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leapofberen · 12-23-2011, 12:20 PM

I mostly imagine Tom as being mostly earthy...careless and unconcerned like the books say, with higher things which reminds me more of nature spirits, fairys, etc, but seemingly kinder; perhaps not any less mischievous. In "Letters" Tolkien refers to Tom as "the spirit of the (vanishing) Oxford and Berkshire countryside." He ponders if Tom could be made into the hero of a story (when he is pondering a sequel to "The Hobbit"), "or is he, as I suspect, fully enshrined in the enclosed verses?"

I think (simply my opinion/interpretation) that Tom represents just that for Tolkien, the embodiment of the "vanishing" of the passing of the old world that Tolkien mourns throughout his life which seems to bleed through in his writings. To me, when I first read "Fellowship," the hobbits encounter of Tom is a welcome and wonderful diversion. I think I was really sad when they left and had to get back to the "real world" of battle, good versus evil, etc. (Still sad he was not portrayed in the movies!)

Gandalf announces at the end of LOTR (paraphrase) that he is going to see Tom; that while he has been a rolling stone, Tom has been one who has more or less lain still for ages, gathering moss. Tom's power seems to be more "descent" based (earthy) rather than "ascent" based (like many of the elves, the Valar, even the dark lord.) He is limited in the range of his power, yet possesses a refreshing carelessness, an almost omnipotent kind of existence which is outside of the events of ME. He seems unconcerned with power, victory, defeat, the world of up and down, right or wrong. And yet, he is naturally pure and good...but perhaps not logical. I have to agree with the assertions that he is an anomaly, but a completely necessary one as he may be a character that very clearly reveals the heart and desire of the author moreso than many others.

All that to say...yes, something like a chubby elf, a sort of Santa, worn (not in a tired way though) and earthy yet young and refreshing. With a long beard. Always imagined him with a long beard. Can't remember if that is in the books or not right now.

12-23-2011, 12:20 PM	#5
leapofberen Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 14	The necessary anomaly I mostly imagine Tom as being mostly earthy...careless and unconcerned like the books say, with higher things which reminds me more of nature spirits, fairys, etc, but seemingly kinder; perhaps not any less mischievous. In "Letters" Tolkien refers to Tom as "the spirit of the (vanishing) Oxford and Berkshire countryside." He ponders if Tom could be made into the hero of a story (when he is pondering a sequel to "The Hobbit"), "or is he, as I suspect, fully enshrined in the enclosed verses?" I think (simply my opinion/interpretation) that Tom represents just that for Tolkien, the embodiment of the "vanishing" of the passing of the old world that Tolkien mourns throughout his life which seems to bleed through in his writings. To me, when I first read "Fellowship," the hobbits encounter of Tom is a welcome and wonderful diversion. I think I was really sad when they left and had to get back to the "real world" of battle, good versus evil, etc. (Still sad he was not portrayed in the movies!) Gandalf announces at the end of LOTR (paraphrase) that he is going to see Tom; that while he has been a rolling stone, Tom has been one who has more or less lain still for ages, gathering moss. Tom's power seems to be more "descent" based (earthy) rather than "ascent" based (like many of the elves, the Valar, even the dark lord.) He is limited in the range of his power, yet possesses a refreshing carelessness, an almost omnipotent kind of existence which is outside of the events of ME. He seems unconcerned with power, victory, defeat, the world of up and down, right or wrong. And yet, he is naturally pure and good...but perhaps not logical. I have to agree with the assertions that he is an anomaly, but a completely necessary one as he may be a character that very clearly reveals the heart and desire of the author moreso than many others. All that to say...yes, something like a chubby elf, a sort of Santa, worn (not in a tired way though) and earthy yet young and refreshing. With a long beard. Always imagined him with a long beard. Can't remember if that is in the books or not right now.