Syrio Forel is a master sword fighter and instructor who debuts in the first season of Game of Thrones, an American television series. He is originally from the Free City of Braavos, a city made of hundreds of islands interconnected by stone bridges where revered seafarers and swordsmen stay. These are former refugees and slaves from the Valyrian Freehold and is one of the strongest Free Cities in the kingdom.
It is unclear why Syrio leaves Braavos, but he is hired by Eddard Stark the Lord of House Stark to train his youngest daughter, Arya Stark in the art of sword fighting. Eddard, also known as Ned contracts Syrio to teach Arya secretly in the ancient art of sword fighting known as ‘Water Dance’. It is practiced by swordsmen from the Free City of Braavos. Syrio, being the former First Sword to the Sealord of Braavos for nine years is well skilled in the art and quickly takes Arya as his apprentice. Arya has a slender blade known as ‘Needle’ which she got from John Snow, her father’s bastard son before he went to join Night’s Watch. Ned is concerned about her daughter after she notices that Arya comes home with bruises and cuts that makes him consider replacing Syrio with other sword masters. However, Arya insists that she only wants to be taught by Syrio. Arya’s sister Sansa Stark believes that her sister is taking dance lessons.
Ned is later charged with treason and executed by Joffrey Baratheon, a bastard son from an incestuous relationship between Ser Jaime Lannister and Queen Cersei Lannister. He was the ruler of the Seven Thrones which he had taken from his legal father after his death but is later assassinated by drinking poisoned wine.
On one of their many talks, Syrio tells Arya that he was chosen as the first sword of Braavos due to his perceptive nature. Syrio advices Arya to chase after cats to improve her speed and agility. He also teaches her to command her fears which would eventually make her a better fighter.
After Arya’s father is killed, the Kings Guard led by Ser Meryn Trant arrives to take her into custody with several Lannister guards. Syrio senses danger and insists that he can take care of her. One of the guards attacks him, and he disarms him with ease. The guards attack him, but he fends off the ferocious attack. Arya insists that they run, but Syrio confidently tells her to go insisting that ‘The First Sword of Braavos does not run.’ Arya runs off leaving Ser Meryn Grand and Syrio in their fight.
In the Fourth season, Arya informs The Hound (Sandor Clegane) that Syrio was killed by Ser Meryn Trant. Sandor hardly believes it to be the truth claiming that anyone with a sword and armor could easily take on Ser Meryn Trant.
Syrio Forel only appears in three episodes of the first season, namely ‘Lord Snow, ‘A Golden Crown’ and ‘Pointy End’. He is played by Miltos Yerolemou.