[Essex]

I think Tom shows us that no matter HOW advanced we get, we cannot beat Mother Earth and Nature.

I've heard a few comparisons over the years that Tom could be an expression of 'Nature' itself. I really like this theory.

What Tolkien seems to be saying by Tom not being affected by the Ring is, that no doubt HOW powerful the Ring may be, it is not infinitely powerful. And no matter how much Sauron thinks he is in control of ME's destiny, he will never be in total control by ANY means, and could be wiped out by mother nature at a whim.

In real life terms for example, did anyone see the Supervolcano documentaries the other week on the BBC? These followed on from the horizon programme a few years back which explained the phenomenom of Yellowstone park being a volcano.

Now, no matter how advanced we are, we could never live with the powers of Nature to this extent. i.e. if the yellowstone SV erupted then most of the USA would be wiped out, and all of the planet would be effected considerably.

Now not even Sauron with his Ring could do anything about that!

Yes, a bit of a tenuous link there, but it explains my feelings towards Tom as Mother Nature.......

PS An example of Sauron being effected by Mother Nature. Imagine the scene if the Wind had not changed direction to bring Aragorn and CO up the River Anduin on the Corsair ships? Goodbye Minas Tirith...........