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

One key difference separating The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain vague. This type of questioning drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn never would.

Exploring Knighthood in Two Realms

HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into this moral mud through the beloved story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face a series of dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a recent panel, the actor commented on one significant contrast between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the core meaning of knighthood.

“This world that George has built, there are a lot more dark and mature subjects that are explored. Much treachery and backstabbing, and it's hard to find your way,” he said. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it works; this was true for Petyr Baelish for a considerable period. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that world is a quality to genuinely admire, especially in the land of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in this world on his quest in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Tolkien’s world.”

Following the discussion, the actor tried to soften that statement, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him squarely in the middle. Naturally, this led to a deeper interview to delve into his thoughts on how knighthood varies between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.

Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms

According to the actor, a major part of the difference stems from the clashing styles between these two legendary fantasy worlds.

“There is so much more honor present [in Middle-earth] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” Claffey said. “Characters rise to power in positions and rank by doing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. With the epic series that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and aside from Morgoth or the Dark Lord, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

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

The Burden of Chivalry in Westeros

“A knight with some status must have mental confusion,” he said, referring to the ethically blurring stress that comes from trying to navigate the politics of the realm from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Viewers have seen the stress of chivalry throughout the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals bound by vows are forced to betray their morals, and the impact to them psychologically.

That said, while being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Middle-earth, Claffey is still willing 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.

“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” Claffey declared, “I believe George probably agrees.”