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A central distinction between LOTR and GOT can be illustrated by a famous observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, the King of Gondor reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s personal fantasy world, often dragging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Exploring Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next GOT series, The Hedge Knight, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter multiple perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, it contains a lot more sinister and adult themes that are presented. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of individuals in Westeros, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is a quality to genuinely admire, particularly in the world of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in Westeros through his journey in the tourney. I think it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the panel, Claffey tried to walk back that statement, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to delve into his perspective on how chivalry differs between the worlds of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a significant part of the difference stems from the clashing tones between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” he explained. “People 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 Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of thinking chivalry is harder, the actor argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the morality-clouding stress that stems from trying to navigate the scheming of the realm from the vantage point of a humble fighter. Viewers have witnessed the stress of knighthood across the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals under oath are forced to go against their principles, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, while being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to admit that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the greatest that LOTR has to present.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk any day of the year,” he declared, “I believe George probably agrees.”