Game of Thrones Star Reveals Controversial Take on Lord of the Rings Chivalry

A central distinction between The Lord of the Rings and GOT is highlighted by a famous observation from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, the King of Gondor ruled for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his governance remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s personal fantasy world, often dragging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.

Exploring Chivalry in Two Fantasy Worlds

The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. During a recent panel, the actor reflected on one significant contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.

“This world that Martin has built, there are a lot more dark and adult themes that are presented. A lot of treachery and deceit, and it’s challenging to find your way,” Claffey said. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is a quality to genuinely admire, especially in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros on his quest in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the discussion, the actor attempted to walk back that comment, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a deeper conversation to delve into his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the universes of GOT and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds

As per the star, a significant part of the distinction stems from the contrasting styles between these two iconic fictional settings.

“There is so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he explained. “Characters get so far in roles and rank by committing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”

Instead of thinking chivalry is harder, Claffey argues that in Westeros it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a decent warrior.

The Weight of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A knight with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that comes from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Viewers have seen the pressure of chivalry throughout the series, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how people bound by vows are forced to go against their morals, and what it does to them internally.

That said, while being a knight in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight wouldn’t stand a chance against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to present.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass any day of the week,” he declared, “I’d say George would concur.”