Lothlorien- self sufficient community? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aredhel · 07-06-2004, 04:41 PM

I can offer you three sources of food, two not discussed anywhere in Tolkien's works. They are native to the forests and rivers.

Firstly, I believe that Mallorn trees produced a nut. This could be roasted, dried, and ground to produce anything from flour (and then cakes and so forth) to a hot drink.

Next would be marsh-mallow, which would certainly be a-plenty by the riverside.
Not only can the tufts be used to stuff pillows, but the roots are starchy and can be served roasted, mashed, boiled - what have you! They are nutty in taste. Further, the seed can be ground into flour too, and the pollen can be used similarly.

Sumak (only Bull's horn or Stag's horn) produces large quantities of red berries high in vitamin C. When added to water, the resulting drink is sour, like pink lemonade.

I am just learning of the different edible plants in the wild. One can do anything from drying and smoking them, to finding soap right under our feet. If Lorien was as well taken care of as I think it was, there would be tons of food to be had. One only needs to know where to look! I'm sure the Elves knew all of the plants in their forests.

07-06-2004, 04:41 PM	#34
Aredhel Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15	Plants and weeds I can offer you three sources of food, two not discussed anywhere in Tolkien's works. They are native to the forests and rivers. Firstly, I believe that Mallorn trees produced a nut. This could be roasted, dried, and ground to produce anything from flour (and then cakes and so forth) to a hot drink. Next would be marsh-mallow, which would certainly be a-plenty by the riverside. Not only can the tufts be used to stuff pillows, but the roots are starchy and can be served roasted, mashed, boiled - what have you! They are nutty in taste. Further, the seed can be ground into flour too, and the pollen can be used similarly. Sumak (only Bull's horn or Stag's horn) produces large quantities of red berries high in vitamin C. When added to water, the resulting drink is sour, like pink lemonade. I am just learning of the different edible plants in the wild. One can do anything from drying and smoking them, to finding soap right under our feet. If Lorien was as well taken care of as I think it was, there would be tons of food to be had. One only needs to know where to look! I'm sure the Elves knew all of the plants in their forests.