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A key distinction between LOTR and Game of Thrones is illustrated by a famous observation from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. Such inquiry fuels Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Chivalry in Two Realms

HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They encounter a series of perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a comic con discussion, Claffey commented on one significant contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are explored. A lot of treachery and backstabbing, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is something to really look up to, particularly in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to uphold the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in Ashford. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the panel, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fandoms and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up 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 major part of the difference comes down to the contrasting tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” he explained. “People rise to power in positions and status by doing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. In the epic series that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he remarked, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that comes from attempting to survive the politics of Westeros from the perspective of a low-born knight. Viewers have witnessed the pressure of chivalry across the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how people under oath are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them internally.

That said, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Middle-earth, Claffey is quick to admit that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that LOTR has to present.

“The Ranger beats Dunk’s ass any day of the week,” Claffey declared, “I’d say George would concur.”