Old Duteronomy is the Jellicle leader. He is very old, the oldest in the tribe, in fact. The other Jellicles love and respect him, and it is very possible that he is father to most of them. He is wise and comforting, allowing the kittens to cuddle next to him when they are afraid. He is also the one who chooses which Jellicle will go to the Heavyside Layer to be reborn.
"Jellicle cats and dogs all must....Pollicle dogs and cats all must...like undertakers come to dust!"