Who or What is Tom Bombadil? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The 1,000 Reader · 12-09-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurthang

That sounds a lot like 'I am', you know, from the Old Testament.

Which means that Tom is obviously the Judeo/Christian God.

"He" was the beginning of the sentence.

Gurthang · 12-10-2005, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 1,000 Reader

"He" was the beginning of the sentence.

I'm not seeing how that makes a difference. Care to explain?

ManofDale · 12-10-2005, 01:32 PM

There are things in this world Tolkien said that cannot be explained and are just simply there, Tom is the epitome of this concept.

The 1,000 Reader · 12-10-2005, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurthang

I'm not seeing how that makes a difference. Care to explain?

The H was capitalized because of grammar, not because Tom is God.

Legolas · 12-10-2005, 11:32 PM

Why is the answer not listed?

Tom is an enigma. His nature cannot be explained, nor does it need to be - that was part of his purpose.

ManofDale · 12-11-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legolas

Why is the answer not listed?

Tom is an enigma. His nature cannot be explained, nor does it need to be - that was part of his purpose.

Exactly, why debate an enigma. There doesn't have to be an answer in everything for us...I think it also has to do with a touch of innocence. Like believing in Tom was believing in Santa Clause, just because he was there and stood for something without any other symbols attached to him. I.E He is so and so reincarnated. In trying so hard to understand what Tom is we lose the intention of belief in the unknown.

Garulf · 12-11-2005, 12:47 PM

This poll sparked my interest in Bombadil again, prompting me to reread an old, but memorable post by burrahobbit. Kuruharan made a point (can't remember what was being argued) using this quote:

"And I shall send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World and the World shall Be..."

Now burrahobbit argued that "Tom is." (i.e. Tom is an embodiment of Ea, or more likely a spirit tied up with Ea ["Eä, meaning in Elvish 'It is' "]) a point which I am highly inclined to agree with. However, the above quote concerning the Flame Imperishable leads me to wonder whether Tom is the Flame. In this way Tom would be the eldest and come before all things, as well as being at the "...heart of the World...", a position that somehow feels right when describing Tom.

Maerbenn · 12-11-2005, 01:21 PM

Tolkien’s comment about Tom Bombadil being an enigma (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, no. 144) could also be interpreted to mean that he was an enigma to other inhabitants of Middle-earth, but perhaps not to the Author himself.

12-14-2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garulf

This poll sparked my interest in Bombadil again, prompting me to reread an old, but memorable post by burrahobbit. Kuruharan made a point (can't remember what was being argued) using this quote:

"And I shall send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World and the World shall Be..."

Now burrahobbit argued that "Tom is." (i.e. Tom is an embodiment of Ea, or more likely a spirit tied up with Ea ["Eä, meaning in Elvish 'It is' "]) a point which I am highly inclined to agree with. However, the above quote concerning the Flame Imperishable leads me to wonder whether Tom is the Flame. In this way Tom would be the eldest and come before all things, as well as being at the "...heart of the World...", a position that somehow feels right when describing Tom.

i think this is one of the best interpretations

View Poll Results: Who or What is Tom Bombadil
A nature spirit?	14	29.17%
The spirit of Middle-earth itself?	11	22.92%
A Maiar?	5	10.42%
A Vala?	3	6.25%
An Elf?	0	0%
A Dwarf?	1	2.08%
An immortal Man?	0	0%
The reader?	1	2.08%
Eru?	0	0%
I'll tell you in my post!	13	27.08%
Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll

12-10-2005, 11:32 PM	#5
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	Why is the answer not listed? Tom is an enigma. His nature cannot be explained, nor does it need to be - that was part of his purpose. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

12-11-2005, 12:47 PM	#7
Garulf Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rohan Posts: 15	This poll sparked my interest in Bombadil again, prompting me to reread an old, but memorable post by burrahobbit. Kuruharan made a point (can't remember what was being argued) using this quote: "And I shall send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World and the World shall Be..." Now burrahobbit argued that "Tom is." (i.e. Tom is an embodiment of Ea, or more likely a spirit tied up with Ea ["Eä, meaning in Elvish 'It is' "]) a point which I am highly inclined to agree with. However, the above quote concerning the Flame Imperishable leads me to wonder whether Tom is the Flame. In this way Tom would be the eldest and come before all things, as well as being at the "...heart of the World...", a position that somehow feels right when describing Tom. __________________ "Hasufel is his name," said Eomer."May he bear you well and to better fortune than Garulf, his late master!"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-10-2005, 01:32 PM	#3
ManofDale Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: In the streets of Dale in Wilderland. Posts: 11	There are things in this world Tolkien said that cannot be explained and are just simply there, Tom is the epitome of this concept.

12-11-2005, 01:21 PM	#8
Maerbenn Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 59	Tolkien’s comment about Tom Bombadil being an enigma (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, no. 144) could also be interpreted to mean that he was an enigma to other inhabitants of Middle-earth, but perhaps not to the Author himself.