Its borders are carefully guarded by the Dúnedain to prevent evil things from entering, and the wizard Gandalf also guards it, preserving his favorite place to rest.
Throughout Middle Earth, the few places that the Shire is known, it is known chiefly for its only export of note: pipeweed. The equivalent of pipe tobacco, this leaf is smoked by many throughout Middle Earth, and by almost all Hobbits. Apart from this single exception, the Shire is overlooked by almost all of Middle Earth, including Sauron. This is fortunate, as the peaceful appearance of the place hides the most powerfully evil artifact in the world: The One Ring. And, in typical Tolkien style, the misfortune of holding this object will bring dire consequences to the quaint Shire.
