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One key distinction between LOTR and GOT is illustrated by a famous observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. This type of questioning drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Exploring Chivalry in Different Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into this moral mud through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (the actor) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, Claffey commented on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“The universe that George has created, it contains a lot more dark and mature subjects that are explored. A lot of betrayal and backstabbing, and it's hard to navigate,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of people in this world, it works; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual chivalric honor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, especially in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s need to maintain the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in Ashford. I think it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the panel, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, fearing it might spark a war between the two fandoms and put him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a follow-up conversation to further explore his perspective on how chivalry varies between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

As per the actor, a significant part of the difference comes down to the clashing styles between these two iconic fictional settings.

“You find so much more honor evident [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “People get so far in roles and rank by doing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. In the epic series that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in Westeros it’s more difficult to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with some status must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding stress that comes from attempting to survive the politics of Westeros from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Viewers have witnessed the stress of chivalry throughout the series, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how people bound by vows are forced to betray their morals, and what it does to them internally.

That said, although serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to concede that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the greatest that LOTR has to present.

“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass every time of the week,” he declared, “I believe Martin probably agrees.”