You could write an essay on how The Gaffer is actually one of the most important people in The Shire. Forget the Thain and the Mayor and the Master of Buckland, the old lad who holds court in the local pub with his great store of local history, gossip and information really is King of all he surveys! His folk wisdom travels halfway round Middle-earth (and beyond no doubt), and guides Sam and Frodo throughout the quest. He knows all the business of the Shire-folk, and his venerability is intimidating - everyone defers to the Gaffer's wisdom!
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Gordon's alive!
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