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A key difference separating LOTR and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his governance remain vague. Such questioning fuels Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn never would.

Delving into Chivalry in Two Realms

HBO’s next Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They encounter a series of perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. During a comic con discussion, Claffey reflected on one significant contrast between GOT and LOTR: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that George has built, there are a lot more dark and mature subjects that are explored. A lot of betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he said. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, particularly in the land of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in this world on his quest in Ashford. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the panel, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, fearing it might ignite a war between the two fandoms and put him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his perspective on how knighthood differs between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

As per the star, a major part of the distinction comes down to the clashing tones between these two iconic fictional settings.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “People rise to power in roles and rank by doing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. In the epic series that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more nobility, and aside from Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than believing knighthood is more difficult, the actor believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s tougher to navigate while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Weight of Knighthood in Westeros

“A knight with some status must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the morality-clouding stress that stems from trying to navigate the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a humble knight. Viewers have seen the stress of chivalry throughout the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how people under oath are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them internally.

However, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Middle-earth, the actor is still willing to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that LOTR has to present.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk any day of the year,” Claffey declared, “I’d say George probably agrees.”