Mushrooms

File:Pippin spotting mushrooms.jpg

Pippin spotting mushrooms, from Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring.

Mushrooms were an edible fungus, a favourite food in the Shire.

History

Mushrooms were found throughout the Shire, but seem to have grown best in the boggy region of the Marish. They 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 "very much like a Hobbit", noting that mushrooms were among his own favourite foods.

Portrayal in adaptations

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

2001: Peter Jackson's 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.