The Conversation and Ties between Gandalf and Tom Bombadil

[MatthewM]

This is a very interesting topic. When Gandalf leaves the Hobbits in the Old Forest on their way back home from the Quest, he goes off to visit Tom Bombadil. I wonder what Gandalf and Tom's ties were? I wonder if Gandalf knew what Tom was? I wonder what they had talked about?

One of the many mysteries of Tolkien.

Opinions?

[axemaster]

i have often wondered about this too.maybe he went to tell him about the ring and the success of the quest.or maybe to tell him goodbye since hes leaving middle-earth.oh yeah and to let the hobbits deal with sharkey and his ruffians on their own was probably a reason too.

[MatthewM]

Interesting point about the Hobbits dealing with Sharkey. I can't recall, did Gandalf have a feeling of Saruman's destruction of the Shire?

[Raynor]

Interesting point about the Hobbits dealing with Sharkey. I can't recall, did Gandalf have a feeling of Saruman's destruction of the Shire?There is this interesting discussion at the end of Homeward Bound, RotK:
- But if I were you, I should press on now for home, or you will not come to the Brandywine Bridge before the gates are locked.

- But there arent any gates, said Merry, not on the Road; you know that quite well. Theres the Buckland Gate, of course; but theyll let me through that at any time.

- There werent any gates, you mean, said Gandalf. I think you will find some now. And you might have more trouble even at the Buckland Gate than you think. But youll manage all right. Good-bye dear friends! Not for the last time, not yet. Good-bye!

[MatthewM]

Ah ha, interesting. So I assume he did know about it.