Mushrooms
From Tolkien Gateway
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.[1]
Inspiration
J.R.R. Tolkien described himself as "very much like a Hobbit", noting that mushrooms were among his own favourite foods.[source?]
Portrayal in adaptations
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.[2]
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.[3]
2003: Sierra's The Hobbit:
- Mushrooms serve as power-ups throughout the game. One mushroom - green and blue of colour - restores one health bubble,[4] later in the game, larger, clustered mushrooms serve as a full healing item.[5]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Short Cut to Mushrooms"
- ↑ Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh (adaptors), Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Short Cut to Mushrooms"
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game), "The Shire"
- ↑ The Hobbit (2003 video game), "Hobbiton"
- ↑ The Hobbit (2003 video game), "Flies and Spiders"