Why is enigma pretty much tied with maia and earth spirit...

[Gilthalion]

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Re: Why is enigma pretty much tied with maia and earth spiri

My debatable proposition is that Tolkien's enigma actually has a solution...

Bombadil is a representation of Adam Unfallen. Given Tolkien's Christian world view, Bombadil's appearance and nature, that is my (unique) conclusion.

Bombadil actually existed in the Legendarium prior to much else. His placement in LOTR has always struck many as being out of place. But Tolkien kept him in, intending an enigma.

He is neither Maker(?), nor one of the Valar. He is more constrained than a Maia. He's not an Elf, Dwarf, or Hobbit.

That leaves a Man, though Men were last born and Iarwain/Bombadil is Eldest.

The only other possibility is that Bombadil is Eru. This proposition seems to be negated by comments regarding his inevitable vulnerability to Sauron in Elrond's council. But the elves could be wrong... Gandalf's comment leaves room for that.

I like the Adam Unfallen idea, personally. But I can't go to the mat for it!

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