Mushrooms

"I suppose you three won't want mushrooms again?"

― Fredegar Bolger

Mushrooms
[[File:File:Pippin spotting mushrooms.jpg|250px|{{{caption}}}]]
Location	Middle-Earth

Mushrooms were an edible fungus. It is said that Hobbits have a passion for mushrooms, surpassing even the greediest likings of Big People.

History

Mushrooms were a particular delight of young Frodo Baggins, who would often steal them from Farmer Maggot's fields. Old Maggot still remembered it when Frodo came to his farm years later, and as a parting gift, Mrs. Maggot gave Frodo a basket of the prized mushrooms.

Inspiration

J.R.R. Tolkien described himself as a Hobbit in all but size, noting that he was vey fond of mushrooms.

Portrayal in adaptations

Mushrooms in Goblin-town, The Hobbit (2003 video game).

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Though the scenes in Maggot's house have been omitted, a nod to mushrooms is given when the four Hobbits escape Farmer Maggot. Pippin spots them after a comment on a "short cut", making the full phrase sound as "A short cut to... mushrooms!", the chapter title.

2002: Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring:

Mushrooms are collectible items found throughout the Shire. When ate, they restore 10 points of the player's health.

2003: Sierra's The Hobbit:

Mushrooms serve as power-ups throughout the game. One mushroom - green and blue of colour - restores one health bubble. Later in the game, larger, clustered mushrooms serve as a full healing item.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Mushrooms can be grown by players who are famers by profession. Players who are cooks can make these into mushroom pie, fried mushroom and fried dace with mushrooms. These are foods for low leveled characters that can increase different traits.