Who/What was Tom Bombadil

[Elendur]

I know Tolkien says he is an enigma. What he really means is "I'll let you find out for yourselves!". You know Tolkien purposely left some things unexplained. Very good idea if you ask me.

I have always thought that Tom was kindof like the enbodiment of Arda. When Eru made Ea, he sent the 'Imperishable Flame'. What I think is that when he did that, Tom was made. Good old Tom who knows the earths pains and joy. Quite a weird old man, but Tom is one of my favorite characters. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

The only thing I dont know is if the Valar ever saw him. You would think in the time uncounted during which the Valar made the lands and waters and everything, they would have noticed a small person hopping along with a blue feather in his hat singing Merry Dol Merry Dee Good day to the Valar! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

I am being silly, but that is really what I Think.