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A central difference between The Lord of the Rings and GOT is highlighted by an often-cited remark from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, the King of Gondor ruled for 100 years after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. Such questioning drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often dragging his protagonists into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Different Realms

HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. During a recent panel, Claffey commented on one significant contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, it contains a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are explored. A lot of betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it pays off; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is a quality to really look up to, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry has probably forgotten in this world through his journey in the tourney. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that comment, concerned it might ignite a war between the two fandoms and put him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the universes of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

According to the actor, a significant part of the distinction stems from the contrasting 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,” he said. “Characters rise to power in positions and status by doing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more nobility, and aside from the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of believing chivalry is harder, the actor argues that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while trying to be a honorable knight.

The Burden of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with some status must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that comes from trying to navigate the politics of Westeros from the perspective of a low-born knight. Viewers have seen the pressure of chivalry across the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how people under oath are forced to betray their principles, and what it does to them psychologically.

That said, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, Claffey is quick to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk every time of the year,” he declared, “I believe Martin would concur.”