GOT Actor Shares Controversial Opinion on Lord of the Rings Knighthood
A central difference between LOTR and Game of Thrones can be highlighted by an often-cited observation from George R.R. Martin. “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” Certainly, Aragorn reigned for a century after the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, but the details of his governance remain vague. This type of questioning fuels Martin’s personal fantasy world, often plunging his protagonists into ethical gray areas in a way Aragorn avoided.
Exploring Knighthood in Two Realms
The upcoming Game of Thrones series, The Hedge Knight, will delve into this moral mud through the beloved tale of Dunk (the actor) and Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). They face multiple perilous adventures in an age when the Targaryen line continues to occupy the throne but their fearsome dragons have gone extinct. At a recent panel, Claffey commented on one major contrast between Game of Thrones and LOTR: the core meaning of knighthood.
“The universe that Martin has created, there are a lot more sinister and adult themes that are presented. Much treachery and deceit, and it's hard to navigate,” he stated. “And for a lot of people in this world, it works; this was true for Littlefinger for a considerable period. For somebody to have the actual knightly valor in that realm is something to really look up to, especially in the land of Westeros. I deeply appreciate Dunk’s need to uphold the morals that knighthood has probably forgotten in Westeros through his journey in the tourney. I think it takes a lot more to be a knight than it does in Middle-earth.”
After the panel, Claffey attempted to soften that comment, concerned it might spark a conflict between the two fandoms and place him squarely in the middle. Naturally, it prompted a follow-up interview to delve into his perspective on how chivalry differs between the worlds of Game of Thrones and LOTR.
Clashing Tones in Fantasy Worlds
As per the star, a significant part of the distinction stems from the clashing styles between these two legendary fictional settings.
“There is so much more honor present [in Middle-earth] due to the adult themes in GOT and Martin’s creation,” he said. “Characters get so far in roles and status by doing terrible acts and betraying others, literally and figuratively. With the epic series 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.”
Instead of believing chivalry is harder, Claffey argues that in the Seven Kingdoms it’s more difficult to maneuver while trying to be a honorable knight.
The Weight of Chivalry in Game of Thrones
“A warrior with a certain rank must have some head fog,” he said, pointing to the ethically blurring anxiety that stems from trying to navigate the scheming of the realm from the vantage point of a humble knight. Audiences have seen the pressure of chivalry throughout the franchise, with characters like Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon and Jaime Lannister in GOT exploring how people bound by vows are compelled to go against their morals, and what it does to them psychologically.
However, although being a knight in Westeros may be harder than in Tolkien’s realm, Claffey is quick to admit that his character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no match against the best that The Lord of the Rings has to present.
“Aragorn defeats Dunk any day of the week,” he declared, “I believe Martin probably agrees.”
