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A key difference separating LOTR and GOT can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. This type of questioning drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his protagonists into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Two Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into this moral mud through the fan-favorite tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (the young star). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a recent panel, the actor reflected on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that George has created, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are presented. Much treachery and backstabbing, and it's hard to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of individuals in Westeros, it pays off; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For somebody to have the true knightly valor in that realm is a quality to genuinely admire, especially in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the panel, Claffey attempted to soften that statement, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and put him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a follow-up conversation to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the worlds of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

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

“You find so much more honor present [in Middle-earth] because of the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “Characters get so far in roles and rank by committing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. With the epic series that is The Lord of the Rings, you see so much more nobility, and aside from the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is harder, the actor believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to navigate while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Burden of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that comes from trying to navigate the politics of the realm from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Audiences have witnessed the stress of chivalry across the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are forced to betray their morals, and the impact to them psychologically.

That said, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be harder than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to concede that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that LOTR has to offer.

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