It's not every day that a great wizard comes calling and asks you on an adventure. In fact, it's not very often at all, at least not in this world. But in Middle Earth, it might be a bit more common. So I've done us all a favor, and compiled a list of 5 things that are absolutely necessary for an adventure over the Misty Mountains.
Pocket Handkerchief
The first item necessary for any adventure is a pocket handkerchief (at least if you ask Bilbo Baggins). This will be one of the first things you miss when those allergies start acting up, or it's raining and your nose is running, or you need something to cough into, because you don't want to wake the dragon just yet.
You can make your own monogrammed handkerchief if you'd like, or you can purchase a replica of Bilbo's handkerchief portrayed in the films. Although this pocket handkerchief isn't an exact replica, it will give you an idea of what you can find on the market for a relatively cheap price.
Lembas Bread
How can one expect to be able to successfully trek across Middle Earth without this tasty (and filling) Elvish bread? Lembas bread is a waybread that is very filling, and only a small amount is needed to fill your stomach. A little goes a long way with this food, and it is best kept fresh wrapped in a mallorn leaf.
There are many recipes that can be found for Lembas bread, but I've linked one here. This recipe includes some spices to give a little more flavor, but if you find a recipe without them, that's okay too. The best thing about Lembas bread is that any "Gollums" that tag along on your journey likely won't be eating your portion.
Friends
One does not simply walk into Mordor alone. Nor do they walk to Mordor alone. If you're going on an adventure, you'll want to bring along some friends, or make friends along the way. Bonus points if you're friends include a future king, a powerful wizard, and your gardener. Frodo wouldn't have made it very far without dear Sam Gamgee. If you need ideas on what kind of people to invite, here's a link to some of the details on the type of people who crossed Middle Earth for Frodo.
Weapon of choice
If you're going to go on any adventure in Middle Earth, you're probably going to run into some orcs, or trolls, or goblins. It's just how it is. You'll fare much better if you are prepared to defend yourself from the servants of evil, if you bring along a weapon. You might choose a sword, or a dagger, or a bow and arrow, or maybe even an axe.
If you don't know how to use your weapon, it would be in your best interest to bring along a mentor who can teach you on the road. It worked out reasonably well for Merry and Pippin, so I don't see how it wouldn't benefit any of the rest of us. Check out this page with information on what weapons are used in Middle Earth.
Magic Ring
Okay, so maybe you don't actually need one of these. And if you have one, that's probably the reason you're going on an adventure. If you do bring one, it might make your adventure more difficult. Sauron's ring can be a bit corruptive. However, Gandalf had an Elvish ring of power that he carried, so you wouldn't be in poor company if you turned out to be a ringbearer. Just make sure that if you do bring a magic ring along that you keep it secret, and safe.
Phew. Now that you know what you need to bring along, you're ready to pack your bags! Unless you're going on an unexpected journey. Then I wish you the best of luck, and hope that you've got that pocket handkerchief handy.
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