The King's bun.
Of all the most unassuming and common species of mushroom, The King's Bun carries with it a potential sliver of history by its name origin alone. There are two names bequeathed, to my knowledge, though one doubtlessly predates the other. The vast majority of people within the inlands of western Eriador, and specifically the realm of the Shire, will know it commonly as the Thain's Bun.
Its appearance is likened to that of a baked bun, the head of the mushroom being spongy to the touch and its distinct brown complexion and white stem can be espied from afar. As with all others, it is wise to cook first before attempting to eat, and is best preferred fried by many.
Hobbits learned deeply in mushroom lore will be the first to speak of how the Bun mushroom was first favoured by the Thain of the Shire. I found it difficult to discern whom of the illustrious line of Thains did so, however- perhaps out of endearing pride- I am told that it was of course none other than Bucca of the Marish himself, whom traces us back to nigh on twelve hundreds years before. According to their wisdom, the history of the Bun mushroom began thither.
I, on the other hand, have found minor evidence to note its unemphatic influence in the pages of history since the rule of West-Men in heartland Eriador, though it is equally as vague. Amongst my kin, we recall an old name for the very same mushroom; The King's Bun. Ironically so, it is surmised- rather humorously- that perhaps the Kings of old, either in Arnor or perhaps much later in the sub-realms of Arthedain and it's lesser sisters favoured this in their meals. Many recipes that claim descent to the rule of Arnor frequently make use of the King's Bun, and are remembered through oral tradition by our forefathers.
For myself, I deem perhaps the subtle change in perception, and by that the name, could be in part due to the decline of the Northern realm, and the passing of leadership to their own kind within the Shire. A wonder, then, that such a simple growth could reflect the passing of ages.
