I kind of like the idea that Tom came into being during the first Music, before Melkor intervened. He’s not a Maia or Vala, just a being brought to life alongside his lands. It would make him “Eldest” but not all-powerful. Just a cool headcanon though— I don’t have much to back it up with, and don’t really care to. 😅
This last read through, I pictured Bombadil as a representation of Arda. We know he didn't always reside in the Old Forest. I think he galloped around enjoying the world for it's beauty. Then, he meet Goldberry and settled in the Old Forest happily. My theory is Bombadil sprang into being with Arda as a remnant of the old song. That's why he has power over Arda and of Arda, but has no desire to change it. Arda never changed, only the beings that live in it.
I love Tom, always have. He's an interesting enigma that really doesn't need an answer. 😊
I came here to say exactly this! I’ve always thought of him as a representation of/simply just Arda. Similar to the way our Earth’s land and oceans undeniably have tremendous power, they do not and can not respond to the wrongs exacted against them by hate and violence and other evils we have in our own world. Tom Bombadil, in my mind, fits exactly the same description
I love Tom Bombadil! I agree that he's in there to serve his brief purpose, but also to be an enigma - just because there are enigmas in the world. He's such a fun character to dive into!
I kind of like the idea that Tom came into being during the first Music, before Melkor intervened. He’s not a Maia or Vala, just a being brought to life alongside his lands. It would make him “Eldest” but not all-powerful. Just a cool headcanon though— I don’t have much to back it up with, and don’t really care to. 😅
Nickel Creek has a song called House of Tom Bombadil that captures his light spirit. ☺️
This last read through, I pictured Bombadil as a representation of Arda. We know he didn't always reside in the Old Forest. I think he galloped around enjoying the world for it's beauty. Then, he meet Goldberry and settled in the Old Forest happily. My theory is Bombadil sprang into being with Arda as a remnant of the old song. That's why he has power over Arda and of Arda, but has no desire to change it. Arda never changed, only the beings that live in it.
I love Tom, always have. He's an interesting enigma that really doesn't need an answer. 😊
I came here to say exactly this! I’ve always thought of him as a representation of/simply just Arda. Similar to the way our Earth’s land and oceans undeniably have tremendous power, they do not and can not respond to the wrongs exacted against them by hate and violence and other evils we have in our own world. Tom Bombadil, in my mind, fits exactly the same description
I love Tom Bombadil! I agree that he's in there to serve his brief purpose, but also to be an enigma - just because there are enigmas in the world. He's such a fun character to dive into!
He really is a fun character. He sparks so many conversations and theories!