Why Did hobbits Love Mushrooms in The Lord of the Rings Books?

Hobbits, also known as Halflings, were an ancient mortal race that lived in Middle-earth. However, their precise genesis remains unclear, they first were discovered inside the northwestern part belonging to Middle-earth, beneath the Vales of Anduin. Dwarves traveled northward and westward during the start of the Third Century. The majority of their being finally settled there in Herd around the time TA 1601, however one kind of hobbits is identified with the name of Stoor lingered inside the Anduin Vale.

Background Of Hobbits

No one has ever known when these hobbits came into existence in the Arda. Valley of Arduin River is famous for the recognition of hobbits as it became the sole source of origination of Hobbits. They had already been present for many decades in the middle world before people found them out. 

Between Mirkwood and misty mountains lies an area of Wilderland, which has the valley of Anduin. The valley of Anduin is the place where the earliest known remains of hobbits were found. They disregarded any genetic links towards the “Big People,” as per The Lord of the Rings. There have been three kinds, or clans, for Hobbits during the period, each having its own genetic features and demeanor: Harfoots, Stoors, and Fallohides. 

Whilst living throughout the Anduin River valley, these Hobbits were near the Éothéod, the Rohirrim’s forefathers, and this resulted in some interaction among the pair. As a consequence, many archaic terms and identities in “Hobbitish” are derived from Rohirric vocabulary.

Types of Hobbits

S.No Name Characteristics
1 Harfoots
  • The most common type of Hobbits.
  • If compared to other types, they were shorter and smaller. 
  • Skin tone was towards the browner hues.
  • They used to wander barefooted.
  • They did not grow any beard.
  • They loved to live in the regions like hillsides and highlands.
  • They knew skills using their hands and feet.
  • They maintained regular touch well with Elves of Middle-earth in prehistoric days and dwelt on the slopes of the hills for a great many years.
  • Whereas the various types of Hobbits remained in the Wilderland, the Harfoots migrated west, crossing Eriador all the way to Weathertop.
2 Stoors
  • Stoors love to dwell on a flat land preferably near water.
  • They grew bigger and stronger compared to the ordinary Hobbits, with greater arms and legs.
  • They have been the most hesitant of the Hobbits to depart the River Anduin, in which several Stoors remained.
  • Some accompanied the Harfoots westward, following the River Loudwater southward.
  • Before continuing north, several Stoors settled between Tharbad and the boundaries of Dunland.
3 Fallohides
  • The Fallohides were the lowest frequent type of Hobbit, preferring trees and forest.
  • They were significantly taller and slimmer than that of the rest, with lighter complexion and curls.
  • They even had stronger relationships with the gnomes of Middle-earth, were stronger at language knowledge and music, and favored shooting over replanting.
  • They passed through the mountains north of Rivendell before following the River Hoarwell.

Representation for the “Love of Mushrooms,” concerning Hobbits in The Lord of The Rings

In The Lord of the rings J.R.R Tolkien represented himself as none other than a Hobbit in every way but stature, adding how he craved mushrooms and how much he loved them. Mushrooms were indeed a specific favorite of juvenile Frodo Baggins, a nod to Tolkien’s personal fondness for mushrooms. Frodo used to frequently take mushrooms off Farmer Maggot’s farms in the Lord of the Rings volumes. Whenever Frodo returned to his field years later, Old Maggot recalled it, and Mrs. Maggot handed Frodo a basket of the treasured mushrooms as a farewell present.

Also, In Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo and Sam are on their journey out from the Shire as they come upon Merry and Pippin, who had just looted the landowner’s crops. Pippin notices mushroomsitake sprouting naturally beside the roadside after sliding down a slope.

Several literary experts believe that Tolkien was giving respect to mystical traditions and the hallucinogenic effects of such mushrooms via a few of his images and ideas all through the book, with the help of different expressions.

Some lines from the book that represents the love for mushrooms in Hobbits:

“Two of Maggot’s sons and his three daughters came in, and a generous supper was laid on the large table. The kitchen was lit with candles and the fire was mended. Mrs. Maggot bustled in and out. One or two other hobbits belonging to the farm household came in. In a short while, fourteen sat down to eat. There was beer aplenty and a mighty dish of mushrooms and bacon, besides much other farmhouse fares.”

“Hobbits have a passion for mushrooms, surpassing even the greediest likings of Big People. A fact which partly explains young Frodo’s long expeditions to the renowned fields of the Marish, and the wrath of the injured Maggot. On this occasion, there was plenty for all, even according to hobbit standards.”

“Suddenly he produced a large basket from under the seat. “I was nearly forgetting,” he said. “Mrs. Maggot put this up for Mr. Baggins, with her compliments.” He handed it down and moved off, followed by a chorus of thanks and good-nights.”

“They watched the pale rings of light round his lanterns as they dwindled into the foggy night. Suddenly Frodo laughed: from the covered basket he held, the scent of mushrooms was rising.”

Some Unknown facts about Hobbits

S.No Facts  Description
1 They Have A Passion For Mushrooms Hobbits are passionate about food in general, but their fondness for mushrooms is unrivaled (yes, even bacon).
2 They Don’t Grow Beards Unless They Have Stoor Blood Considering that both hobbits and gnomes are known for their small stature, one may expect them to be easily confused. However, one distinguishing trait here between the two ethnicities should be noted: beards.
3 They Love Bright Colors Hobbits are drawn to bright hues, particularly yellow and green. They frequently wear clothing that expresses their love of color, such as vivid green gowns and eye-catching yellow waistcoats.
4 Their Average Height Is 3 Feet And 6 Inches. Hobbits, although being termed halflings, are slightly taller than the typical human.
5 They Live Much Longer Than Humans Notwithstanding their proclivity for gorging in not only eating and also beer and pipeweed, but creatures also live far more 6than men, with an estimated life duration of 100 years.
6 Gollum Used To Be Something Like A Hobbit In The Lord of the Rings, Gollum may have appeared more like something from the depths of the sea than a human, yet he was once something akin to a hobbit.
7 They Are Able To Move Extremely Quietly Even though they may cause quite a commotion at the local pub on a boisterous afternoon, hobbits are recognized for their amazing ability to walk about silently.

Conclusion

“They’re mine!” said Frodo. “Given to me by Mrs. Maggot, a queen among farmers’ wives. Take your greedy hands away, and I’ll serve them.”

The above quotation perfectly depicts that how much hobbits adored mushrooms in the lord of the rings. We really aren’t hobbits, yet we enjoy mushrooms as well.