Summary
Food is central to any respectable Hobbit’s life, and will likely play a large role inTales of the Shire. Although Hobbits are suspicious of food from outside their borders,The Lord of the Ringsshows that their suspicions are allayed if the food is delicious and comforting.
BecauseTales of the Shireis about establishing Bywater as a village in the Shire, players may have the opportunity to take ingredients from across Middle-earth and turn them into new recipes that become staples of both Bywater and the Shire at large. This mechanic would go a long way towards broadening the world ofTales of the Shirewithout the need for a larger map.
Food Culture in Tales of the Shire
Tales of the Shire Should Offer Dishes from Around Middle-earth
With the possibility of trade, players should have access to a variety of ingredients and even ready-made dishes from across Middle-earth. Some of the peoples of Middle-earth, such as the dwarves and elves, are very insular and protective of their culture, and are reluctant to share the recipes of their most famous foods. In cases such as these, Hobbits should still be able to buy the completed dish, as many of these meals are designed to be shelf-stable, such as lembas.
Middle-earth is a land mass based on Europe, with forests covering mountains, and wide plains containing a variety of grasses. As the climate is cool, many of the foods seen inThe Lord of the Ringsare hearty and warm, such as stews and bread. Because of the European inspiration, many of the dishes in Middle-earth are also based on food from Northern Europe.Tales of the Shireneeds to reach beyond both the Shire and Middle-earthto revolutionize Hobbit cuisine.
Adapting The Lord of the Ring’s Food for Tales of the Shire
The Lord of the Rings is Filled with Diverse Cuisine
Lembas, an elven bread wrapped in leaves, is possibly the most well-known food unique toThe Lord of the Rings. It’s designed to stay fresh for months if it remains unbroken in its original packaging, and tastes delicious. Other breads that travel well include cram, a bread similar to lembas but not as tasty and made by Men, andhoney cakes, made by the skin-changer Beornand his kin.
Different roots are the specialty of the dwarves, and it may be possible that they brought potatoes to the Shire. Different varieties of potatoes may be on offer, along with the default white potato seen inThe Lord of the Ringsmovies. Along with different foods, there are also unique drinks that could be consumed on their own, or used as an ingredient as a part of a larger meal. Ent-draught, seen inThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, is an incredibly refreshing and invigorating drink that revitalizes the soul. The elves also make a similar drink, miruvor, that is said to be even more refreshing. While Ent-draught is very similar to fresh spring water, miruvor is a warming cordial that is very distinct in taste and appearance from water. Both would begreat additions to any Hobbit’s home.
If there is a traveling tradesman, there may be the chance to trade for spices that originate fromlands beyond Middle-earth. With new ingredients, creating new recipes by combining different ingredients should be possible. Successful dishes could become the centerpiece at dinner parties, and perhaps become new staples in the Shire.
This is also an opportunity to bring more diverse and interesting food to Middle-earth. As playerHobbits become more accustomed to farming, foraging, fishing, trading, and cooking, the diversity of meals available for creation should be expanded. Experimentation is a great way to express creativity in the kitchen and is often how many family-favorite meals are created.
