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....

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

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 ]

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]

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.