Tom Bombadil - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Ibrîniðilpathânezel · 01-09-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Be that as it may, I of course disagree with Ibrin's take on Bombadil and Goldberry's Maiaric nature. They are completely set apart from the story, as Tolkien says 'an enigma'. They have no real connection with the story other than Tolkien wanted them there, having transported them to Middle-earth from poems written long before LotR was written.

Speaking from a viewpoint outside the story, I don't disagree with that. Bombadil and many other things in LotR are clearly holdovers or "translations" of things that Tolkien had imagined for other purposes and tales, and they migrated into what at the time was his most publishable work. However, from a viewpoint within the world of the story itself, Tom had to come from somewhere that is consistent with the rest of the subcreational reality. There are other oddities, to be sure (like Beorn and the giants), but none with the kind of power Tom manifests. Perhaps Eru put him there to be a puzzle to the inhabitants of ME as well, but I still like the Maia theory (which, of course, is just a theory).

Eönwë · 01-09-2009, 02:03 PM

Well, I don't think that Tom Bombadil is a Maia. He seems to earthy and real for that. I would say that he is sort of the opposite of Ungoliant (who I don't think is a Maia either, especially after reading the BoLT). I know I've said this before, but I felt like I had to represent my opinions.

Everyone who's read the books has come up with this question and answers it for themselves. There are so many theories: Is he an elf? Is he a Maia? Is he a Vala? Is he Tolkien himself?

The debate goes ever on and on, down from book where it began...

thewichtking · 01-10-2009, 06:43 PM

maybe toms all the good races put together you know like hes a mix of elves, men,
dwarf's, and hobbits or something like that? just an idea

FeRaL sHaDoW · 01-11-2009, 08:11 AM

I always saw Tom as a cross between Santa and a Leprechaun.

As for who and what he is, maybe Bombadil is the incarnation of Arda itself??

Vaine · 01-11-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeRaL sHaDoW

I always saw Tom as a cross between Santa and a Leprechaun.

As for who and what he is, maybe Bombadil is the incarnation of Arda itself??

Seems we share the same idea

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 01-11-2009, 05:16 PM

Not to sound grouchy, purely because I sense a couple of you will be interested and don't yet know, there are dozens of Bombadil threads on the Downs: try the search function and prepare to be bamboozled.

I prefer the Balrog threads myself.

Laurinquë · 01-12-2009, 01:31 AM

There are indeed a great deal of Tom Bombadil threads, but I still think it is fun to start a new discussion.

As for the Bombadil-Eru argument; I realise that Tolkien describes Tom as an enigma, and well, who is going to argue with the author himself? But I still like pondering the possibilities, I haven't been on the Downs long enough to get nauseated by the idea I suppose.

01-09-2009, 02:03 PM	#2
Eönwë Flame Imperishable Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 3,928	Well, I don't think that Tom Bombadil is a Maia. He seems to earthy and real for that. I would say that he is sort of the opposite of Ungoliant (who I don't think is a Maia either, especially after reading the BoLT). I know I've said this before, but I felt like I had to represent my opinions. Everyone who's read the books has come up with this question and answers it for themselves. There are so many theories: Is he an elf? Is he a Maia? Is he a Vala? Is he Tolkien himself? The debate goes ever on and on, down from book where it began... __________________ Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place

01-11-2009, 08:11 AM	#4
FeRaL sHaDoW Wight Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 232	I always saw Tom as a cross between Santa and a Leprechaun. As for who and what he is, maybe Bombadil is the incarnation of Arda itself?? __________________ God created night, but man created darkness....

01-11-2009, 05:16 PM	#6
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Not to sound grouchy, purely because I sense a couple of you will be interested and don't yet know, there are dozens of Bombadil threads on the Downs: try the search function and prepare to be bamboozled. I prefer the Balrog threads myself. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

01-10-2009, 06:43 PM	#3
thewichtking Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 42	maybe toms all the good races put together you know like hes a mix of elves, men, dwarf's, and hobbits or something like that? just an idea

01-12-2009, 01:31 AM	#7
Laurinquë Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 347	There are indeed a great deal of Tom Bombadil threads, but I still think it is fun to start a new discussion. As for the Bombadil-Eru argument; I realise that Tolkien describes Tom as an enigma, and well, who is going to argue with the author himself? But I still like pondering the possibilities, I haven't been on the Downs long enough to get nauseated by the idea I suppose.