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A key distinction between The Lord of the Rings and GOT is illustrated by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, the King of Gondor reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain unexplored. Such questioning fuels Martin’s own fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn never would.

Delving into Chivalry in Two Realms

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into this moral mud through the beloved tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face multiple perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. During a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant difference between GOT and LOTR: the very definition of knighthood.

“This world that Martin has created, it contains a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. Much betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey said. “And for a lot of individuals in Westeros, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For somebody to have the true chivalric honor in that realm is something to genuinely admire, especially in the world of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. In my view it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that comment, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a significant part of the distinction stems from the clashing styles between these two iconic fictional settings.

“There is so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” he said. “Characters get so far in positions and status by committing hideous things and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. In the epic series that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Rather than thinking chivalry is more difficult, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s tougher to navigate while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Weight of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A knight with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that comes from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a humble fighter. Audiences have witnessed the stress of knighthood throughout the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT exploring how people under oath are compelled to go against their morals, and the impact to them psychologically.

However, although serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, Claffey is still willing to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to offer.

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