Should Tom Bombadil have been in the movies?

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Hail <B>Iarwain!</B><P>* bows a greeting *<P>Cease all such talk now of scorn and deriding<BR>For I dreamed that a minstrel came down the path gliding<BR>Smooth as a skipping stone on a pond bounding<BR>Spread bright song, shed soft light as the corner he was rounding<BR>Turned back from his realm taint of dusk's shadow falling<BR>As the first owls of night in the willows were calling<BR>Framed as he was in a glow white and yellow<BR>... Old Tom Bombadil, you're a merry fellow! <P>Yes, I actually dreamed the above. * nods remembrance while lighting a fresh conversational bowl of Longbottom Leaf *<P>Tom Bombadil = transcendence. He embodies the importance of being, not doing. The House of Tom Bombadil serves the same purpose as the safe havens of Rivendell and Lothlórien ... a spiritual retreat where time meets timelessness ... providing renewal, refreshment, encouragement, the forging of good memories to look back on and draw strength from later when the road darkens. Old Tom’s childlike fascination with and awesome knowledge of all things "natural history" kindle infectious enthusiasm, openness to inspiration, and optimism towards future possibilities.<P>I personally know someone whose personality bears a strikingly eerie resemblance to Tom Bombadil, and so can put a face to a name. This friend of mine happens to be a Natural Historian / Historical Interpreter working for a well-known park system. As part of his living history program, he plays fiddle for people to dance to, tells stories, cracks jokes, banters good-humoredly with fellow historical re-enactors (myself included!) and park visitors alike. Even the singing is true to form! He’s become a famous and well-respected colorful character locally throughout the parks, and teachers give him high marks for the programs he presents to grade school students in class.<P>In my eyes, Elves making merry and singing lightly in jest does not diminish their respectability, but rather vouches for the kind of personal integrity and humility that allows one to laugh at self and with others. I would say the same for Tom Bombadil. I'd even venture that it takes courage to be oneself in such a way, to show sincere lighthearted whimsy. In a world where people judge according to appearances and often seek to project an aura of dignity the better to make a powerful first impression, and look for an expected air of answering sizing-up dignity in those they meet ... how very refreshing to simply enjoy life! <P>As for whether or not Tom should have been in the movies ... how does one portray such transcendence?<P>At your Service,<P>Gandalf the Grey<p>[ April 24, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]