🔗 Share this article

A key difference between LOTR and GOT is highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain vague. This type of questioning fuels Martin’s personal fictional universe, often plunging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Delving into Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the beloved story of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter a series of perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. During a comic con discussion, Claffey commented on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. Much treachery and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he said. “And for a lot of people in this world, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, particularly 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 Ashford. In my view it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the panel, the actor attempted to soften that statement, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a deeper conversation to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

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

“There is so much more honor evident [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “People get so far in positions and status by committing terrible acts and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and other than Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than believing knighthood is more difficult, the actor believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while trying to be a decent knight.

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with some status must have some head fog,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Viewers have witnessed the stress of knighthood throughout the series, with characters like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how people bound by vows are compelled to go against their principles, and the impact to them internally.

However, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is still willing to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass any day of the year,” he said, “I’d say George would concur.”