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One central difference separating The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by a famous observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, the King of Gondor reigned for a century after the events of Tolkien’s books, but the details of his governance remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Exploring Knighthood in Two Realms

The upcoming GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the beloved story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a comic con discussion, Claffey reflected on one significant difference between GOT 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 presented. A lot of betrayal and deceit, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it works; it did for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, especially in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros on his quest in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the panel, Claffey tried to soften that comment, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and put him squarely in the middle. Naturally, this led to a deeper conversation to further explore his perspective on how chivalry differs between the universes of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a major part of the difference stems from the contrasting styles between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more integrity present [in Tolkien’s world] due to the mature content in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” he said. “Characters rise to power in roles and status by doing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than thinking chivalry is more difficult, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a decent knight.

The Weight of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that comes from trying to navigate the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of chivalry throughout the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT demonstrating how individuals under oath are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is still willing to concede that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk any day of the week,” he declared, “I’d say George would concur.”