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''[[Wiktionary:potato#English|Potato]]'' is a word of Spanish and Native American origins. The term ''[[Wiktionary:tater#English|tater]]'' seen to be used in [[Hobbitish]], represents UK slang.
''[[Wiktionary:potato#English|Potato]]'' is a word of Spanish and Native American origins. The term ''[[Wiktionary:tater#English|tater]]'' seen to be used in [[Hobbitish]], represents UK slang.


Since the potatoes are a New World plant (see below), it has been suggested that "potatoes" is perhaps a "translation" from [[Westron]] of a related plant.<ref name=Arda>{{webcite|author=Mark Fisher|articlename=Potatoes|website=EoA|articleurl=http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/p/potatoes.html}}</ref>
Since the potatoes are a New World plant (see below), it has been suggested that "potatoes" is perhaps a "translation" from a [[Westron]] name of a related but otherwise unrecorded plant.<ref name=Arda>{{webcite|author=Mark Fisher|articlename=Potatoes|website=EoA|articleurl=http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/p/potatoes.html}}</ref>
 
==Inspiration==
==Inspiration==
Fans have noticed that potatoes are a New World plant, not native to the Old World setting of [[Middle-earth]]. The [[pipe-weed]] (another New World plant) is referenced as having being brought from [[Númenor]] and fans have explored the possibility that this was also the case with potatoes.<ref name=Arda/><ref>[http://www.lotrplaza.com/archives/index.php?Archive=archive&TID=105560 Forum discussion] at LOTRplaza</ref><ref>[http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?19248-Taters-in-Middle-Earth&s=cc49b7ac8285e2e4b34e52b0e19be48c Forum discussion] at the TolkienForum</ref>.  
Fans have noticed that potatoes are a New World plant, not native to the Old World setting of [[Middle-earth]]. The [[pipe-weed]] (another New World plant) is referenced as having being brought from [[Númenor]] and fans have explored the possibility that this was also the case with potatoes.<ref name=Arda/><ref>[http://www.lotrplaza.com/archives/index.php?Archive=archive&TID=105560 Forum discussion] at LOTRplaza</ref><ref>[http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?19248-Taters-in-Middle-Earth&s=cc49b7ac8285e2e4b34e52b0e19be48c Forum discussion] at the TolkienForum</ref>.  

Revision as of 20:34, 15 August 2013

Potatoes
Other namesTaters
LocationThe Shire
FamilyNightshades

Potatoes or taters in Hobbitish, were root vegetables that were apparently among the staple foods of the Hobbits (Hamfast Gamgee was recognized locally as an expert on growing potatoes).[1] Samwise Gamgee expected to find them in Ithilien.[2]

Etymology

Potato is a word of Spanish and Native American origins. The term tater seen to be used in Hobbitish, represents UK slang.

Since the potatoes are a New World plant (see below), it has been suggested that "potatoes" is perhaps a "translation" from a Westron name of a related but otherwise unrecorded plant.[3]

Inspiration

Fans have noticed that potatoes are a New World plant, not native to the Old World setting of Middle-earth. The pipe-weed (another New World plant) is referenced as having being brought from Númenor and fans have explored the possibility that this was also the case with potatoes.[3][4][5].

See also tomatoes[6] concerning a similar apparent "paradox".

References