Mathoms of ordinary use may seem less important or less mystifying than those of extraordinary use, however certain ordinary Mathoms provide a deeper look at Hobbit history both the ordinary and extraordinary. This mathom of ordinary use represents a key aspect of Hobbit culture and tradition. Hobbits are welcoming, modest beings who take pride in their relationships with one another, tea time provides them with an ordinary occasion to share stories and be in each other’s presence. This seemingly simple gesture of tea is a crucial part of who Hobbits are. This teapot in particular, has been passed down through generations and given to different Hobbits on the current owner’s birthday and was most recently owned by Samwise Gamgee. This teapot has been a common gift and reminder of Hobbit gift giving tradition, differing from many other cultures around them. It has been rumored Samwise intended to gift this teapot to Frodo on Samwise’s next birthday had Frodo not moved on instead of returning to the Shire. Due to this inability to pass it along to its intended recipient, it has been permanently added to the Mathom House to live out the rest of its days on the shelf, serving as a reminder of Hobbit friendship and tradition.
Unfortunately because of the generational and multi family history, it is unknown who the creator of the porcelain pot is, the story behind the beautifully whimsical pot has been lost throughout time. While its maker is unknown, the homely teapot’s history is not lost and has been forged throughout time by its owners and their friends. This artifact has overheard and been present for numerous miraculous conversations as well as saddening conversations as well. It has adopted the energy of those who have drank from it over time, holding countless secrets. These energies and secrets are an indirect reason for this artifact’s donation; it has been present and absorbed too much throughout its years, leading Samwise to make the decision to retire the marvelous pot.
Hobbit culture holds little value with materialistic, shallow goods. They value modest, comfortable lives over the overconsumption seen by Smaug and the men of Middle Earth. This teapot stands out due to its whimsical, somewhat extravagant appearance yet upholds Hobbit tradition by serving an ordinary purpose and requiring little to no touch ups or facelifts. Teapots serve to maintain Hobbit hobbies and traditions of teatime seen through Bilbo’s invitation to the company to stop by for tea at any time. The common, shared love for a simple pleasure like tea keeps the Hobbits humble and homey throughout the modernization of Middle Earth. The larger than normal size of this specific teapot allows for larger gatherings, similar to that of the company, never running out of tea. This abundance of warm, ready to serve tea, provides for the ever welcoming nature of Hobbits, prepared for anyone to pop in for tea at any time.
While many Mathoms residing in Michel Delving are forgotten weapons, extraordinary, magical objects or familial heirlooms, not all require this extra support to be special. Arguably, the most important items to Hobbit culture and Hobbits as beings are the everyday, ordinary objects. Hobbits adore their gardens, their secluded nooks, their books and of course their kitchen and teatime utensils. Hobbit’s sense of contentment and serotonin are much less superficial than their neighbors, the men, in Middle Earth. This new addition to the Mathom House, provided by Samwise Gamgee serves as a tribute to the battle served by Sam, Frodo and even Bilbo. This addition, for the majority of the rest of the Hobbits residing in the Shire, serves as a reminder of historical Hobbit culture and tradition, the importance of relationships and quality time over the desire for materialistic goods of shallow nature.
Mathom of ordinary/known use