A Short Cut to Mushrooms

Summary

When the adventurous Hobbits get up in the morning, they find that the elves have already left, leaving breakfast for them. Frodo decides to take a short cut through the woods, in order to avoid the Black Riders on the road. They hear strange and frightening noises, and hurry along till they come to the farm of Farmer Maggot.

As a youngster, Frodo was caught many a times stealing mushrooms from these fields and he is afraid of Farmer Maggot and his dogs. His fear is eased when Maggot and the dogs greet them and offer assistance. Farmer Maggot tells the travelers that a stranger resembling the Black Rider has been asking questions about Frodo. Old Maggot advises Frodo not to get mixed up in these adventures, but he realizes that Frodo will not change his mind. He offers to drive them to the ferry.

After supper, the travelers set off in the thick fog. Farmer Maggot gives Frodo a basketful of mushrooms and bids them farewell.

This chapter advances the suspense. It also adds some light- hearted fun to the novel. Frodo is afraid of Farmer Maggot because of some childish pranks from his past. He is afraid to go, but is relieved when Maggot appears not to remember and even offers his help. The chapter ends with Farmer Maggot good-naturedly supplying Frodo with a basketful of mushrooms for his journey.

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