Tom Bombadil

[Fingolfin II]

There's been speculation about whether Tom Bombadil is an embodiment of Eru himself, but JRRT has refuted this several times in his letters. He's said that there is no form or embodiment for Eru- he just is. I personally think Bombadil is a spirit, rather than a Maia or Vala.

[Gothmog]

Perky Ent:

My best guess is that he is either a forest spirit watching over the world, or a man who has been taught magic by the Istari! But that's just me...

As I remember, Tom has been walking ME long before the Istari came, before the birth of men and before the sun and moon... I think he's something else, something created from nature itself. I agree with Gil-Galad that he must be more powerful than a maia, maybe even than valar.

Maybe he's equal to Eru or maybe Eru created him as he created valar and maiar... I don't know, but I don't think he's created by valar or maiar and neither do I think he originally was a human or elf.

[samwise8504]

i believe that bombadil is either a maia or a spirit since he says that he's the oldest

[The Perky Ent]

Another theroy, though wrong, is that before Eru Created the Ainur and Valar, he made Bombadil, but screwed up so he ditched him in a forest and started making Valar. It's wrong, but it could be right...but most likely wrong

[Gothmog]

Well, not to criticize you again Perky, but there was no forest to ditch him in before the valar existed. The ainur and valar created Arda with their music. I agree, it's wrong...

[Potatothan]

Originally Posted by Gothmog

Perky Ent:

As I remember, Tom has been walking ME long before the Istari came, before the birth of men and before the sun and moon... I think he's something else, something created from nature itself. I agree with Gil-Galad that he must be more powerful than a maia, maybe even than valar.

No, Tom was not more powerfull than a Valar, I don't know for sure if he is stronger than a Maiar either. For Gandalf himself was bound by law and could not use his full strength. In the book, during the counsil of Elrond, they think of giving the ring to Bombadil. Gandalf rejects this for not even Bombadil could withhold the storm that Sauron would unleash on him. So even though he is not affected by the ring, does not mean he is stronger than a Maia or Valar. For a Valar could easely defeat Sauron, even with his ring.

What Tom is beats me, perhaps just like the ents, something completely different. Not listed, but known all over. But if you consider that gandalf foresees, that he will be the last to fall, like he was the first, he must have great power. Like tom says himself, he is the master. And that is all. He is just a wonderfull creature (so to speak) that has nothing to do with no one. Another question, his wife. How great was the power she posessed?

~Potatothan

[Gothmog]

What Tom is beats me, perhaps just like the ents, something completely different. Not listed, but known all over.

Well, maybe but the ents were created by valar (on Yavannas request if remember correctly) and Tom was "the first and last" (right?). I've always presumed that he existed before ME was created...

[Potatothan]

He doesn't nescesarely have to be there before the Valar. He was the first in Middle-Earth yes, but didn't the valar first dwell in Valinor, maybe he got there right afther the Valar, or at the same time.

~Potatothan

[Gothmog]

True, Potatothan. There is no answer to the question "who was Tom Bombadil".
I don't think JRRT himself knew exactly who or what he was, he's an enigma as Bombadil says...

Everybody have to decide what THEY believe, there is no correct or wrong answer. I still think that he existed before ME was created. if he was mightier than valar or not is unimportant, he was happy with his life and didn't try to rule ME, or prevent those who wanted to. I think thats why he wasn't influenced by the ring's power, he didn't want more power. Even if Galadriel and Gandalf were "good " there was a certain longing for power in their heart. I think Tom was far beyond that.

That's MY opinion...

[Isowen]

I never really thought about it but I always just thought he was some kind of spirit, whatever he is, the people of the forum seem to enjoy talking about him!