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One key distinction between LOTR and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the details of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s personal fictional universe, often dragging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Different Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the beloved tale of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face multiple dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, Claffey commented on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that Martin has built, it contains a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are explored. Much treachery and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it pays off; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that world is a quality to genuinely admire, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. I think it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the discussion, the actor tried to walk back that statement, concerned it might spark a war between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up conversation to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

According to the star, a significant part of the difference comes down to the clashing styles between these two iconic fictional settings.

“You find so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “People rise to power in roles and status by doing terrible acts and betraying others, literally and figuratively. In the epic series that is LOTR, you see so much more nobility, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Rather than believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“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 vantage point of a humble fighter. Viewers have seen the pressure of knighthood across the series, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how people under oath are forced to go against their morals, and the impact to them internally.

However, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, Claffey is quick to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” Claffey declared, “I’d say George would concur.”