Top 10 Bravest Warriors to Ever Live

How would you define a warrior? What types of characteristics would they have – bravery, courage, loyalty and leadership? A warrior is commonly defined as a brave or experienced soldier or fighter who has typically put their life on the line for a cause they believe in. Whether it be for their country, religion, territory or an injustice, warriors are not something of the past as they are still among us today in all walks of life.

Looking throughout world history, warriors have been around for centuries and, while many have been forgotten, others have been immortalized in their cultures as some of the bravest people to ever live. In doing so, communities around the world have erected statues and awarded them medals in their honor to memorialize their bravery, leadership and loyalty to their cause and their people.

Which of these fearless fighters are truly the bravest and gave everything they had in hopes of winning their long and well-fought battles? Traveling around the world and through some of the greatest battles in history, we found 10 of the bravest warriors to ever live. Will you recognize these fearless heroes and the incredible mark they made on history? Let’s find out!

#10 – Prince Rupert of the Rhine

A scientist, governor, artist, admiral, sports enthusiast and German soldier, there was very little that Prince Rupert of the Rhine didn’t do well. Born into royalty in 1619 as the son of Prince Frederick V of Germany, Rupert decided at only 14 years old that he wanted to leave the ranks of the wealthy and join the military. Towering at an incredible 6’4” tall, which was rare for the era, Rupert joined the fight against Spain in the Eighty Years’ War and against the Holy Roman Emperor in his native Germany during the Thirty Years’ War.

By the age of 23 and already established as an outstanding soldier with a stellar military career, Rupert believed he had special powers granted by a supernatural source and proudly accepted another chance to lead as the commander of the Royalist cavalry in the English Civil War. Returning home to serve as a naval commander and governor, Rupert’s colorful and energetic personality as well as his deep cultural appreciation influenced his political prowess as well as his interests in science and the arts up until his death on November 29, 1682.

#9 – Thomas A. Baker

 The only entrant from the United States on our list is New York native Thomas A. Baker. Born in 1916 and joining the U.S. Army out of high school, Baker served in World War II as part of the 27th Infantry Division and was involved in the Battle of Saipan on June 19, 1944. Meeting his fate on the Marianas Islands while fighting the Japanese, Baker proved his bravery when he destroyed a Japanese emplacement and killed several soldiers before suffering an injury that required the company to fall back.

Refusing to be evacuated despite his injury, Baker fought alongside his fellow countrymen running low on ammunition and with little hope of survival. Persuading his comrade to leave him behind, Baker was propped against a tree with a pistol and eight bullets as his company fell back. Upon their return to the site, U.S. forces found Baker dead against the tree with eight dead Japanese soldiers around him. Giving his life for his country after four years of service, the 28-year-old Baker was awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredible heroism and bravery.

#8 – William Wallace

 Chances are that if you have seen Braveheart starring Mel Gibson, then you already know quite a bit about Sir William Wallace. Born in Scotland in 1270, Wallace was knighted and quickly became one of the most influential leaders in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Proving his strategic mind and talents in battle, Wallace played a significant role in defeating English soldiers at the Battle of Stirling Bridge at which time he was appointed the Guardian of Scotland. Though he lost the Battle of Falkirk and his title in 1298, Wallace was far from finished proving his bravery.

Six years later, the once defeated Wallace returned to Scotland after traveling abroad and joined a handful of battles before being captured by the English in 1305 and turned over to King Edward I. Tried for treason and crowned with a garland of oak to symbolize his position as the “king of outlaws,” Wallace never wavered in his loyalty and said, “I could not be a traitor to Edward for I was never his subject.” Hanged and quartered with his limbs put on display, Wallace became a legend in Scotland with tales of his bravery passed down from generation to generation.

#7 – Richard the Lionheart

The son of England’s King Henry II, Richard I served under a number of different titles such as Duke of Gascony and Lord of Cyprus but is best known as King Richard I who ruled England from 1189 to 1199. Described as chivalrous and courageous as a child, Richard put all family matters aside when he took his bravery to the battlefield and fought against his father to subdue rebellion in the territory at only 16 years old. A young warrior, Richard eventually took his father’s title as king but spent more time in battle than on his royal throne.

Nicknamed the “Lionheart” because of his bravery and generosity, Richard handled himself and his troops exceptionally well on the battlefield and was often considered a better warrior than king. Historian Steven Runciman even said that Richard I “was a bad son, a bad husband and a bad king, but a gallant and splendid soldier.” Spending just under six months in England throughout his 10-year reign, Richard may not have been the country’s best leader but it’s undeniable that he was one of the bravest warriors to ever live.

#6 – Tlahuicole

Once leading the Tlaxcaltec people of what is now Mexico, Tlahuicole was born in 1497 and became the finest warrior in Mexican history until his death in 1518. Leading his territory’s forces during the civil war of 1516 between two feuding kings, Tlahuicole was captured during the war and taken to Moctezuma II in Mexico City. Proving his exceptional loyalty to his ethics as well as his bravery, Tlahuicole impressed Moctezuma II so much that he was set free, which was a first in Mexican history.

