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Spirit of Mist
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Re: Who do you think Tom Bombadil really was
I almost (but not quite) regret re-awakening this thread. However, something occured to me which does bear upon Tom's nature. After Frodo puts the Ring on during the attack at Weathertop, it is told that Frodo was able to "see" the faces of the Ringwraiths because, with the Ring on, he was partly in the "spirit" world (JRRT uses the term "wraith world"

. Later, at the Ford of Bruinen, Frodo is able to see Glorfindel "as he is on the other side", as a "white figure that shone" because he was partially in the spirit world due to the Morgul wound. Gandalf also privately comments that Frodo might become as a glass filled with clear light for those who can "see".
Bombadil is one of "those who can see". When Frodo put on the Ring, Bombadil could perceive him. Thus Bombadil was one who lived simultaneously in the physical and "spirit" world. Some of the "mighty of the First Born" had this power. The wraiths lived artificially in this world due to their rings. Otherwise, the ability to perceive those who were hidden in the spirit world were the greater and lesser Ainur.
--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>