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One key distinction separating LOTR and GOT is illustrated by an often-cited remark from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the details of his rule remain unexplored. Such questioning fuels Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Different Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into this moral mud through the beloved story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. During a comic con discussion, Claffey reflected on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that George has built, there are a lot more dark 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 works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that world is something to really look up to, particularly in the world of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s need to maintain the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in Westeros through his journey in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and put him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his perspective on how chivalry 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 fictional settings.

“You find so much more integrity present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he said. “Characters rise to power in roles and rank by doing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. In the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and aside from the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of believing chivalry is more difficult, Claffey argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s tougher to navigate while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Weight of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring stress that comes from trying to navigate the politics of the realm from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Audiences have witnessed the pressure of chivalry throughout the franchise, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how individuals under oath are forced to betray their morals, and the impact to them internally.

That said, although serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Middle-earth, Claffey is still willing to admit that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk any day of the week,” Claffey said, “I believe Martin would concur.”