Tom's Origins

by Beren
(New Jersey)

I have always been fascinated with this topic since first reading LOTR over 30 years ago. It always seemed clear to me that Tom was something separate.

Since Tolken himself refused to put a concrete explanation on Tom I agree that he is an intentional enigma. That being said, he clearly has "power" over both the seen and the unseen, including the ring itself.

I never considered the stories of Tom being Iluvatar as sensible, and Tolkien denying this is enough to end the debate.

I would not use Glorfindel's comments as ruling out Vala, since Glorfindel really doesn't know who or what Tom is either; i.e. he is speculating that Tom would eventually fall. Yet I agree, it would be difficult to relate Tom to a Vala. There is little to no evidence to make the connection.

A Maia who remained earth-bound seems more plausable. But again, it's just speculation.

Add to this Tolkien's silence and I must conclude that Tom doesnt fit within any of the defined peoples/beings in Tolkien's universe. Tom is his own being, unexplained yet very powerful. I cling to the idea that Tolkien loved Tom previously and in general; found the need for a powerful ally early in the story, yet couldn't allow this ally to leave the rest of the story moot; i.e. so powerful he just destroys Sauron and the ring and everyone lives happily ever after.

And as our own world is enriched by mysteries, fantasies, myths, and legends... so must Middle Earth have it's own fantasies. In Middle Earth elves, goblins, wraiths, etc. walk in the light of day; they are not supernatural - they are natural! Tom provides at least one such mysterious "supernatural" element to this strange world.

Now, how about this question: Who is Goldberry?? She is not without power, and is less understood and less discussed than Tom...