Who do you think Tom Bombadil really was

[The Glorious Dead]

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<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/sting.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: Tom Bombadil

<blockquote>Quote:<hr> from which it can be assumed that Bombadil was truly a maia, likewise Gandalf, as Gandalf would not compare himself to a creature of different order.<hr></blockquote>
But where is the basis of that statement? It's not like Gandalf made a big deal out of being a Maian. Who knows, perhaps Bombadil is a creature of greater power than a maia, and Gandalf is referring to him with repect.

For when the swine repent their sins I shall be there, ready to pass my almighty judgement upon their accursed souls. I am the reaper divine, I eat the hearts of the damned! Beware, ye of little faith in my majesty, for I shall rule this pitiful world. You are mine, bow down.</p>