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A central difference between LOTR and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.

Delving into Knighthood in Two Realms

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into these complexities through the beloved story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face a series of perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a comic con discussion, the actor commented on one major contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.

“This world that George has built, it contains a lot more dark and mature subjects that are presented. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of individuals in Westeros, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For somebody to have the true chivalric honor in that world is something to really look up to, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

After the discussion, the actor tried to walk back that comment, fearing it might spark a war between the two fandoms and place him right in the crossfire. Of course, it prompted a deeper interview to further explore his thoughts on how chivalry varies between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

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

“There is so much more integrity present [in Tolkien’s world] due to the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “Characters rise to power in roles and status by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. In the epic series that is LOTR, you witness so much more honor, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of believing chivalry is harder, the actor argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a honorable warrior.

The Burden of Chivalry in Game of Thrones

“A knight with some status must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the morality-clouding stress that stems from attempting to survive the politics of the realm from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Viewers have seen the stress of chivalry across the franchise, with figures like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are forced to betray their principles, and what it does to them internally.

That said, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to admit that his character in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that LOTR has to offer.

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