Tom Bombadillo

by Joseph
(Missouri, USA)

I'm possibly thinking Tom is a Valar that has seen it all and is just waiting his days through, from before everything until the end of all.

Aule and Yavanna perhaps. Surely not Illuvatar, but possibly even another song from the 'One', another child, just to show the other Valar and children of Middle-earth, especially Melkor, what joy can come from harmony, 'uninterrupted'.

Not seeking power, but passively showing peace even while possessing great power, 'Jesus' like?


What I love most is that Tom is Tolkien's intentional enigma, (interpretive). Like many types of art.

One can make Tom whatever they like. To me he is what I believe we all want out of life, including Tolkien.

Love and goodwill toward all life. Selflessness. Care free. An enlightened, sincere, joyful existence.

Thanks to Tolkien for one my favorite fictional characters ever.