Sarah Brown
In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins is known to have stolen mushrooms from Farmer Maggot's farm when he was young. Farmer Maggot, a hobbit himself, owned a farm called Bamfurlong in the Marish region of the Shire's Eastfarthing. Mushrooms grew abundantly on his land, and he often had to deal with hobbits stealing his mushrooms, including Frodo, who would sneak into his fields. Maggot eventually caught Frodo thieving and beat him before setting his dogs on him. Despite this incident, Farmer Maggot later hosted Frodo and his companions on their journey, giving Frodo a basket of mushrooms as a parting gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Farmer Maggot |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Residence | Bamfurlong, Marish, Eastfarthing of the Shire |
| Family | Mrs. Maggot (wife), at least two sons, three daughters, and at least two other hobbits belonging to the farm household |
| Pets | Dogs named Grip, Fang, and Wolf |
| Friends | Merry Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Tom Bombadil |
| Hobbies | N/A |
| Personality | Ferocious to trespassers, but friendly and helpful to Frodo and his friends |
| Role in the Story | Frodo stole mushrooms from his farm when he was young; he later returned as an adult and received a gift of mushrooms from Mrs. Maggot |
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What You'll Learn
Farmer Maggot's backstory
Farmer Maggot, also known as Goodman Maggot and Muddyfeet, was a hobbit farmer who lived in the Marish region of the Shire's Eastfarthing. His land, Bamfurlong, was a regular house rather than a hobbit-hole, as was usual in the Marish, a marshland area. Farmer Maggot was married to Mrs Maggot and had at least two sons and three daughters, as well as several dogs, including Grip, Fang, Wolf, and Gip.
Farmer Maggot had a large turnip field, and mushrooms grew abundantly on his land. He often had to deal with hobbits stealing his mushrooms, including a young Frodo Baggins, who used to sneak into his fields. After catching Frodo thieving several times, Maggot finally beat the young mushroom poacher and set his dogs on him, who chased Frodo all the way to the Bucklebury Ferry. Frodo remained terrified of the old farmer and his dogs thereafter.
Despite his tendency to unleash his dogs on trespassers, Farmer Maggot was known for his kindness, bravery, and helpfulness. He stood up to one of Sauron's deadliest and most terrifying minions, a Nazgûl, who arrived in the Shire searching for the One Ring. Maggot bravely pointed the Nazgûl towards Hobbiton, the village in which Bilbo and Frodo lived. He also offered to cover for Frodo if the Nazgûl returned, pretending that Frodo had died or left the Shire.
In addition to his kindness and bravery, Farmer Maggot was also known for his intelligence and astute observations. Both Merry and the narrator referred to him as "shrewd." He was a good friend of Frodo's cousin, Merry, who used to visit him with Peregrin Took. When he heard that Frodo had left to live in Hobbiton, he was worried about him.
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Frodo's punishment
Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit, had a penchant for stealing mushrooms from Farmer Maggot's fields. Maggot, a Hobbit himself, owned a farm called Bamfurlong in the Marish region of the Shire, where mushrooms grew in abundance. Frodo, who lived in Brandy Hall, would often sneak into Maggot's fields to satisfy his craving for the fungi, which were a delicacy among Hobbits.
On multiple occasions, Maggot caught Frodo stealing his mushrooms. As punishment, Maggot would unleash his dogs on Frodo, chasing him off his land. The dogs would pursue Frodo relentlessly, even beyond the boundaries of the farm. This terrifying experience left a lasting impression on Frodo, who remained fearful of both Maggot and his dogs.
The punishment meted out by Farmer Maggot served as a deterrent for Frodo. Despite his love for mushrooms, Frodo refrained from stealing them again from Bamfurlong. Maggot's harsh punishment, however, did not sour their relationship permanently. Years later, when Frodo visited Maggot's farm before embarking on the Quest of the Ring, the farmer's memory of Frodo's youthful mischief did not prevent him from offering hospitality. Maggot and his wife, Mrs. Maggot, welcomed Frodo and his companions, serving them beer and supper. As a parting gift, Mrs. Maggot even presented Frodo with a basket of the coveted mushrooms.
Farmer Maggot's punishment of Frodo Baggins for stealing mushrooms from his farm reflects the seriousness with which he guarded his property. While the punishment may seem severe, it also underscores the cultural significance of mushrooms in Hobbit society and their passion for this particular delicacy. Maggot's willingness to forgive Frodo and offer assistance demonstrates his fairness and generosity, ultimately fostering a relationship of mutual respect between the two.
