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Re: Why is enigma pretty much tied with maia and earth spiri
I think that what is wanted for Tom Bombadil, Goldberry and the River-woman, Caradhras, Huorns, et al for that matter, is a defining recognized term; like Vala, Maia or whatever.
To partially help explain the enigma I'll state the term. It occurs only once in all of the writings that I know of. The term is not lessened because of this lack of appearance.
The term is Earthling.
The Book of Lost Tales 2 p. 263
"Mermaids are not Oarni (but are earthlings, or fays? - or both?)"
Fays and earthlings are not synonymous as seen in the last two words of the quote. And it sure isn't referring to the sea-creature mermaids as creatures born on the soil.
Fays are the Maiar who were the children of the gods.
There is an intermediary point were fays are spirits from outside before Maiar comes into use.
Loosely defining earthlings as nature-spirits is adequate I think for a simplistic view. Compare the term with an earlier term for Tom; Aborigine or native. For the rest of the difficult explanation, that is best seen by the secret fire sent into the heart of the world which gives life itself to the environment.
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