One central distinction between LOTR and GOT is highlighted by a famous remark from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, the King of Gondor ruled for 100 years after the events of Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his governance remain vague. This type of inquiry fuels Martin’s personal fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero avoided.
Delving into Chivalry in Different Realms
The upcoming Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the beloved tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face multiple perilous adventures in an era when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a comic con discussion, Claffey reflected on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the very definition of chivalry.
“This world that Martin has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are presented. Much betrayal and deceit, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he stated. “And for a lot of people in this world, it pays off; it did for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that world is something to really look up to, especially in the world of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s need to maintain the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in this world through his journey in the tourney. In my view it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”
Following the panel, the actor attempted to soften that comment, fearing it might ignite a conflict between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.
Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms
As per the actor, a significant part of the difference stems from the contrasting tones between these two legendary fictional settings.
“There is so much more honor present [in Middle-earth] because of the mature content in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “Characters rise to power in roles and status by committing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. With the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you see so much more nobility, and other than the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”
Instead of thinking chivalry is more difficult, the actor argues that in Westeros it’s tougher to maneuver while attempting to remain a honorable knight.
The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros
“A knight with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the morality-clouding anxiety that comes from trying to navigate the politics of the realm from the perspective of a humble fighter. Audiences have witnessed the pressure of knighthood across the series, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT exploring how individuals bound by vows are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them internally.
However, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be more difficult than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is still willing to admit that his character 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 any day of the week,” Claffey said, “I’d say George probably agrees.”
