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One key distinction separating LOTR and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn ruled for 100 years after the events of Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain vague. This type of questioning fuels Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Two Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of chivalry.

“The universe that Martin has built, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. A lot of betrayal and deceit, and it’s challenging to navigate,” Claffey said. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it pays off; this was true for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is a quality to genuinely admire, especially in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry 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 Middle-earth.”

After the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that comment, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and put him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his perspective on how chivalry differs between the universes of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

As per the actor, a major part of the difference stems from the clashing styles between these two legendary fictional settings.

“You find so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “Characters get so far in roles and rank by committing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. In the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and aside from Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

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

The Burden of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of knighthood throughout the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in GOT demonstrating how individuals under oath are forced to betray their principles, and what it does to them internally.

That said, while being a knight in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is still willing to admit that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“The Ranger beats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” he declared, “I believe Martin would concur.”