For any given fictional universe, it’s fun to imagine characters we think should be in that universe, but aren’t. I have a particular fondness for adding imaginary characters to the fictional universe of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Hodgepodge is a character who lives in a little hut, about a day’s journey from the Shire. A small and wizened gnome of indeterminate gender, Hodgepodge is your go-to provisioner if you are planning to venture forth to battle Evil.
After you tell of your intended quest, Hodgepodge will pick up a small cloth sack, and proceed to place within it what seem to be random items. A hatpin perhaps, or a length of golden thread, or three mustard seeds.
You never know how or when these items will will prove useful, but they inevitably will. At some point along your journey you will find that each item solves a problem that you never anticipated facing.
Hodgepodge asks no reward but the simple pleasure of hearing the tale of your successful quest upon your return to the Shire. Later that evening the little gnome will dutifully transcribe your tale into a large and well worn hand-bound volume.
Those words will live forever, as your tale is retold for generations to come. In this way you will achieve immortality.