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A key difference separating LOTR and GOT is highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain unexplored. This type of inquiry fuels Martin’s own fantasy world, often dragging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Chivalry in Two Realms

HBO’s next Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face a series of perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a recent panel, Claffey reflected on one major difference between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that Martin has built, there are a lot more dark and adult themes that are explored. A lot of treachery and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of people in this world, it pays off; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the true chivalric honor in that world is a quality to really look up to, particularly in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s need to uphold the ethics that knighthood has probably forgotten in Westeros on his quest in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, the actor tried to walk back that statement, fearing it might spark a conflict between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his perspective on how knighthood differs 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 iconic fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more honor evident [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” Claffey said. “People get so far in positions and rank by doing terrible acts and betraying others, literally and figuratively. In the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you see so much more nobility, and aside from Morgoth or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of believing chivalry is harder, Claffey believes that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Weight of Knighthood in Westeros

“A knight 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 fighter. Viewers have seen the pressure of chivalry across the series, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals under oath are compelled to go against their principles, and the impact to them internally.

That said, although serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that LOTR has to offer.

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