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A key distinction separating The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones is highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Chivalry in Different Realms

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face a series of dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a recent panel, Claffey commented on one significant contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that Martin has created, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are explored. Much treachery and deceit, and it's hard to navigate,” he stated. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual chivalric honor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to uphold the ethics that chivalry has probably forgotten in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

After the discussion, the actor tried to soften that statement, concerned it might spark a war between the two fandoms and place him right in the crossfire. Of course, this led to a deeper conversation to delve into his perspective on how knighthood varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms

According to the star, a major part of the distinction stems from the clashing styles between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more integrity present [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” Claffey said. “People rise to power in positions and rank by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and other than Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

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

The Burden of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the ethically blurring stress that stems from trying to navigate the scheming of the realm from the perspective of a humble fighter. Viewers have seen the stress of knighthood across the series, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how individuals under oath are compelled to betray their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, although serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to admit that his character in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to present.

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