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A key distinction between The Lord of the Rings and GOT is illustrated by a famous remark from the GOT author. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for a century after the events of Tolkien’s books, but the details of his governance remain vague. This type of inquiry fuels Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero avoided.

Delving into Knighthood in Two Fantasy Worlds

HBO’s next Game of Thrones series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, aims to dive into these complexities through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter multiple dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have died out. During a recent panel, the actor commented on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of knighthood.

“The universe that Martin has created, it contains a lot more sinister and adult themes that are explored. Much betrayal and backstabbing, and it's hard to find your way,” he stated. “And for a lot of people in Westeros, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that realm is something to really look up to, particularly in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the ethics that knighthood has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. In my view it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”

After the panel, the actor attempted to walk back that comment, concerned it might spark a war between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Of course, this led to a deeper interview to further explore his perspective on how chivalry differs between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.

Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds

According to the actor, a significant part of the difference comes down to the clashing tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.

“You find so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” he said. “People rise to power in positions and status by committing hideous things and betraying others, literally and figuratively. In the epic series that is LOTR, you witness so much more nobility, and aside from the dark Vala or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”

Instead of thinking chivalry is harder, the actor argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while attempting to remain a decent knight.

The Weight of Knighthood in Game of Thrones

“A warrior with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he said, referring to the ethically blurring anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the perspective of a low-born fighter. Audiences have seen the pressure of knighthood across the series, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT exploring how people under oath 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 harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight is no match against the greatest that LOTR has to offer.

“The Ranger beats Dunk every time of the week,” he declared, “I believe Martin probably agrees.”