This endearing tale is one of Gaffer Klas, one of
several halfling folk heroes collectively called the Blessedvales. While they
are occasionally confusing to the Big Folk, the Blessedvales are not deities,
merely well respected and politely revered by hobbits. Gaffer Klas is not a well
known Blessedvale outside of Helmondsshire, but the story of Klas and the Bear
is told during the festival of Hearthdays, sometimes known as Klastide, without
fail. The story has lost some of its charm in the translation to the page, and
we apologize for this.

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