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Harry Goatleaf was a Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree during the time of the War of the Ring.

History[]

Harry Goatleaf worked as a Gate-keeper stationed at the West-gate of Bree, which was located on the great hedge surrounding the township of Bree.[1] On September 23 TA 3018, Strider observed a Nazgûl having a conversation with Goatleaf, leaving him white and shaking.[2]

On September 29, Goatleaf encountered the Hobbits Frodo Baggins, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, and Samwise Gamgee when they arrived at Bree. Goatleaf got a lantern and questioned them gruffly about their intentions, silently observing that they came from the Shire before letting them in. Before wishing them good night, he warned them that there would be more folk besides him at The Prancing Pony who would ask them questions.[1]

When Strider advised the four Hobbits to be more careful as the Nazgûl were seen passing the Greenway the previous Monday, Frodo realized that he should have known this from the way Goatleaf spoke to them. Later, when Strider predicted that something may happen that night before they leave Bree, he mentioned that Goatleaf may be a spy for the Nazgûl, noting the conversation he had overheard the previous Monday.[2]

Before the end of TA 3018, the Men of Bree kicked the Ruffians among the Southerners out of Bree. Early in the New Year of TA 3019 however, the town was attacked in the night by the very same Ruffians. During the battle, Goatleaf fought on the side of the Ruffians along with Bill Ferny. After the battle, Goatleaf left Bree alongside the other Ruffians, hiding out in either the Chetwood beyond Archet, or in the wilds north-way. Later, it was believed by Barliman Butterbur that Goatleaf and Ferny were the ones who let the Ruffians in on the night of the battle.[3] It is likely that Goatleaf's position as a Gate-keeper was presumably later taken by another Gate-keeper.

Other versions[]

In an early draft, Harry Goatleaf whispered with Bill Ferny and the squint-eyed Southerner in a corner of the common-room of The Prancing Pony and slipped out behind them after witnessing Frodo's disappearance after his performance of a folk song. Later on in the draft, Goatleaf is described as "a mean old curmudgeon". In another draft, Gandalf is at the gate and asks Goatleaf if he had seen any Shire-hobbits. Goatleaf revealed that he did not, as he was in Staddle and his brother was at the gate in his place. After advising Gandalf to head to the inn, he shut the gate. Later on in this draft, the Black Riders came to the gate and Harry revealed Gandalf's entry. A few moments later, when Frodo passed through, he was more friendly than in the published text, and the dialogue was slightly expanded. After letting the Hobbits in, he tells a man named Ned to take his place as he leaves his post.[4]

Appearances[]

Books[]

Adaptations[]

Portrayals[]

2001: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

Harry Goatleaf makes a brief appearance early in the second episode of the radio series. He is portrayed by an uncredited actor, thus making him the only notable character in the entire series to go uncredited).

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Harry Goatleaf, portrayed by Martyn Sanderson, is never named, but is referred to as the Gate Keeper in the end credits. Unlike in the novel, he doesn't seem to be in league with the Black Riders. In fact, he is ridden over by the Ringwraiths and killed, at the West-gate of Bree.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Harry Goatleaf is first encountered as one of the patrons in The Prancing Pony, where he warns Frodo that suspicious folk have been seen in Bree, and seemingly shows concern for Frodo's safety and well-being. He is later seen in a cutscene opening the town's gates and letting wolves loose into the streets. After this, he is never seen again. He is voiced by an uncredited Tom Kane.

2007: LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game (Portable versions only):

Harry Goatleaf makes an appearance in this game.
The Lord of the Rings Online - Harry Goatleaf

Harry Goatleaf in The Lord of the Rings Online

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Harry Goatleaf is found at the West-gate of Bree, and for a long time he was not involved in any quests. He later participated in an attack on The Prancing Pony during the winter of 3019.

Voice dubbing actors[]

Foreign Language Voice dubbing artist
Portuguese (Brazil) (Television/DVD) Sidney Lilla
Spanish (Latin America) Gonzalo Curiel
Spanish (Spain) Javier Amilibia
German Fred Maire

Translations[]

Foreign Language Translated name
Armenian Հարրի Այծի տերեւ
Belarusian Cyrillic Гары Казінае ліст
Bulgarian Cyrillic Хари Коза листо
Chinese (Hong Kong) 哈利·羊啼甲
Czech Jindra Kozílist
Finnish Harri Selja
French Harry Chèvrefeuille
Georgian ჰარი თხა ფოთოლი
German Heinrich Geißblatt
Greek Χάρι Φύλλα φύλλο
Hebrew הארי אזוביון
Italian Harry Caprifoglio
Latvian Harijs Kaza lapa
Lithuanian Haris Ožka lapų
Macedonian Cyrillic Хари Коза лист
Marathi हॅरी शेळी पान
Portuguese (Brazil) Harry Barba-de-Bode
Slovak Harry Kozinec
Spanish (Spain and Latin America) Herri Madreselva

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Ch. IX: "At the Sign of the Prancing Pony"
  2. 2.0 2.1 The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Ch. X: "Strider"
  3. The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Ch. VII: "Homeward Bound"
  4. The History of Middle-earth, The Return of the Shadow, "The Third Phase (2): XX. At the Sign of the Prancing Pony", pp. 333-4, 336, 342, 344-5, 347-9, 354
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