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One key difference separating The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited remark from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his governance remain unexplored. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Exploring Knighthood in Two Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, the actor commented on one significant contrast between GOT and LOTR: the core meaning of chivalry.

“This world that George 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 navigate,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of individuals in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is a quality 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 Westeros on his quest in Ashford. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that comment, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fandoms and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his perspective on how knighthood differs between the universes of GOT and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

According to the star, a significant part of the distinction comes down to the clashing tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more honor evident [in Tolkien’s world] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “Characters rise to power in roles and rank by doing hideous things and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. In the epic series that is The Lord of the Rings, you see so much more honor, and aside from 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 believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable knight.

The Burden of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A knight with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring stress that comes from trying to navigate the scheming of the realm from the vantage point of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of knighthood across the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are compelled to betray their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

That said, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight is no match against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass any day of the year,” he declared, “I believe Martin would concur.”