Tom Bombadil and gods of our world’s mythologies - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Priya · 12-23-2025, 05:02 AM

… continued from my previous post

Yes, one day in 1928 an astonishing event occurred in the grounds of Christ Church. Something that Tolkien could hardly have missed or been unaware of. Inside Tom Quad, at the center of the water-lily fountain, was erected a leaden statue. After a century gap* upon a pedestal in the middle of the water-feature was placed a new statue of Mercury, the Roman god whose Greek counterpart is Hermes. Whether an unveiling ceremony or celebration activity marked the occasion is unknown. But what is certain, is that Tolkien cannot have missed the sculpted figure. For it is both an imposing and beautiful work of art in an otherwise featureless landscape. Facing the open west doors of Christ Church – the deity, in the distance, would have practically beckoned to Tolkien as he turned onto St. Aldate’s Street on his journey home.

Mercury Statue amidst Mercury Fountain, Tom Quad, Christ Church College

Over the decade after Mercury’s installation, Tolkien ought to have seen him many, many times – and it’s inconceivable that no effort was made to take a closer look. Indeed, I suspect quite the opposite. In all probability he inspected him on many instances and undoubtedly during the crucial period when those seeds for the prequel to his opus were being laid and beginning to sprout. During these years he must have extensively mulled on mythology. At the same time Mercury was omnipresent.

To Tolkien the statue would have oozed attraction. Why? Because surely it would have brought back the fondest of memories from his last day at school: King Edward’s Grammar in Birmingham. There, with two of his T.C.B.S. friends, he performed on stage in the traditional end of year play: Aristophanes’ Peace. And in the theatrical production he had a major part. For he dressed and played the role of Mercury’s Greek precursor: Hermes himself!

The play was an outstanding success. And the revelry that ensued was an indulgence of delirious elation. Even though nigh on a decade had passed – Tolkien did not forget the mad joy coupled with high-spirited camaraderie on this very, very special occasion. Many years later he vividly recalled:

“ ‘… having just taken part in a Greek play, I was clad in a himation and sandals, and was giving what I thought a fair imitation of a frenzied Bacchic dance.’ ”
 – Tolkien: A biography, ‘T.C.,B.S., etc.’ – pg. 49, H. Carpenter, 1977

J.R.R. Tolkien dressed as Hermes, 1911

… to be continued

* The story goes that the statue:

“… was dragged from its pedestal … by some riotous undergraduates.”* 
– Notes and Queries, Volume II – pg. 532, July-December 1904, A.C.B.

The date of the occasion is reconciled as the late 1820’s

12-23-2025, 05:02 AM	#5
Priya Animated Skeleton Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 42	… continued from my previous post Yes, one day in 1928 an astonishing event occurred in the grounds of Christ Church. Something that Tolkien could hardly have missed or been unaware of. Inside Tom Quad, at the center of the water-lily fountain, was erected a leaden statue. After a century gap* upon a pedestal in the middle of the water-feature was placed a new statue of Mercury, the Roman god whose Greek counterpart is Hermes. Whether an unveiling ceremony or celebration activity marked the occasion is unknown. But what is certain, is that Tolkien cannot have missed the sculpted figure. For it is both an imposing and beautiful work of art in an otherwise featureless landscape. Facing the open west doors of Christ Church – the deity, in the distance, would have practically beckoned to Tolkien as he turned onto St. Aldate’s Street on his journey home. Mercury Statue amidst Mercury Fountain, Tom Quad, Christ Church College Over the decade after Mercury’s installation, Tolkien ought to have seen him many, many times – and it’s inconceivable that no effort was made to take a closer look. Indeed, I suspect quite the opposite. In all probability he inspected him on many instances and undoubtedly during the crucial period when those seeds for the prequel to his opus were being laid and beginning to sprout. During these years he must have extensively mulled on mythology. At the same time Mercury was omnipresent. To Tolkien the statue would have oozed attraction. Why? Because surely it would have brought back the fondest of memories from his last day at school: King Edward’s Grammar in Birmingham. There, with two of his T.C.B.S. friends, he performed on stage in the traditional end of year play: Aristophanes’ Peace. And in the theatrical production he had a major part. For he dressed and played the role of Mercury’s Greek precursor: Hermes himself! The play was an outstanding success. And the revelry that ensued was an indulgence of delirious elation. Even though nigh on a decade had passed – Tolkien did not forget the mad joy coupled with high-spirited camaraderie on this very, very special occasion. Many years later he vividly recalled: “ ‘… having just taken part in a Greek play, I was clad in a himation and sandals, and was giving what I thought a fair imitation of a frenzied Bacchic dance.’ ”  – Tolkien: A biography, ‘T.C.,B.S., etc.’ – pg. 49, H. Carpenter, 1977 J.R.R. Tolkien dressed as Hermes, 1911 … to be continued * The story goes that the statue: “… was dragged from its pedestal … by some riotous undergraduates.”*  – Notes and Queries, Volume II – pg. 532, July-December 1904, A.C.B. The date of the occasion is reconciled as the late 1820’s