Kingsguard

The Kingsguard is an elite formation of seven knights, supposedly the greatest and most skilled warriors in all of Westeros. Their duty is to protect the King and the royal family from harm at all times.

Current roster
The members of the Kingsguard at the start of Game of Thrones are:


 * Ser Barristan Selmy, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
 * Ser Boros Blount.
 * Ser Preston Greenfield.
 * Ser Jaime Lannister.
 * Ser Mandon Moore.
 * Ser Arys Oakheart.
 * Ser Meryn Trant.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, the Kingsguard, also called the White Swords, were founded by King Aegon the Conqueror after his conquest of Westeros. Over the three centuries since then, many famous and legendary knights have joined its ranks, including members of the Great Houses. The Kingsguard of King Aerys II Targaryen is particularly famed for its mighty warriors, including Prince Lewyn Martell of Dorne, Ser Arthur Dayne, Lord Commander Gerold Hightower and Ser Oswell Whent. The current roster is held to be inferior, the result of politial appointments made to appease other houses rather than being selected for valour and skill at arms. The retaining of Ser Jaime Lannister in the group after his murder of King Aerys is particularly controversial.