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A key difference between LOTR and GOT is highlighted by a famous observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for a century after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his governance remain unexplored. Such questioning drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Exploring Chivalry in Two Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into these complexities through the beloved tale of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face a series of perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. During a recent panel, the actor reflected on one major contrast between GOT and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, there are a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are presented. A lot of betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to navigate,” Claffey said. “And for a lot of people in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual chivalric honor in that realm is something to really look up to, particularly in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that knighthood has largely abandoned in Westeros on his quest in Ashford. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the panel, the actor attempted to walk back that statement, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and put him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a deeper interview to delve into his perspective on how chivalry differs between the universes of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a significant part of the difference stems from the contrasting styles between these two legendary fictional settings.

“You find so much more integrity present [in Middle-earth] due to the mature content in GOT and George’s world,” Claffey said. “Characters rise to power in roles and status by committing terrible acts and betraying others, literally and figuratively. In the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more honor, and aside from the dark Vala or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of thinking knighthood is harder, the actor argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to navigate while trying to be a decent knight.

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he remarked, pointing to the ethically blurring stress that stems from trying to navigate the politics of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Audiences have seen the pressure of chivalry across the series, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals bound by vows are forced to betray their principles, and the impact to them internally.

That said, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Middle-earth, the actor is still willing to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass every time of the week,” Claffey declared, “I believe George probably agrees.”