Re Tom Bombadil - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Pippin · 11-19-2001, 04:42 AM

First of all, sorry if this has been raised before.
Is Tom Bombadil actually a man? he claims to be the Eldest, settled before hobbits, men, and even elves. his description is that he is a bit short to be a man but too tall for a hobbit. also is Goldberry an elf-relation or a woman? she is River-woman's daughter, but exactly who or what was the River Woman?
Incidently, I hear that Tom Bombadil is not included in LotR the movie. I'd be interested in everyones views....

Eowyn of Ithilien · 11-19-2001, 02:47 PM

there's a debate about Tom's non-inclusion in the Movies section...no he isn't a man, he's an enigma [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] he doesn't seem to fit any of the races

11-22-2001, 12:22 AM

I think that Tom is a living manifestation of middle earth itself, a kind of all encompassing earth spirit. This would explain his companionship with Goldberry, mistress of plants and daughter of the River Woman (another nature spirit?). It also fits in with his ability to control the elements of nature (Old Man Willow)as well as the fact that the ring, being "manmade" or wrought(as opposed to coming directly from nature)has no effect on him whatsoever.

There's an interesting essay on Tom's origins. Check it out at: http://www.lordotrings.com/books/bombadil.asp

[ November 22, 2001: Message edited by: The Balrog ]

[ November 22, 2001: Message edited by: The Balrog ]

Elrian · 11-22-2001, 12:47 AM

A Maia, one of the first to enter Arda to assist the Valar and stayed in Middle Earth afterwards. There are several threads on this topic. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Orald · 11-26-2001, 10:44 AM

Now Elrian, don't try and start something here. Tom is never said to be a maia, and there is no more evidence to support this claim than several others. Don't go saying he is if you don't know for sure.

11-19-2001, 04:42 AM	#1
Pippin Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: I don't know, I'm lost! Posts: 85	Re Tom Bombadil First of all, sorry if this has been raised before. Is Tom Bombadil actually a man? he claims to be the Eldest, settled before hobbits, men, and even elves. his description is that he is a bit short to be a man but too tall for a hobbit. also is Goldberry an elf-relation or a woman? she is River-woman's daughter, but exactly who or what was the River Woman? Incidently, I hear that Tom Bombadil is not included in LotR the movie. I'd be interested in everyones views.... __________________ never mind the pint.... does it come in gallons???

11-19-2001, 02:47 PM	#2
Eowyn of Ithilien Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 277	there's a debate about Tom's non-inclusion in the Movies section...no he isn't a man, he's an enigma [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] he doesn't seem to fit any of the races __________________ But of bliss and glad life there is little to be said, before it ends; as works fair and wonderful, while still they endure for eyes to see, are their own record, and only when they are in peril or broken for ever do they pass into song.

11-22-2001, 12:47 AM	#4
Elrian Eldar Spirit of Truth Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Land of the FREE, Home of the BRAVE Posts: 794	A Maia, one of the first to enter Arda to assist the Valar and stayed in Middle Earth afterwards. There are several threads on this topic. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] __________________ ~Call me a relic, call me what you will. Say I'm old fashioned , say I'm over the hill. That old whine ain't got no soul. I'll stick to Old Toby and a Hobbit hole.~

11-22-2001, 12:22 AM	#3
antonyn Guest Posts: n/a	I think that Tom is a living manifestation of middle earth itself, a kind of all encompassing earth spirit. This would explain his companionship with Goldberry, mistress of plants and daughter of the River Woman (another nature spirit?). It also fits in with his ability to control the elements of nature (Old Man Willow)as well as the fact that the ring, being "manmade" or wrought(as opposed to coming directly from nature)has no effect on him whatsoever. There's an interesting essay on Tom's origins. Check it out at: http://www.lordotrings.com/books/bombadil.asp [ November 22, 2001: Message edited by: The Balrog ] [ November 22, 2001: Message edited by: The Balrog ]

11-26-2001, 10:44 AM	#5
Orald Shadow of Malice Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: right behind you Posts: 843	Now Elrian, don't try and start something here. Tom is never said to be a maia, and there is no more evidence to support this claim than several others. Don't go saying he is if you don't know for sure.