The name of this bog in the Shire was likely influenced by Rushock in Worcestershire, just a few miles from Tolkien's childhood home of Sarehole, but the origins of this place-name are not established beyond doubt. It most likely derives from Old English ryscuc, a rushy place or rush-bed, though some sources offer an altenative origin in Middle English russoc, 'rushy place of oaks'. In either case there is a definite connection to rushes, and hence the name is well suited to a bog.
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