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A central distinction separating The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the details of his governance remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his protagonists into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Exploring Knighthood in Two Realms

HBO’s next GOT series, The Hedge Knight, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. During a recent panel, Claffey commented on one major difference between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has built, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are presented. A lot of treachery and backstabbing, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey said. “And for a lot of people in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the true chivalric honor in that world is something to genuinely admire, particularly in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that chivalry has probably forgotten in Westeros through his journey in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the panel, Claffey attempted to soften that statement, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fandoms and put him squarely in the middle. Of course, this led to a deeper interview to delve into his thoughts on how chivalry varies between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms

According to the star, a major part of the difference stems from the clashing tones between these two iconic fictional settings.

“You find so much more integrity present [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” he said. “People rise to power in positions and status by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. With the epic series that is LOTR, you see so much more nobility, and aside from the dark Vala or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is harder, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while trying to be a honorable warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he said, pointing to the morality-clouding anxiety that comes from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born knight. Viewers have seen the pressure of chivalry across the series, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how individuals under oath are compelled to betray their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, while being a knight in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to concede that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk any day of the week,” he said, “I believe George probably agrees.”