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One key difference between The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones is illustrated by an often-cited remark from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn ruled for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his governance remain vague. Such inquiry fuels Martin’s personal fictional universe, often plunging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Different Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face multiple dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. 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 knighthood.

“This world that George has built, there are a lot more dark and mature subjects that are explored. Much betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of people in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, particularly in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the panel, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fan communities and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms

As per the star, a significant part of the distinction stems from the contrasting tones between these two legendary fictional settings.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “Characters rise to power in positions and rank by doing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. With the epic series that is LOTR, you witness so much more honor, and aside from Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is more difficult, the actor believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while trying to be a honorable warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A knight with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he remarked, referring to the ethically blurring stress that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of the realm from the vantage point of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the stress of knighthood throughout the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals bound by vows are forced to betray their morals, and the impact to them internally.

However, although being a knight in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to admit that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the week,” Claffey said, “I’d say Martin probably agrees.”