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One central difference separating LOTR and GOT is illustrated by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his governance remain vague. Such questioning drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often dragging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn never would.

Exploring Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next GOT spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (the actor) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a recent panel, Claffey commented on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of chivalry.

“The universe that George has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are presented. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it's hard to navigate,” he said. “For a lot of people in Westeros, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that world is a quality to really look up to, especially in the world of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry has probably forgotten in this world through his journey in the tourney. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that comment, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up conversation to further explore his thoughts on how chivalry differs between the universes of GOT and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

As per the star, a major part of the distinction comes down to the clashing tones between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “People rise to power in positions and rank by doing hideous things and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. With the epic series that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and aside from Morgoth or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of thinking chivalry is more difficult, Claffey argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable knight.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have some head fog,” he remarked, pointing to the ethically blurring stress that stems from trying to navigate the politics of Westeros from the perspective of a humble knight. Viewers have witnessed the pressure of chivalry across the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how individuals bound by vows are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

That said, although being a knight in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight is no match against the greatest that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“The Ranger defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” he declared, “I’d say George probably agrees.”