Game of Thrones Star Shares Spicy Take on LOTR Knighthood
A key distinction separating The Lord of the Rings and GOT is highlighted by an often-cited remark from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, the King of Gondor reigned for 100 years after the conclusion of Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry drives Martin’s own fantasy world, often dragging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn never would.
Delving into Chivalry in Different Realms
HBO’s next Game of Thrones spinoff, The Hedge Knight, will delve into this moral mud through the fan-favorite story of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Aegon Targaryen (the young star). They encounter a series of dangerous exploits in an age when the Targaryen dynasty continues to occupy the Iron Throne but their mighty beasts have died out. At a comic con discussion, the actor commented on one major difference between GOT and The Lord of the Rings: the very definition of chivalry.
“This world that Martin has created, there are a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are explored. Much betrayal and deceit, and it’s challenging to navigate,” Claffey stated. “For a lot of individuals in this world, it pays off; this was true for Littlefinger for a long time. For a person to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is a quality to really look up to, particularly in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate 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 knight than it does in Tolkien’s world.”
After the panel, Claffey tried to walk back that comment, fearing it might spark a conflict between the two fan communities and put him right in the crossfire. Of course, this led to a deeper interview to delve into his thoughts on how chivalry varies between the universes of GOT and The Lord of the Rings.
Clashing Tones in Fictional Realms
As per the actor, a significant part of the distinction stems from the clashing tones between these two iconic fantasy worlds.
“You find so much more integrity present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” Claffey explained. “Characters get so far in roles and rank by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, both physically and metaphorically. 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 storybook villainy.”
Rather than thinking chivalry is more difficult, the actor believes that in Westeros it’s more difficult to navigate while trying to be a decent knight.
The Burden of Chivalry 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 fighter. Audiences have witnessed the stress of chivalry throughout the series, with characters like Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones demonstrating how people bound by vows are compelled to betray their morals, and the impact to them psychologically.
That said, while serving as a warrior in the Seven Kingdoms may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to concede that his character in The Hedge Knight is no match against the best that LOTR has to present.
“The Ranger defeats Dunk any day of the week,” he declared, “I believe George would concur.”