The Een Guard was trained to serve and protect the Land of Een and specifically the Council of Elders. The leader of the group was known as the Captain of the Een Guard.

In peaceful times, the position of guard (and captain) was largely a ceremonial one. During dangerous times, however, it became a position of extreme importance.

Legend holds that the first Een Guard was formed by Leemus Longbraids in the First Age of Een. It is said that he appointed Clovin Cloudfoot as the first Captain of the Een Guard, which could explain the tradition of having an Een animal serve in that position. Other famous captains in history include Juniper Jinx, Raggart Rinkle, Timmons Thunderclaws, and Iberius Ibb.