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One key distinction between LOTR and GOT is highlighted by a famous remark from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, the King of Gondor reigned for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the details of his rule remain vague. This type of questioning drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Different Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming GOT spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one major contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, it contains a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. Much treachery and deceit, and it’s challenging to find your way,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of individuals in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Littlefinger 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 chivalry has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in the tourney. I think it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that statement, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, this led to a follow-up interview to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

As per the star, a major part of the distinction stems from the clashing tones between these two legendary fictional settings.

“You find so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “People rise to power in roles and rank by doing terrible acts and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. In the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness 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 believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable knight.

The Weight of Knighthood in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the perspective of a low-born knight. Audiences have seen the stress of knighthood across the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are forced to go against their principles, and the impact to them internally.

However, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, Claffey is still willing to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight is no match against the best that LOTR has to offer.

“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass any day of the year,” he said, “I’d say George would concur.”