In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, what is the name of the innkeeper who runs The Prancing Pony?

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the innkeeper who runs The Prancing Pony is Barliman Butterbur.

Butterbur is the proprietor of Bree’s most prominent inn. He is described as busy, forgetful, and well connected to the local news, although he is not initially aware of the full danger surrounding Frodo and the One Ring. His inn provides a realistic crossroads between the Shire and the wider lands east of it.

Gandalf had entrusted Butterbur with a letter for Frodo, but Butterbur forgot to send it. The delayed letter reaches Frodo at the inn and helps explain Gandalf’s warning and the arrival of Strider. After the Hobbits depart, Butterbur’s information also becomes relevant to the pursuit of the Ring-bearer.

Barliman Butterbur is not a Ranger or a member of the Fellowship. Bill Ferny is a hostile Bree-land resident, and Harry Goatleaf is a gatekeeper associated with Bree. Beregond is a soldier of Gondor introduced later in the story.