GOT Star Reveals Spicy Take on LOTR Chivalry
A key distinction between LOTR and Game of Thrones is illustrated by a famous observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for a century after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the specifics of his governance remain unexplored. This type of inquiry drives Martin’s own fictional universe, often dragging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.
Exploring Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds
HBO’s next Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Ser Duncan the Tall (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They face multiple dangerous exploits in an era when the Targaryen dynasty still holds the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, the actor commented on one major difference between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.
“The universe that Martin has built, it contains a lot more dark and adult themes that are presented. A lot of betrayal and deceit, and it’s challenging to find your way,” he stated. “And for a lot of individuals in Westeros, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For a person to have the true chivalric honor in that realm is something to really look up to, especially in the land of Westeros. So I really adore Dunk’s commitment to uphold the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in Ashford. I think it takes a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”
Following the discussion, Claffey tried to walk back that comment, concerned it might ignite a war between the two fandoms and put him squarely in the middle. Of course, it prompted a follow-up conversation to further explore his perspective on how knighthood differs between the worlds of GOT and LOTR.
Divergent Themes in Fantasy Worlds
According to the actor, a major part of the difference comes down to the clashing tones between these two legendary fictional settings.
“You find so much more integrity evident [in Tolkien’s world] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he said. “People rise to power in roles and status by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. In the epic series that is LOTR, you see so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those absolute villains, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”
Rather than believing chivalry is harder, the actor argues that in Westeros it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a honorable warrior.
The Weight of Knighthood in Game of Thrones
“A knight with some status must have some head fog,” he remarked, pointing to the morality-clouding anxiety that comes from trying to navigate the scheming of Westeros from the vantage point of a low-born fighter. Viewers have witnessed the pressure of knighthood throughout the series, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how individuals bound by vows are compelled to betray their principles, and the impact to them internally.
That said, although being a knight in Westeros may be more difficult than in Middle-earth, Claffey is quick to concede that his role in The Hedge Knight is no match against the greatest that LOTR has to present.
“Aragorn beats Dunk’s ass any day of the week,” he declared, “I believe Martin would concur.”