GOT Actor Shares Controversial Opinion on LOTR Chivalry
One central difference separating LOTR and Game of Thrones can be illustrated by an often-cited remark from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Indeed, Aragorn reigned for 100 years after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his rule remain unexplored. Such inquiry fuels Martin’s personal fictional universe, often dragging his characters into ethical gray areas in a way the LOTR hero never would.
Exploring Chivalry in Two Realms
The upcoming Game of Thrones series, The Hedge Knight, will delve into these complexities through the fan-favorite tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They encounter a series of perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their fearsome dragons have died out. At a comic con discussion, the actor commented on one major contrast between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.
“The universe that Martin has built, there are a lot more dark and adult themes that are explored. Much betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” he stated. “For a lot of individuals 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 genuinely admire, particularly in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to uphold the ethics that chivalry has largely abandoned in this world through his journey in Ashford. In my view it requires a lot more to be a knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”
Following the discussion, Claffey tried to soften that statement, concerned it might ignite a war between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Of course, this led to a follow-up conversation to further explore his thoughts on how knighthood differs between the worlds of GOT and LOTR.
Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds
According to the actor, a major part of the difference comes down to the clashing tones between these two iconic fictional settings.
“You find so much more honor evident [in Middle-earth] due to the mature content in Game of Thrones and Martin’s creation,” Claffey said. “Characters get so far in positions and status by doing hideous things and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. In the glorious trilogy that is LOTR, you witness so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or Sauron, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like fairy tale evil.”
Rather than believing knighthood is harder, Claffey believes that in Westeros it’s more difficult to navigate while attempting to remain a honorable warrior.
The Burden of Knighthood in Game of Thrones
“A knight with some status must have mental confusion,” he remarked, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the politics of the realm from the vantage point of a humble knight. Viewers have witnessed the pressure of chivalry across the franchise, with figures like Ser Criston Cole in HotD and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones exploring how individuals bound by vows are forced to go against their morals, and the impact to them internally.
However, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder 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 LOTR has to offer.
“The Ranger defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” Claffey declared, “I believe Martin probably agrees.”
