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A central difference separating The Lord of the Rings and GOT is highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn ruled for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his rule remain unexplored. This type of questioning fuels Martin’s personal fantasy world, often plunging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Different Realms

The upcoming GOT series, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into these complexities through the beloved story of Dunk (the actor) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face multiple perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a recent panel, Claffey reflected on one major contrast between GOT and LOTR: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that George has created, there are a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are presented. Much treachery and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey said. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it works; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For a person to have the actual knightly valor in that world is something to genuinely admire, particularly in the land of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world on his quest in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to soften that statement, fearing it might spark a conflict between the two fan communities and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, this led to a follow-up interview to delve into his thoughts on how chivalry varies between the worlds of GOT and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a significant part of the difference comes down to the clashing tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Middle-earth] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “Characters get so far in roles and status by doing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is harder, the actor believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable knight.

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the ethically blurring stress that comes from attempting to survive the scheming of the realm from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Audiences have witnessed the stress of knighthood throughout the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how people under oath are compelled to go against their principles, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, although serving as a warrior in Westeros may be harder than in Middle-earth, the actor is still willing to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight is no match against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“The Ranger beats Dunk every time of the year,” Claffey said, “I’d say Martin would concur.”