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A central difference between LOTR and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited remark from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. This type of questioning fuels Martin’s personal fantasy world, often dragging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Exploring Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face a series of dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a comic con discussion, the actor reflected on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.

“This world that Martin has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are explored. Much treachery and deceit, and it's hard to navigate,” he stated. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it works; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that world is something to genuinely admire, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, the actor attempted to walk back that statement, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fan communities and put him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a deeper interview to delve into his perspective on how chivalry varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

According to the star, a significant part of the distinction comes down to the contrasting tones between these two iconic fictional settings.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “Characters get so far in positions and status by doing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more honor, and aside from Morgoth or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of thinking knighthood is more difficult, Claffey believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable knight.

The Weight of Knighthood in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have some head fog,” he said, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of the realm from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Viewers have seen the stress of knighthood throughout the series, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how people bound by vows are forced to betray their principles, and what it does to them psychologically.

That said, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is still willing to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight is no match against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk every time of the year,” Claffey said, “I believe Martin probably agrees.”