Hey dol! Merry dol! Get lost Tom!!!

[Mithalwen]

Although I am not a great fan as stated on this thread earlier, I have read in UT I think that it was the Nazgul who stirred up the wights on the Barrow Downs and I suppose Tom's natural and basically benevolent power is a counterbalance to the unnatural and malevolent power of the undead.

[Bêthberry]

If one reads LotR only as an adventure epic, then Tom does seem expendable. However, if one reads LotR as a fantasy of earlier ages then Tom's actions and role becomes far more significant. He is also very important to Sam, who is able later in the book to find strength to continue because of Tom's influence.

[Inziladun]

One thing I really like about Bombadil is his air of mystery. Even the usually highly knowledgeable Elves, for example Elrond and Glorfindel, don't seem to have a lot of firm data about him. That despite his being around for many ages.

Also, I think of Tom as an "anti-Sauron", of sorts. Unlike the latter, completely consumed by a desire to control all Middle-earth, Tom is content to stay is his own little area, and to be left to his own devices. I've always found a striking illustration of the contrast between Tom and Sauron when Frodo gives Bombadil the Ring.

Then suddenly he put [the Ring] to his eye and laughed. For a second the hobbits had a vision, both comical and alarming, of his bright blue eye gleaming through a circle of gold.

Tom's blue eye, as opposed to the Red Eye of Sauron. I think that's quite interesting, and not merely a throwaway bit of detail on the part of the author.

[Pervinca Took]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

If one reads LotR only as an adventure epic, then Tom does seem expendable. However, if one reads LotR as a fantasy of earlier ages then Tom's actions and role becomes far more significant. He is also very important to Sam, who is able later in the book to find strength to continue because of Tom's influence.

I'm trying to remember the precise reference to that. Does Sam say something like "Well, he's a caution and no mistake ... we may go far and find naught better, not queerer" ... I'm trying to remember where it's said that Sam draws on Tom's influence to find strength. (Although I know it's there somewhere).