The posting by Anonymous is the best explanation of Tom Bombadil that I have come across so far.
Tolkien, through the personage of Bombadil, reminds us what it is like to experience life as a child - where everything is facinating and one is filled with "awe and wonder".
At times, a need to read the chapter about Bombadil once again strikes me, and put simply, I just feel better afterwards.
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience where the story of Bombadil helps them in some way.
Oct 24, 2008 Rating
Exactly by: Anonymous
I think your very write and that I just wanted to say I wrote something like that on this page and I am waiting for it to come up but it's not so I'll try and write it again. Your on the write track and I think Tolkien would be very proud of you for giving so much thought.
Dec 23, 2007 Rating
How About Tom as a Maia? by: Anonymous
In discussing The Lord of the Rings many times in classes, I've found the best interpretation of Tom to be that he (and Goldberry) are Maiar who came to Middle Earth to help complete its creation (see the Silmarillion and "went native," staying for whatever reason in Middle Earth and, perhaps, forgetting their true origins. Their connection with water and vegetation suggests they would've been servants of Yavanna.
We--my students and I--also agree that Tom's true nature isn't definitively settled. I find a Zen moment when Frodo asks Tom, "Who are you?" and Tom answers, "Who are you, alone and nameless?" (I didn't check the exact wording.)
I just found your blog--very nice. Thank you. I'll share it with others.
