The inn is managed by one Barliman Butterbur, a bumbling fellow, who, despite being largely a source of comedic relief, actually plays a massive role in the fates of Frodo and his friends.

David Weatherley, a distinguished actor known best for his performance as Barliman Butterbur in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship, has died aged 85. Weatherley, who was born in London in 1939 and ...