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One key difference between LOTR and GOT can be illustrated by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, the King of Gondor reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his governance remain vague. This type of questioning drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn avoided.

Exploring Chivalry in Two Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the beloved tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant contrast between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.

“The universe that Martin has built, there are a lot more dark and mature subjects that are presented. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of people in this world, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual chivalric honor in that world is something to genuinely admire, especially in the world of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the morals that chivalry has probably forgotten in this world on his quest in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, Claffey tried to soften that statement, fearing it might spark a war between the two fandoms and put him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to delve into his thoughts on how chivalry differs between the universes of GOT and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

According to the star, a significant part of the distinction stems from the clashing styles between these two legendary fictional settings.

“There is so much more integrity present [in Tolkien’s world] due to the adult themes in GOT and George’s world,” Claffey explained. “Characters rise to power in roles and rank by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more honor, and aside from the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than thinking chivalry is harder, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he remarked, referring to the ethically blurring anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of the realm from the perspective of a humble knight. Audiences have witnessed the stress of chivalry throughout the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are forced to go against their principles, and the impact to them internally.

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

“Aragorn defeats Dunk any day of the year,” Claffey declared, “I believe George would concur.”