Tolkien's political views

[Kuruharan]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Well, the Bree-landers seem to have a pretty similar societal structure to the Shire, even with a mixed racial community. We aren't told if Bree has any equivalent to the Thain or even the Mayor of the Shire, but I'd be inclined to doubt it, since there's no mention of any actions by that person when the ruffians invaded.

Good point.

However, how are things like the watchmen posted on the gate maintained?

Is it a post per se or is it an inherited obligation?

Also, how does the watchman earn a living? I can't imagine there would be much in the way of tolls that could be collected, at least not enough to live on.

Of course, if there are tolls, who is imposing them?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

However, how are things like the watchmen posted on the gate maintained?

Free drinks at the Pony.

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

Is it a post per se or is it an inherited obligation?

It's kind of hard to see Bree's gatekeepers as being some honored inherited position. Maybe it's taken by people who just like to see who's coming and going, and maybe have some juicy gossip to impress the folk.

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

Also, how does the watchman earn a living? I can't imagine there would be much in the way of tolls that could be collected, at least not enough to live on.

Maybe they're paid by some common fund? I can see that, though it was likely a pittance, and not meant to be more than supplemental income.