some chance of Mat and Galad being in the next Cage Match.

Not entirely sure, but I guess that the moderators and administrators pick the characters; also the round 1 duels.

[TheOldTounge]

generally threads in the wrong section are moved to the right section by a moderator/administrator.

 

The scenario seems nicely written.

 

There might be some chance of Mat and Galad being in the next Cage Match.

Not entirely sure, but I guess that the moderators and administrators pick the characters; also the round 1 duels.

 

Thanks, did you agree with the outcome?

[Verbal32]

I think the closest we ever came was Mat vs. Lan - and Mat ended up winning that one in much the same way - luck putting him out of harm's way when he should have been killed.

[mb]

Mat might likely beat Galad in a one-on-one fight; though I am not sure it would be in that way.

 

Mat vs Lan; I do not recall any such fight.

[BFG]

http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/topic/67321-week-4-mat-vs-lan/?do=findComment&comment=2160369

 

 

Hmm, I think Mat, Perrin & Rand all became pretty unbeatable after the last book.

 

 

Edited to add spoiler tags

[jack of shadows]

@bfg,

"

i think mat,perrin and rand all became pretty unbeatable after the last book

".

an interesting observation,would you care to elaborate?

 

mod note, edited to add spoiler tags for quoted post since OP hasn't finished the series

[BFG]

 

@bfg,

"i think mat,perrin and rand all became pretty unbeatable after the last book".

an interesting observation,would you care to elaborate?

 

Because they each have an ultimate trump card.

 

Mat's luck, which probably doesn't need much explanation, but also remember that he beat Galad and Gawyn while severely weakened,

 

Perrins control of the dreamworld - within the dreamworld I'm not convinced there's anyone who can beat him and he can slip between world's at a moment's notice. He beat Slayer who is an assassin used against Aes Sedai.

 

Rand is a little less clear as his abilities aren't spelled out, but lighting the pipe suggests something pretty cool.

 

Who would win between them would, imo be down to individual circumstances for that battle. Mat has the edge regarding 'surprise' attacks due to the luck factor

 

 

 

Edited to add spoilers as the OP states he hasn't read that far ahead.

[BFG]

I actually feel like Mat is a betterfighter than continuously fighting for his life in the above implies, but I am aMat fan. He already beat Galad and Gawyn once and Couladin since. Galad likely improved and wouldn't underestimate Mat again, but is the difference going to be so pronounced? Also considering that the only experience Galad has against a quarterstaff will likely be the last time he fought Mat. It is a good fight though

[Cory Caboose]

I read Meat vs. Salad

 

I don't know what this is so I'm going to walk away now

[Cory Caboose]

But my vote is for meat, not that I don't like a good chicken caesar salad, but meat so yummy in my tummy

[Turin Turambar]

I agree that Mat doesn't always get credit for his actual fighting skill due to his luck factor. He was one of the best with a bow in the two rivers at the start of the series. He apparently also has lifetimes of fighting experience and possibly years of muscle memory to go with them. I think he is a formidable opponent with his unique most likely power forged weapon.

[Verbal32]

Mat might likely beat Galad in a one-on-one fight; though I am not sure it would be in that way.

 

Mat vs Lan; I do not recall any such fight.

 

http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/topic/67321-week-4-mat-vs-lan/?do=findComment&comment=2160369

 

 

Hmm, I think Mat, Perrin & Rand all became pretty unbeatable after the last book.

 

 

Edited to add spoiler tags

 

Yeah, I wrote that one.  :-)

 

 

 

 

I read Meat vs. Salad

 

I don't know what this is so I'm going to walk away now

 

But my vote is for meat, not that I don't like a good chicken caesar salad, but meat so yummy in my tummy

 

LOL, back to the mafia board!

[TheOldTounge]

I actually feel like Mat is a betterfighter than continuously fighting for his life in the above implies, but I am aMat fan. He already beat Galad and Gawyn once and Couladin since. Galad likely improved and wouldn't underestimate Mat again, but is the difference going to be so pronounced? Also considering that the only experience Galad has against a quarterstaff will likely be the last time he fought Mat. It is a good fight though

 

Yeah I see what you mean, re-reading it, I'm not sure it would be so one-sided with Mat fighting for his life so dramatically. Galad might have an edge on him but not that much necessarily... It's just that where I am in the books Galad seems like he gets talked up a lot more on how good he is than Mat (eg. during FoH when he clears/breaks the prophet's mob while escorting Nynaeve to a boat) whereas Mat's main feat at the moment is killing Couldilin (or however you spell the Aiel false dragon) and if I recall having a hard time with it.. Seems like so far he has been relying on luck more than skill which is why I wrote it that way. Additionally he has had zero actual training so far, as far as I can recall. 

 

(To be clear I'm a huge Mat fan as well, but was trying to keep it realistic/accurate)

[mb]

"We can still seek reason, yes?"

As far as I recall, only Tarboners speak like that.  Galad comes from Caemlyn/Cairhien.

[BFG]

 

I actually feel like Mat is a betterfighter than continuously fighting for his life in the above implies, but I am aMat fan. He already beat Galad and Gawyn once and Couladin since. Galad likely improved and wouldn't underestimate Mat again, but is the difference going to be so pronounced? Also considering that the only experience Galad has against a quarterstaff will likely be the last time he fought Mat. It is a good fight though

 

Yeah I see what you mean, re-reading it, I'm not sure it would be so one-sided with Mat fighting for his life so dramatically. Galad might have an edge on him but not that much necessarily... It's just that where I am in the books Galad seems like he gets talked up a lot more on how good he is than Mat (eg. during FoH when he clears/breaks the prophet's mob while escorting Nynaeve to a boat) whereas Mat's main feat at the moment is killing Couldilin (or however you spell the Aiel false dragon) and if I recall having a hard time with it.. Seems like so far he has been relying on luck more than skill which is why I wrote it that way. Additionally he has had zero actual training so far, as far as I can recall. 

 

(To be clear I'm a huge Mat fan as well, but was trying to keep it realistic/accurate)

 

Last time I reread I started wondering about how much a faulty narrator comes into play around some characters, particularly Mat. We know that he thinks of himself as a gambler, and reluctant to do anything, we know the girls think of him as a fool. Yet his army is organised, his men respect him, Rand/Lan/Rhuarc all respect his tactical skills. he must see that the Band is trained properly; why wouldn't he do the same for himself?

 

Also with Couladin, don't forget that he's good enough amongst the Aiel to be followed as a clan leader and Car'a'corn and the Aiel are arguably the best race of individual fighters out there. Mat beating him in one on one combat is a pretty big deal. (not trying to dies Galad here and luck would certainly play a part in Mat's fights)

[Jim Dodd]

Considering Mat handed Galad and his brother their rear ends at the same time, i'd say Mat wins.

[bluehair]

Considering Mat handed Galad and his brother their rear ends at the same time, i'd say Mat wins.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Galad and Gawyn pretty easily. I dont think we can contribute that to lack of training on their part. They were both castle trained from an early age and were being trained by the white tower for the past few months. Mat also had training with the quarterstaff in his village so I dont think it was luck necessarily that helped him win. I think this time around he outskilled his opponents. At that point in the series Mat had just been healed and was in an extremely weakened state and without the memories of the generals in his head. I think Mat would have handled Galad very easily if they were geared as the OP said. 

[Suttree]

While Mat was skilled with the staff, the passage makes it pretty clear that his luck played a role.