GOT Actor Reveals Controversial Take on LOTR Chivalry
A central difference separating The Lord of the Rings and GOT can be highlighted by a famous remark from the GOT author. “How did Aragorn handle taxes?” Certainly, Aragorn ruled for a century after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the specifics of his rule remain vague. Such inquiry fuels Martin’s own fantasy world, often dragging his characters into moral ambiguity in a way Aragorn never would.
Delving into Chivalry in Different Fantasy Worlds
HBO’s next GOT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will delve into these complexities through the beloved story of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They encounter a series of perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the throne but their mighty beasts have gone extinct. At a comic con discussion, Claffey commented on one significant difference between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.
“The universe that Martin has created, there are a lot more sinister and mature subjects that are explored. Much betrayal and deceit, and it's hard to find your way,” Claffey stated. “And for a lot of individuals in this world, it works; it did for Petyr Baelish for a long time. For a person to have the true knightly valor in that world is something to really look up to, particularly in the world of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s commitment to maintain the morals that chivalry has largely abandoned in Westeros through his journey in the tourney. In my view it requires a lot more to be a warrior than it does in Middle-earth.”
Following the discussion, Claffey attempted to walk back that comment, concerned it might ignite a conflict between the two fan communities and place him right in the crossfire. Naturally, this led to a deeper interview to further explore his perspective on how knighthood varies between the universes of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.
Divergent Themes in Fictional Realms
As per the actor, a significant part of the distinction stems from the clashing styles between these two iconic fictional settings.
“You find so much more honor present [in Tolkien’s world] because of the mature content in Game of Thrones and George’s world,” Claffey said. “Characters rise to power in roles and rank by committing terrible acts and stabbing people in the back, literally and figuratively. In the glorious trilogy that is The Lord of the Rings, you witness so much more honor, and other than the dark Vala or the Dark Lord, those pure evils, [LOTR] is a lot more like storybook villainy.”
Instead of thinking knighthood is harder, Claffey argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a decent knight.
The Weight of Knighthood in Westeros
“A knight with a certain rank must have mental confusion,” he remarked, referring to the ethically blurring anxiety that stems from attempting to survive the scheming of Westeros from the perspective of a humble fighter. Audiences have seen the pressure of chivalry throughout the franchise, with characters like Criston Cole in HotD and Jamie Lannister in GOT demonstrating how people bound by vows are compelled to betray their principles, and the impact to them internally.
That said, although serving as a warrior in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, the actor is quick to admit that his role in The Hedge Knight is no match against the best that LOTR has to present.
“Aragorn defeats Dunk’s ass every time of the year,” he declared, “I’d say Martin would concur.”
