[Halfir]

Kalimac: I am sorry that I forgot to respond to your comment in my last post. Having read other contributions of yours in this forum you are far too old a hand not to know the sin of quoting inadequate context. It is quite true, as you quote, that Goldberry in answer to Frodo's question about Tom's provenance says:"He is."But she doesn't stop there. She goes on to elaborate on her initial statement by saying:"He is as you have seen him......He is the Master of wood ,water, and hill." and she goes on to explain even further.

Tom is NOTa character to be labeled with an ME label. That does not mean he is unknowable, and I believe that Tolkien was well aware of whom he was. Everyone quotes the 'Tom is an enigma" phrase from letter #144, but, like Goldberry, Tolkien qualifies what he says"" As a story I think it is good that there should be a lot of things unexplained (especially if an explanation actually exists),,,And even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)." The relevant phrase, I think , is:"especially if an explanation actually exists".