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One key distinction between The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by a famous observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the conclusion of Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his rule remain unexplored. This type of inquiry drives Martin’s personal fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Exploring Knighthood in Different Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, aims to dive into this moral mud through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face a series of dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. During a comic con discussion, the actor reflected on one major contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that George has built, it contains a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. A lot of betrayal and backstabbing, and it’s challenging to find your way,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it pays off; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is a quality to genuinely admire, particularly in the land of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that chivalry has probably forgotten in this world through his journey in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”

Following the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that statement, fearing it might ignite a war between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, this led to a deeper interview to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the worlds of GOT and LOTR.

Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms

According to the star, a major part of the difference comes down to the contrasting styles between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more integrity present [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he said. “Characters get so far in positions and rank by committing hideous things and betraying others, both physically and metaphorically. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and other than Morgoth or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of believing chivalry is more difficult, the actor believes that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s tougher to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.

The Burden of Knighthood in Westeros

“A warrior with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, pointing to the morality-clouding stress that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of the realm from the perspective of a humble fighter. Viewers have witnessed the pressure of chivalry across the series, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how people bound by vows are compelled to go against their principles, and what it does to them internally.

However, while serving as a warrior in Westeros may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to admit that his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to offer.

“The Ranger beats Dunk’s ass any day of the year,” Claffey said, “I’d say George would concur.”