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

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

Nilpaurion Felagund · 01-05-2006, 08:31 PM

There is this interesting topic.

The Trickster's Consort by Bêthberry

Not that Tom is the Trickster, of course . . .

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

12-11-2005, 12:47 PM	#1
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!"

01-05-2006, 08:31 PM	#4
Nilpaurion Felagund Scion of The Faithful Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines] Posts: 5,312	On Goldberry . . . There is this interesting topic. The Trickster's Consort by Bêthberry Not that Tom is the Trickster, of course . . . __________________ フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...

12-11-2005, 01:21 PM	#2
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.