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One central difference between LOTR and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, the King of Gondor ruled for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain unexplored. This type of inquiry fuels Martin’s own fictional universe, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Different Realms

The upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a comic con discussion, the actor reflected on one major difference between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the very definition of chivalry.

“This world that George has built, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. A lot of treachery and backstabbing, and it's hard to navigate,” he said. “For a lot of people in this world, it pays off; it did for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that world is something to genuinely admire, especially in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in this world on his quest in the tourney. I think it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the panel, Claffey tried to soften that comment, concerned it might ignite a war between the two fandoms and put him right in the crossfire. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

As per the star, a significant part of the difference stems from the clashing tones between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more honor evident [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “People get so far in positions and rank by doing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. In the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you see so much more honor, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Rather than believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to navigate while trying to be a decent knight.

The Weight of Chivalry in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have some head fog,” he remarked, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that stems from trying to navigate the scheming of Westeros from the perspective of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of knighthood across the series, with figures like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how people bound by vows are forced to go against their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.

That said, although serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, the actor is quick to concede that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk any day of the week,” he declared, “I believe George probably agrees.”