🔗 Share this article

One central difference separating The Lord of the Rings and GOT can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, the King of Gondor ruled for 100 years after the events of Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. This type of inquiry drives Martin’s personal fantasy world, often plunging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Two Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, the actor reflected on one significant contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“The universe that Martin has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are presented. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to navigate,” he stated. “For a lot of individuals in Westeros, it pays off; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that world is a quality to genuinely admire, particularly in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s need to uphold the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world on his quest in the tourney. I think it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that statement, concerned it might spark a war between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a follow-up conversation to delve into his thoughts on how chivalry varies between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

As per the star, a significant part of the difference comes down to the clashing styles between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “Characters get so far in positions and rank by committing hideous things 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 the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Burden of Knighthood in Westeros

“A knight with some status must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the morality-clouding stress that comes from trying to navigate the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of chivalry throughout the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how individuals bound by vows are compelled to betray their morals, and what it does to them internally.

That said, although serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to admit that his character in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“The Ranger beats Dunk’s ass every time of the week,” he declared, “I’d say Martin probably agrees.”