Rooter

Rooter is a minor character who plays a huge role in The Land Before Time.

He was voiced by the late Pat Hingle, who also played Commissioner James Gordon in the Burton/Schumacherverse Batman films.

Role in the film

After Littlefoot was orphaned, he met Rooter, who cantankerously admonished him for crying. Rooter had learned of the true reason for Littlefoot's tears. He comforts Littlefoot after his mother's death by reminding and telling him that even though someone dies, they'll always be with us as long as we remember the things they taught us, and then he leaves. He was never seen again in the rest of the movie.

Later Appearances

Though it was Rooter's only appearance, Bron would later remember and inform Littlefoot that somebody told him of what happened to Littlefoot's mother and Sharptooth. Some believe the dinosaur he mentioned was Rooter, but Bron also mentioned he heard no word about Littlefoot from this dinosaur. However, he may have meant that Rooter did not know what happened to Littlefoot after they parted ways.

Personality

Due to his short screen time in his one appearance, very little is known about Rooter, but it is shown that he can be gruff when disturbed. At the same time, he is very sympathetic and kind as indicated for the way he consoles Littlefoot over the loss of his mother. His words about the Circle of Life also imply that he is spiritually enlightened.

Quotes

• "Hey. What's going on here?". 
• "What's your problem? You're not hurt."
• "All whose fault?."
• "Oh. I see. I see."
• "Oh, it's not your fault. It's not your mother's fault. Now, you pay attention to old Rooter. It is nobody's fault, the great circle of life has begun. But see, not all of us arrive together at the end."
• "Well, that too will go in time, little feller. Only in time."

Trivia

• Rooter's voice actor, Pat Hingle, also narrated the film, which may imply that Rooter is the narrator.