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A central difference between The Lord of the Rings and GOT can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the events of Tolkien’s books, but the details of his rule remain unexplored. Such inquiry fuels Martin’s personal fictional universe, often plunging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Exploring Chivalry in Different Realms

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into this moral mud through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, the actor reflected on one major difference between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of chivalry.

“This world that George has created, there are a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are presented. Much betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is a quality to really look up to, especially in the world of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world on his quest in Ashford. I think it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

After the panel, the actor attempted to soften that statement, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a follow-up conversation to delve into his perspective on how knighthood varies between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

According to the actor, a major part of the difference comes down to the clashing styles between these two legendary fictional settings.

“There is so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “Characters rise to power in positions and status by doing hideous things and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of thinking chivalry is harder, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s more difficult to maneuver while attempting to remain a decent warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding stress that comes from trying to navigate the politics of Westeros from the vantage point of a humble fighter. Audiences have witnessed the stress of knighthood throughout the franchise, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how people under oath are forced to go against their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

However, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is still willing to admit that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass any day of the year,” Claffey said, “I’d say Martin probably agrees.”