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Maggot's farm
Hobbits are known for their love of mushrooms, and young Frodo Baggins was no exception. When Frodo lived in Brandy Hall, he would often sneak into Farmer Maggot's fields in Bamfurlong, the Marish in the Eastfarthing of the Shire, to steal mushrooms. Maggot eventually caught Frodo stealing from him multiple times and, on one occasion, he beat the young mushroom poacher and set his dogs on him. Frodo was chased all the way to the Bucklebury Ferry and remained terrified of the old farmer and his dogs thereafter.
Despite this, Farmer Maggot was not a bad person. He was even friends with Tom Bombadil, who seemed to hold him in high regard. Maggot was married to Mrs Maggot and had at least two sons and three daughters. At least two other hobbits also lived with them on the farm. Maggot's brother had gifted him three dogs—Grip, Fang, and Wolf—which he used to chase away trespassers.
Years later, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin visited Maggot's farm. Maggot recognised Frodo as the trespasser from his youth but was happy that he had returned from the "queer folk" in Hobbiton to the East, where he belonged. Frodo and his companions were served beer by Mrs Maggot, and Farmer Maggot offered to take them by wagon to the Ferry. Before they left, Mrs Maggot gave Frodo a gift: a basket of mushrooms.
Maggot also helped Merry, Frodo's cousin and good friend, and his companions when they accidentally trespassed on his farm. Maggot served them supper and drove them to the Bucklebury Ferry in his wagon. Maggot also protected Frodo from a Black Rider who came to his land, asking for Baggins and offering gold for information. Maggot refused and told the Rider to leave.
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Maggot's dogs
Hobbits, including Frodo Baggins, are known for their love of mushrooms. In fact, their passion for mushrooms surpasses even the greediest likings of "Big People".
When Frodo was young, he lived in Brandy Hall and would often sneak into Farmer Maggot's fields in Bamfurlong, the Marish in the Eastfarthing of the Shire, to steal mushrooms. Maggot eventually caught Frodo stealing from him multiple times and, on one occasion, beat him and set his dogs on him. Frodo was chased all the way to the Bucklebury Ferry by the dogs and remained terrified of them thereafter.
Farmer Maggot had a large turnip field and mushrooms grew abundantly on his land. He was known to be ferocious to trespassers and had at least three dogs—Grip, Fang, and Wolf—which he used to chase them off his property.
Despite being the victim of Frodo's theft and chasing him off his land, Maggot was not a bad guy. He was even a great guy, according to some. He was friends with Frodo's cousin, Merry, and Peregrin Took, and helped Frodo reach Crickhollow. When Frodo, Sam, and Pippin accidentally trespassed on Maggot's farm, he served them supper and drove them to Bucklebury Ferry in his wagon. Before they left, Maggot gave Frodo a gift from Mrs. Maggot—a basket of mushrooms.
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Maggot's forgiveness
Hobbits, including Frodo Baggins, had a passion for mushrooms. Farmer Maggot owned a farm called Bamfurlong in the Marish in the Eastfarthing of the Shire, where mushrooms grew abundantly. Frodo, who lived nearby in Brandy Hall, would often sneak into Farmer Maggot's fields to steal mushrooms. Maggot caught Frodo stealing mushrooms multiple times and eventually beat him and set his dogs on him. Frodo remained terrified of the farmer and his dogs.
Despite this, Farmer Maggot was not a bad person. He was a friend of Frodo's cousin, Merry, and Peregrin Took, and helped Frodo reach Crickhollow. When Frodo, Sam, and Pippin visited Bamfurlong, Farmer Maggot recognised Frodo as the trespasser from his youth but welcomed him and his companions with hospitality. He also offered to drive them to the Bucklebury Ferry in his wagon, where they met Merry. Before they left, Mrs Maggot gave Frodo a basket of mushrooms as a gift.
Farmer Maggot was also known to be acquainted with Tom Bombadil, who respected him greatly. Tom said of Farmer Maggot:
> There's earth under his old feet, and clay on his fingers; wisdom in his bones, and both his eyes are open.
Farmer Maggot demonstrated his kindness and forgiveness towards Frodo by welcoming him into his home and offering him hospitality, despite Frodo's past thefts from his farm. Maggot's willingness to help Frodo and his companions and his gift of mushrooms showed that he had moved past Frodo's transgressions and chosen to offer forgiveness and kindness instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Frodo stole mushrooms from Farmer Maggot's farm when he was young.
Mushrooms were a particular delight of young Frodo Baggins, and Hobbits of The Shire had a passion for mushrooms.
Yes, Maggot caught Frodo stealing mushrooms from his farm multiple times and eventually beat him and set his dogs on him.
