Known to the men of Bree as Jon Radclyfe, a sellsword from unknown regions, his true name is Thindaer, son of Caleardor, a Dunedan of the North. Unlike many of his kindred who prefer to defend Bree-land and the Shire from the shadows, Radclyfe has opted to live among those he defends, albeit under an alias. He stands out as strange to the Bree-landers, being much taller than a typical Bree man and possessing many physical feature not found among the men of Bree.

He is often seen in the Prancing Pony, sitting alone and singing softly in Sindarin, songs he claims to have learned from old tome tucked away in the Scholars' Stair Archives. He is occasionally seen speaking to Rangers, while many of the Bree-men avoid them. Despite the mystery that surrounds his origins, he is accepted by the Bree-landers for his service to them in defense of their home from brigands and other unsavory folk. His service and skills with the blade earned the attention of the Company of the East Road, a band of Free Folk who guard the road to Rivendell.

A pair of wedding rings can be seen hanging from a chain around his neck. The story behind them is one he is reluctant to tell.