Potatoes
From Tolkien Gateway
Potatoes | |
---|---|
Other names | Taters |
Location | The Shire |
Family | Nightshades |
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.
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]
See also tomatoes[4] concerning a similar apparent "paradox".
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Long-expected Party"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
- ↑ Forum discussion at LOTRplaza and the TolkienForum
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Douglas A. Anderson, (ed.), (2002) The Annotated Hobbit: Revised and Expanded Edition