Despite his release, Tlahuicole insisted that he be treated like other prisoners since he didn’t want to return to his homeland after losing in battle. Moctezuma II had something else in mind, however, and gave him control of the army set to invade Purepechas. Tlahuicole took the offer with the hopes of dying in battle and walked headfirst into the opposing army but miraculously survived. Returning to Mexico with thousands of captive soldiers behind him, Tlahuicole refused to accept any honors and asked to be stoned to death. Granting his bravest general’s wish, Moctezuma II ordered Tlahuicole to death at the hands of eight famed gladiators.

#5 – Galvarino

 Shockingly enough, Galvarino’s story of bravery has yet to make it to the silver screen although it’s one heck of a story. A member of the Mapuche tribe that fought in the Arauco War, Galvarino was captured and taken prisoner with 150 others for fighting against governor Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza. While in captivity, the majority of prisoners had their right hands and noses cut off but Galvarino’s fate was far worse as Mendoza cut off both of his hands. Released as a warning for what could happen to other soldiers who crossed Mendoza, Galvarino returned home in a fit of rage desperate for revenge.

Inspiring the council of war to demand justice on Mendoza, Galvarino was placed in command of a squadron and strapped knives to his mutilated wrists in preparation for battle. Fighting alongside other Mapuche warriors, Galvarino led them into the Battle of Mallarapu where he killed Mendoza’s second in command right before his enemy’s eyes. Unfortunately, Galvarino’s bravery wasn’t enough when he and eight hundred others were overtaken and captured. Mendoza ordered Galvarino to death and threw the Mapuche warrior into a pit of angry dogs.

#4 – Pyrrhus of Epirus

 Taking on the Roman Republic was basically a death sentence during the third and fourth centuries B.C., but that didn’t bother Ilyrian general and statesman Pyrrhus of Epirus. Set to take the throne as King of Epirus, Pyrrhus was banished by his enemy at a young age and, instead, became an officer during the wars of Diadochi when he restored the kingdom of Epirus. At that time, Epirus went to war with Rome leaving Pyrrhus to lead an army into battle with the Romans.

Recognized as a restless leader with a benevolent heart, Pyrrhus successfully defeated the Romans alongside 25,000 other soldiers and was one of the only men who could offer the enemy a fair fight at the time. Leading his troops to victory at the Battle of Asculum and coining the term “Pyrrhic victory” for his bravery, Pyrrhus has been praised by renowned leaders like Hannibal Barca of the Punic army as the best general and warrior in the history of the world.

#3 – Dulla Bhatti

The only Indian warrior on our list comes in at number three and is Dulla Bhatti, otherwise known as the Robin Hood of Punjab. Leading the revolt against Emperor Akbar who enforced Mughal rule over the Punjab region, Bhatti inspired his fellow rebels to fight against Mughal rules that said women could be sold into slavery and that marriages could be arranged. Taking his leadership to the streets, Bhatti courageously fought back by becoming a bandit straight out of the peasant class who took from the wealthy’s overflowing pockets and gave to the citizens in need.

Outraged by Bhatti’s banditry, Akbar sent some of his top men to hunt for him but, to no avail, they came up empty-handed for years. Since Bhatti was a man of the people, no citizen in the region was willing to help Akbar’s men and face the wrath of the hand that fed them. Eventually, Bhatti was captured by Akbar’s forces and was sentenced to be hanged in public. While Akbar believed that Bhatti would plead desperately for his life, Bhatti stared at the Emperor with a menacing glare before taking his last breath as Punjab’s fiercest hero.

#2 – Leonidas

Much like William Wallace’s story was told in Braveheart, Leonidas I has been immortalized on the silver screen as well in the blockbuster hit 300. A Greek warrior king from Sparta, Leonidas led the charge for his men in the Second Persian War when, at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., he and his 300 soldiers met the Xerxes’ army head on. Later joined by thousands more, Leonidas and his troops were no match for Xerxes and his army which is believed to have been over 100,000 strong.

After four days of waiting, a battle erupted as Leonidas and his army took out thousands of the Persian troops during the first two days. As the battle and bloodshed raged on, Leonidas ordered everyone but his own Spartan’s and 1,600 other soldiers to return home, but they wouldn’t leave their commander. Ultimately, Leonidas lost ground and faced defeat by the Persians when he was killed in battle. Although Xerxes ordered his men to put Leonidas’s head on a stake and have him crucified, not even his own soldiers were willing to follow the horrific command.

#1 – Miyamoto Musashi

Long before the use of guns and other modern weaponry, warriors had to be skilled with a sword much like the bravest warrior on our list, Miyamoto Musashi of Japan. Perhaps the greatest swordsman to ever live, Musashi was born in 1584 and became a legend in his craft as stories of his exceptional double bladed talent preceded him wherever he traveled. Passing away with an undefeated record in 60 duels in 1645. Musashi shared his legacy in The Book of Five Rings where he outlined his strategy and sword philosophy.

Though Musashi’s legacy behind the sword was incredible, he was also involved in battle where his skills and bravery were tested. After leaving his village in 1599 at just 16 years old, the young swordsman fought with Toyotomi’s clan against Tokugawa’s and was also part of the defense efforts of Gifu Castle and the Battle of Sekigahara. Though he didn’t engage in many battles afterward, Mushashi traveled the land as a famed dueler who vanquished each and every one of his opponents.