Kevin's Watch

Isn't there a book about Tom?
Has anybody read it?

Isn't there a book about Tom?
Has anybody read it?

Tom is featured in 2 of 16 poems written by Tolkien in a novel entitled The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

An excerpt here explains more, of the origins of Tom:

"Tom Bombadil was a well-known figure in the Tolkien family, for the character was based on a Dutch doll that belonged to Michael. The doll looked very splendid with the feather in its hat, but John did not like it and one day stuffed it down the lavatory. Tom was rescued, and survived to become the hero of a poem by the children's father, 'The Adventures of Tom Bombadil', which was published in the Oxford Magazine in 1934." - The Storyteller: JRR Tolkien a biography

Ainulindale wrote:It never ceases to amaze the popularity of trying to determine who or what Tom is:) Although Tolkien never outrightly said he is not a Maia, their is evidence to suggest he is not, however, instead of going into that evidence, it is better just to note this:

" "Many readers have , for instance, rather stuck at The Council of Elrond. And even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)." The Letters of JRR Tolkien #144 - JRR Tolkien


He is simply an intentional enigma.

Of all the characters in LOTR, I'd rank Tom Bombadil as one of my favorite simply because he is enigmatic. I enjoy a good diversion in a book and TB is certainly that. He is not essential to the story. He answers to no one. He is a mystery. When I first read the series, I was wondering when his character would reappear. I wasn't dissapointed, but I was puzzled. I wondered why he was introduced in the first place and after reading the series again many years ago, came to the conclusion that he was nothing more than a fancy of Tolkien's.

Well, I've certainly never put any of the thought into it that you guys have.

As I've said elsewhere, I don't tend to read fiction so critically. I'd always been pretty much of the opinion of Tulizar there, and if I thought of it at all, I usually just considered him some "comic relief" if you now what I mean. Tolkeins version of C3-PO if you will, especially in light of his very brief appearance.

Having read the thread though, I'm willing to change my mind.

(Damn, wish I'd never lost my Unfinished Tales.)

--Avatar

Avatar wrote:
(Damn, wish I'd never lost my Unfinished Tales.)

I haven't thought about Tom Bombadil in while, but after reading this thread I decided to tear apart my house in search of my Unfinished Tales. I haven't found it yet, but I'm sure it'll show up sooner or later. Can't wait to find it!!







.

Unfortunately, mine is gone forever. Another episode in the "Lent and Lost" saga. *sigh*

--A

I always considered Bombadil a favorite character about whom I would have like to have known more. From his own description of himself, I took him to be a creature who arose like the 'Shepherds of the Trees' from the Silmarillion; an ancient creature who kept apart by choice and was therefore unaffected by the Ring. I think 'Elemental' is likely the most apt description of him.

Another question would be "Was he the only such Elemental?"

I like Bombadil's cousin from another book.. "Bored of the Ring"

Tom Bombadil is a Maia. He probably used to work for the Vala Yavanna. I believe, but just can't prove it.