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A central difference between LOTR and GOT can be highlighted by an often-cited remark from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Delving into Knighthood in Different Realms

HBO’s next GOT series, The Hedge Knight, will delve into these complexities through the beloved story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Egg (the young star). They face multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant difference between GOT and LOTR: the very definition of chivalry.

“This world that Martin has built, there are a lot more dark and mature subjects that are explored. A lot of treachery and deceit, and it’s challenging to navigate,” Claffey said. “For a lot of individuals in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that world is something to really look up to, particularly in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in this world on his quest in Ashford. In my view it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

After the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that comment, concerned it might spark a war between the two fan communities and put him right in the crossfire. Of course, this led to a deeper conversation to further explore his perspective on how chivalry varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms

As per the actor, a significant part of the difference stems from the contrasting tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “People rise to power in positions and rank by doing terrible acts 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 other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

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

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding stress that comes from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the perspective of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the stress of knighthood across the franchise, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT demonstrating how people under oath are forced to betray their morals, and what it does to them internally.

That said, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the week,” Claffey declared, “I believe George would concur.”