Pipeweed: How Saruman Corrupted the Shire | Tolkien Deep Dive
What is pipeweed in Tolkien'''s Middle-earth? Why did Saruman secretly import Longbottom Leaf from the Shire? This Tolkien deep dive explores the five-thousand-year history of pipeweed—from its origins in Númenor through Gondor to the Shire, where hobbits transformed it into an art form representing simple earthly pleasures.While Gandalf embraced hobbit wisdom, Saruman could only mock smoking while secretly imitating it out of pride. His need for pipeweed supplies led him to corrupt Shire families like the Bracegirdles and Sackville-Bagginses through commerce. When Merry and Pippin discovered…
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