Bombadil in the Last Alliance? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Sardy · 04-06-2006, 02:14 PM

On my fifth reading of LotR, a passage about Tom Bombadil struck me as odd... Tom picks up a brooch from the Barrow Wight's tomb to bring home to Goldberry.

He looked long at it, as if stirred by some memory, shaking his head, and saying at last: "...Fair was she who long ago wore this on her shoulder."

...he goes on to mention the Dunadain who still wander.

The tone of the piece seems to indicate that Bombadil is closer to the events he is describing (or refusing to describe) than he will let on. Perhaps remember some personal tragedy. Could he have played a greater part in this history? Perhaps before "going native?"

Elu Ancalime · 04-06-2006, 09:58 PM

I never caught that. So, who is she? Princess Peach of Cardolan? Hmm.....
________
Marijuana bubbler

Thinlómien · 04-15-2006, 02:48 AM

No, not Last Alliance. He refers to the collapse of the kingdom of Arnor and the petty kingdoms that followed and destroyed each other or/and the assault from Angmar.

Kuruharan · 04-15-2006, 08:31 AM

It is possible. One does get the impression that perhaps Bombadil wandered over a wider area in the past.

However, I doubt he played a great role in history. It would seem to go against the theme of observation, which is one of the reasons why Tolkien put him in there in the first place.

Lalaith · 04-18-2006, 02:39 AM

Here's a previous discussion which I think was quite interesting...
http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=891

04-06-2006, 02:14 PM	#1
Sardy Wight Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Posts: 111	Bombadil in the Last Alliance? On my fifth reading of LotR, a passage about Tom Bombadil struck me as odd... Tom picks up a brooch from the Barrow Wight's tomb to bring home to Goldberry. He looked long at it, as if stirred by some memory, shaking his head, and saying at last: "...Fair was she who long ago wore this on her shoulder." ...he goes on to mention the Dunadain who still wander. The tone of the piece seems to indicate that Bombadil is closer to the events he is describing (or refusing to describe) than he will let on. Perhaps remember some personal tragedy. Could he have played a greater part in this history? Perhaps before "going native?" __________________ www.scottchristiancarr.com They passed slowly, and the hobbits could see the starlight glimmering on their hair and in their eyes. Last edited by Sardy; 04-06-2006 at 03:00 PM.

04-06-2006, 09:58 PM	#2
Elu Ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Anador Posts: 476	I never caught that. So, who is she? Princess Peach of Cardolan? Hmm..... ________ Marijuana bubbler Last edited by Elu Ancalime; 03-03-2011 at 11:41 PM.

04-15-2006, 02:48 AM	#3
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	No, not Last Alliance. He refers to the collapse of the kingdom of Arnor and the petty kingdoms that followed and destroyed each other or/and the assault from Angmar. __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

04-15-2006, 08:31 AM	#4
Kuruharan Regal Dwarven Shade Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: A Remote Dwarven Hold Posts: 3,589	It is possible. One does get the impression that perhaps Bombadil wandered over a wider area in the past. However, I doubt he played a great role in history. It would seem to go against the theme of observation, which is one of the reasons why Tolkien put him in there in the first place. __________________ ...finding a path that cannot be found, walking a road that cannot be seen, climbing a ladder that was never placed, or reading a paragraph that has no...

04-18-2006, 02:39 AM	#5
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	Here's a previous discussion which I think was quite interesting... http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=891 __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling