Greatest Mysteries in Middle-earth Explained (Bombadil, Blue Wizards, Entwives, Maglor & More)

[@loopslytle]

Mysteries are an essential part of Tolkien's writings. Without mysteries, where is the magic! Not just the magic of the wizards but the riddles of nature, destiny, and love. The unknown is so vital in our lives and in our lore. Love and friendship are such a large part of Tolkien's works that the stories had to be full of conundrums.

[@thomasolofsson2967]

Regarding ent-wives I always imagined that what Sam's cousin Halfast saw in the North Moors, was entwives. A personal theory is that Sam later learned about the ents struggle from merry and pippin, and then informed treebeard about the sighting.

[@jimbojimbo8]

Yes that was my thoughts too the area in and around the Shire is full of growth and life and beautiful Open spaces and I wonder if they cultivated that area as a garden before the hobbits moved in there

[@MC-810]

I also assume that what Sam’s cousin saw were the entwives. I like the idea of Sam telling Treebeard about that sighting.

[@wespenre3418]

This is an awesome channel. I was introduced to Tolkien in 1968, as a 10 yo kid (The Hobbit). Everything evolved from there. I think what you're doing by digging into the imagination of the human (collective) mind is essential. This is more important than any "facts" we are bombarded with on a regular basis, which only solidify us and connect us to the "machine world," which Tolkien so profoundly despised--well ahead of time (back to nature). What you are doing on this channel tickles human essence (Spirit). Just like Tolkien, who has sold something like 150 million books, you are keeping imagination alive, which is more essential than anything else. Thank you for being an inspiration . Your channel prospers because you are true to the human spirit--imagination, and you have the talent to express it, which is ART. Thank you!

[@Thomas.Wright]

In recent years, I had begun to think of the Orcs as something similar to the undead: the tortures and spells had driven the Elven souls out of them and gave them only a semblance of life. Your theory is very similar and draws concepts from the lore that would actually support that.

[@Draconisrex1]

Point 5: Based on the books, it seems that the orcs were semi-autonomous beings powered by Morgoth's will then Sauron's and after Sauron's demise became witless and diminished greatly. Point 6: There are some hints that some Entwives might have gone north and are in Tom Bombadil's region.

[@kylesavage4525]

Would definitely love to see a part 2 about the lesser known mysteries.

[@bigotis9042]

For sure

[@rederik02]

Agreed!

[@jamescogswell9297]

Personally I’m not so sure about the whole “dragons also have no free will” part, or at the very least Smaug may be an exception, it’s just that he seems to have some very unique goals of his own that he enjoys, and he also keeps up a conversation with Bilbo using fairly advanced vocabulary and type of speech. I’d say he has to be in a different category then orcs.

[@johndododoe1411]

The oldest dragon had even more conversations in the 1st age or before.

[@robertwinters4269]

It's like the eagles. They have self-determination for how they go about accomplishing the will of their masters and creators, however they wouldn't have volition of their own. Each could only act within the mandate given them by their Valar. In the case of Smaug, the agents of Morgoth could and did act independently with their own objectives, within their directives. Smaug is just seen as an independent agent because he no longer had an ultimate master who could rescind his directive and give a new one. Since his directive was to be a dragon and plunder, and pillage, and burn, and horde, and create chaos, how or where he goes about that is now entirely up to him; however, the actions themselves are the manifestation will of Morgoth imbued into him.

[@likac92009]

Don't you think it's suspicious that in Rivendell lives a High Elf named Lindir (song-man) when we know Maglor's nickname was 'Mighty Singer'? I wouldn't be surprised if Maglor in the Third Age lived quietly at his foster son's house.

[@Crusadist1099]

To make it easy, I always assumed that after Maglor threw the Silmaril into the sea, he then plunged into the sea to drown himself. However, I did once read a touching fanfiction in which Elrond approaches Maglor at the end of the third age and bids him also return to Valinor, since the ban has been lifted. In this story he actually addresses Maglor as "Ada," which struck me as odd, but was probably intended as an indication of the love he had for the elf who fostered him. Maglor declines, however, still wracked with guilt. If he was to ever have forgiveness, it probably would have to wait for the end of the world. Frankly I think Maedhros and Maglor got a raw deal, although I have no use for their three younger brothers, especially the villainous Curufin.

[@daybraeburn6172]

One simaril went into the sky, one into the sea, and one into the fire. The Elven rings made by Celebrimbor were: the air ring, the water ring, and the fire ring. Coincidence???

[@houseofthegoldenflower3534]

Bombadil and Goldberry are the Caretaker’s of Arda

[@vikingodin1986]

I like that

[@MajorFletch]

Well a bloody good job they did :/

[@HaikuBanter]

They are self crafters of titles. They are immune to titles thrown at them. They are.

[@a1guy524]

good one

[@syrilvictor3288]

My thoughts exactly!

[@TheKulu42]

I always imagined that the Blue Wizards helped the peoples of the East resist Sauron. Thanks to the wizards' efforts, Sauron didn't get all the armies and material support he might have received otherwise. Yes, Sauron did get troops from the Easterlings, but likely not has many as he had hoped.

[@loopslytle]

Helping a resistance against Sauron and his minion. That would greatly lessen the troops that the tribes and nations of the east could send to the west.

[@TheKulu42]

@@loopslytle Indeed. There's a huge source of potential stories in their adventures.

[@licmir3663]

Remember: there were evil Haradrin and evil Easterlings, but also evil (black) Numenorians, which means that all three groups were fighting their good counterparts elsewhere as well.

[@TheKulu42]

@@licmir3663 That would create even more possibilities for tales of the Blue Wizards.

[@TheKulu42]

@Tuomas Lilja Yes, Tolkien's Middle Earth offers so many avenues for storytelling.

[@andrewlight32]

I had always believed that Tom was the result of the first song sung by Eru and his Children. He says he was there first before basically everything else was, and the first song was more pure because Morgoth only had small discourse in it. Its just my opinion but I thought that for years after reading a lot about Tolkien's work and it seemed to fit because there singing made Middle Earth so it made sense that just a small song created Tom.

[@musthavemoxie]

I love this theory

[@joshsemo4214]

Prolly why the rings got no affect on him... And why he can still perceive frodo when hes got the ring on.(he is master) and why he wont leave hid boundaries.

[@az53999]

It is my opinion, and it has been suggested by others before, that Tom Bombadil is the representation of JRR Tolkien himself.

[@az53999]

Could Tom be JRR Tolkien? I believe so. Tolkien was ‘there’ before anything else.

[@Azulakayes]

Agreed.

[@jedidiahjohnson1797]

Great video! I would love a part 2, probably some stuff that I wouldn't know about or heard of yet. Keep up the great work!

[@TheMjsanty]

I always thought of Tom Bombadil as the opposite to Ungoliant, with one being a personification of good and the other of evil. Hence, why Ungoliant’s fate was to consume itself (as evil often does), and Tom’s was the endure unblemished by the corruption of others.

[@theeffete3396]

I always thought of Ungoliant as a manifestation of one of the Seven Deady Sins (in her case, gluttony). She just wanted to consume everything, until in the end, she consumed herself. If accurate, makes you wonder what other primordial creatures based on the SDS there are.

[@rederik02]

Well, I would think the Malcore or Fenior is Pride, Smoung would be greed…this list could actually cover all of the sins…might be an interesting vid in the future

[@paulbrickler]

One of the things I really enjoy about Tolkien is that there are unanswered questions and there are mysteries and we have room to explore that ourselves.

[@MothGirl007]

Thank you for all your authentic and super interesting LOTR content - it's very much appreciated!

[@michaelh5720]

Brilliant channel 👍🏻👍🏻 Part 2 would be excellent.

[@papemoe]

Tom used to visit Farmer Maggot... he wasn't only limited to the old forest... I liken Toms sphere of influence to the Girdle of Melian, which points to an Ainur-like being.

[@deborahparise5566]

Wonderful! I've expanded my understanding greatly these moments.

[@ShamanJeeves]

I recently read through The Lord of the Rings for the first time in fifteen years, and it has sparked an intense interest in the wider body of material that comprises the Legendarium. I was between jobs at the time, though I've since rectified the situation, and now I'm waiting as patiently as possible until I can afford to pick up Christopher's collections of his father's unpublished work. Videos like this keep the fires stoked, and help me maintain my patience. Thank you!

[@crazyquirrels]

I am of two minds concerning the Blue Wizards: the first is along the lines you gave here that they did aid the West in some unknown way, weakening Sauron’s influence in the East (but not fully driving it out). The second is that they did fall into darkness, and that perhaps they would have been the antagonists of Tolkien’s unfinished sequel, The New Shadow. If they did fall to darkness, I think it would have been interesting to see them come back as fallen Maiar, not as powerful as Sauron, furthering Tolkien’s theme of the fading of magic, yet still powerful cult leaders of Morgoth and Sauron.

[@pashabesharaty8794]

I've never thought about this idea before, but I really like it. I think the blue wizards would be the best remaining candidates for potential villains in the fourth age.

[@fearsmasher1299]

They would create the ancient mystery schools that leads through time to the illum1naughty today...

[@jonystyles9473]

Bro this is your best video in months, misterys like these is what it keeps us up, loved the idea. Hope you can cover more, ill put some questions later if u can answer some would be great :)

[@Breadbutta4]

Great topic to go into. A part 2 is needed!

[@Comicnut64]

This is a really cool video awesome work Yoystan

[@eugenemonti5755]

Great video I hope you do a second part soon. I do have some mysteries that I think are interesting. 1) how are dragons and fell beast made? Are they a mockery of eagles like orcs to elves 2) can mandos be called evil? Because he sees all events good and bad and he could have done something to prevent events or reduce the damage done in them 3) what happened to the werewolves in the 2nd and 3rd age

[@paulbarbat1926]

On 3), Sauron's werewolves were stationed in Beleriand. No reason to think even the least survived the War of Wrath.

[@FrankV10]

Definitely a part 2. I think the mysteries of Tolkien’s world is one of the best things about it

[@Sleeping_Insomiac]

My take on Bombadil and Goldberry is that they're Tolkien and his wife. Like he imagined them in the story of Beren and Luthien, but now older, more mature, content with letting others carry the story. Him being the eldest, since he invented even Iluvatar, and so immune to the powers of the ring, but also not to be trusted with it, since he'd just misplace it and another story would be needed to be told... I believe this was his way of tying his life's loves together, his muse and his work, so to speak.

[@Yesica1993]

Aw, I kinda like that!

[@haakiiify]

This is so beautiful. Thank you

[@Gage409]

What an amazing take

[@theharper1]

Agreed. I think Tolkien wanted to write himself into the story, living in a basic house in an old forest. An apparently omnipotent observer in the world but unaffected by the ring and it's story. He was there before anything else in middle earth, because he saw the world evolve from a blank page. Bombadil was his presence in the "secondary world".

[@genghisgalahad8465]

The mystery that got me from FotR film adaptation: "there are fouler things than Orcs in the deep dark places of the world..." Of course, there was reveal of The Balrog, Shelob. Then you have the mysterious Watcher from the Deep, easily taken as a servant of Sauron. My biggest mystery at the time was mishearing Legolas saying, "Crebain from Dunland!" Having no context before subtitles afterward, I thought, "Crab Hinds from Dublin!"?

[@varyar77]

A few thoughts... for the Blue Wizards, my theory is to use both Tolkien's original and later ideas. One of the two remained faithful and roused the Easterlings to resist Sauron, while the other fell and become the god of secret cults. And as for Orcs, their nature mostly gives me a headache! I try to be generous, though, and say they're the offspring of corrupted Elves, so that when slain, they go to the Halls of Mandos for a very, very long time but eventually can rejoin their distant kin in Valinor.

[@johndododoe1411]

Maybe they are evil modified goblins, retaining a few goblin weaknesses such as aversion to sunlight. If the added evil is removed they may revert to being goblins with the same fate.

[@thumbbringer7120]

A part two would be great! I always enjoy watching. Thanks

[@kajlennartsson4234]

It was a great video. Do a part 2. Its so many mysteries in the middle-earth.

[@de5096]

Great ideas and deep thoughts from everyone on Tom and Goldberry!!! I wonder if those two could be like Tulkas. Like him, they weren’t part of the main players but made their way to Arda after the pillars were thrown down and the lands finally resettled. Or perhaps they arrived in Arda after the sun first rose. Although the part where Goldberry is the river Daughter, that could imply several other origin directions. Just for fun, we know Ulmo was waiting for a descendant from the three houses of men and the three houses of elves, so they could bring a repentant request for help to the Valar. What if Ulmo knew this could happen because he had offspring. Maybe Goldberry was related to him? A fleeting memory on Dragons and Balrogs reminds me they were spirits from outside Arda that came to Melkor and he put some of his power in each. Corrupting them as he could imitate creation only. I tend to think he did this with ents to make trolls. Far fetched, I know. Perhaps he corrupted some eagles as well, to make the fell beasts the Nazgul rode? Great comments all. Happy rereading.

[@thedreadtyger]

what a wonderful post! your own ideas give us much to think about as well. i believe that i first encountered the speculation anent ents and trolls in Beagle's Dictionary of Middle Earth about 50 years ago. but that's a long time, for me, and i might be mistaken. best regards, friend!

[@ragiironshield]

I like to imagine that some of the Entwives escaped the destruction brought by Sauron and/or Saruman's forces and would journey to Fangorn at some time in the Fourth Age. Tolkien was big on hope being a reoccurring thing in his stories, so that's where my line of thinking tends to go.

[@ghostdreamer7272]

But he also wanted to explain why Ents were going extinct and why there are no young Ents. There’s hope for them, but in another life to come.

[@orrointhewise87]

"Even the very wise cannot see all ends" The best mysteries are ones that go unsolved :) But for some reason I really want Tom Bombadil to b Eru in disguise; it would b the best joke reveal for the people of middle earth that the maker of the world and life b this old singing hermit in the middle of no where 🤣 But more mysteries please! These are fun to think about and see everyone's different theories

[@ravenhill-ofthe-pitchfork-1968]

little information on Arnor, in ancient times, Arnor was the northern most realm of the men of Numenor, which fell before the onslaught of Angmar in the second age of the earth. The ruins which dot the trollshaws, and old sites such as weathertop are all relics of ancient Arnor.

[@federicaesu8580]

I think that the Orcs had some sort of free will, although limited and wicked. I remember the conversation the Orcs of Cirith Ungol: they didn’t care about the great plans of the Dark Tower, they wished just to form a band of their own to raid and pillage without serving a master, . I’m sorry I can’t remember the exact quote

[@stunner9005]

They serve Sauron out of fear. So they have some form of free will.

[@johnnyboi8769]

That was in the movies it'd different in books

[@danielcarter837]

Would love to see more like this. Maybe include the Beornings in the next one. The origin of trolls (in opposition to Ents?).

[@user-uq7io2os3r]

Many thx for yet another great video please made part2. Mine theory on Tom Bombadil it's manifestation of eru

[@elenlemonade]

I love your lore videos. your voice and your narrations. Have watched almost all of them. Just want to mention that the stress of Ainur is actually in the Ai instead of nu. 😊

[@ianheins650]

Nice work dude thanks

[@TeamCGS2005]

The blue wizards have always intruiged me. Thank you!

[@matthewdockter2424]

You always have good LOTR content, but I really appreciated this one. Keep up the good work!

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Awesome video and yes we need a part 2!

[@megantouchton4636]

I always liked the idea that the "walking tree" the hobbits argue about in the beginning of Fellowship was an Entwife. Walking tree + Treebeard's pondering that they would like the Shire always gave me a tiny spot of hope. As far as never reuniting with the Ents...*stretches pleasant theory verrry thin* ...maybe they just hadn't reunited...yet. One could argue that they experience time very differently.

[@uriahakabrowndog3406]

I like to think that Yavana sent three beings to Middle Earth to guard and protect specific aspects of nature. Tom Bambadil would be the first, given the task to protect the Old Forest. Radagast would likely be given this task by Yavana before his arrival in Middle Earth. Then, after creating the Ents, Yavana made Treebeard their leader and they wandered Middle Earth before taking up refuge in the Forests of Fangorn.

[@andrewhead1840]

Love this video. :-) Would love to see a part two.

[@theharper1]

Couldn't the "walking tree" mentioned by Sam at the Green Dragon have been an Entwife? I'm sad that Sam didn't meet Fangorn as far as we know.

[@Thimbrethil]

It could be, but I suspect it could be also a lonely huorn, just like the Old Willow, but probably younger.

[@theharper1]

@Thimbrethil maybe, but given that the Shire was exactly the sort of place that the Entwives loved, it could have been an Entwife. My main point was that as far as we know, Sam didn't meet Fangorn unless it was on the way back to the Shire. Fangorn said that some ents became "treeish" like old man Willow, while other trees became "entish" over time (like the huorns). It would've been nice if part of the happy ending of the story included Fangorn at least learning where the Entwives went.

[@b0nem0ther]

I think your theory about orcs and their bodies not being inhabited by elven souls is super interesting in regards to how RoP is going with their orc characters, specifically with Adar and his interactions with Galadriel.

[@srdA7Xfan88]

Great video (as always)! A question I often find myself pondering concerns the giants of Middle Earth.

[@jdspencer60]

Yoisten, you don't need to ask if we want part 2, the answer is always yes lol

[@joeycerelli]

Tom Bombadil, the Ent Wives, and the Blue Wizards are the biggest question marks for me.

[@chrismedrano468]

loved the video. would absolutely love more in this series

[@jimikrentkowski4073]

On this date in history -11/27/77 The Hobbit is released this day and aired on NBC!! Thanks for these videos Yoysten!!

[@current9300]

My favorite fan theory/headcanon about Maglor is that he becomes kind of an urban legend, and whenever people see a solitary elf or a lone traveler that seems like an elf from a distance but can't manage to actually catch up and talk to him before he vanishes, they are left thinking "holy shit was that HIM?" afterwards.

[@themastrofwar]

More on these topics please!

[@Dyundu]

I’ve always held that Bombadil and Goldberry are primordial spirits within Middle-earth who remained untouched and uncorrupted by Morgoth’s influence-they remain tied to the world, are very powerful, but are still apart from most other things. A corrupted version of that type of spirit would be something like The Watcher in the Water, or one of the Nameless Things.

[@farahahmed8201]

Please part 2, I would love it

[@thedreadtyger]

i have been in love with that Hildebrand painting of Goldberry since 1977 or so. i forget. but i did have that calendar!

[@marionbaggins]

Man, Some of these Mysteries are sad: Entwives. Intriguing: Tom Bombadil, Blue Wizards, Nameless Things & Maglor. Or whatever else!!! Thanks, Mellon for explaining these Mysteries...Until How Númenor Fell, *Geez, Mellon Spoilers Much...JK* Marion Baggins Out!!!

[@guilhermebarbosa2519]

Your view on orc's and dragon's souls and freewill are very interesting, man! Thank you for sharing theses thoughts with us!

[@palerider7171]

Thanks for the video and thank you for acknowledging Tolkien’s faith and it’s part in his works. I like your theory on the Orcs.

[@brendanprice740]

I have always personally interpreted the orcs as being completely corrupted elves , I assumed there spirits became corrupted and twisted to the point they essentially became new completely evil being . Amazing video btw , love your channel and all your content !

[@licmir3663]

I imagine that there were Aragorn, Gimli, Frodo and other equivalent characters in the south (Harad) and east (Rhun), that is, heroic figures doing their best against the shadow and remaining true to God (Eru). We simply didn’t hear about them because our narrator was focused on somewhere else. It’s the same thing with the desperate war of Dale and the kingdom under the mountain of which we know very little. For those who don’t “get” Tolkien: yes, there were brown and black people who were doing heroic deeds in Middle-earth.

[@HUFFLE-PUFF]

Yess!! Another 1. God Bless you my friend!

[@JoeMama410]

I really like your theory about the orcs. I have thought something similar for a while. It helps to smooth over some of the philosophical problems Tolkien wrestled with.

[@stefandebeer9375]

Diversification of your format of your content is always welcomed, to spice things up a bit, the same formatted videos might have been a bit repetitive, but this is a great change in my opinion, maybe do a change of format like this every ~8 weeks or so to keep things fresh.

[@Alaedious]

Another incredible and thoughtful video... Thank you! 😊

[@archades115]

All logical explanations. Though I do wonder one thing myself. Elrond made mention to secret realms and powers within Middle Earth. I wonder about these. Are they kingdoms of the Avari, the Dark Elves? I also wonder if the sundered pits of Utumno remain in the frozen north. Or what really happened to Ungoliant. Etc.

[@VHS_138]

Would love to see more mystery videos

[@factanonverba7547]

Orc souls, by tolkien lore and common morality, must exist. The quendi he captured had been warped by morgoth bauglir so thoroughly, that their urúk descendants are unaware of their glorious beginnings as the first children of eru ilúvatar.

[@Dingdongwitchisdead]

Great thoughts and analysis. Enjoyed it.

[@cgrimes34]

The Tom Bombadil question has fascinated me just as it has many others. Several months ago, I came up with a theory while reading the Aiunlindale. Tom Bombadil, Ungoliant, (and possibly Goldberry) are of the same species as the Nameless Things. I use the term species to mean they have the same origin. And I believe that their origin was the moment when Eru added the flame imperishable to the vision of Arda. The music of the Ainur itself only produced a vision of Arda, not a real place. It only became Ea (the world that IS) once Eru decided to add the Flame Imperishable to the vision that the music produced. The timing fits because while the timeless halls do not have a concept of time passing, Ea does. And there is a point between the creation of Ea and when Melkor descended into Arda where some amount of time within Arda has passed. I believe that this is when the Namless things were formed. At first they were probably mere spirits as the Ainur once were, but took on some form or another after they were created and spent some time in Arda. I do not believe Melkor was involved in their creation because Gandalf explained that Sauron does not know about them. I do not believe that Sauron would have been unaware of such a creation if Melkor made them.

[@Paulafan5]

I think the answer to the Blue Wizards is that they did become like Saruman and corrupted, but in their corruption they aided the West (unintentionally). They created cults and civil war that weakened the Men of the East so their armies were not as large as they could have been for the War of the Ring. Even 20,000 more soldiers fighting for Sauron at the Battle of Pelennor Fields could have made a huge difference.

[@Arafingol]

Big YES to a Part 2....3....4....

[@erikjaroy8214]

My theory about the Blue Wizards? It says that Aragorn made peace with the Easterlings after the war. Maybe the Blue Wizards planted some seeds in the cultures of the East that made that peace possible? Maybe the Aragorn was surprised to learn that the Easterlings had some cultural similarities with the West that made it possible to find common ground? In that sense, the Blue Wizards didn't so much help the West win the war, but enabled them to secure a more lasting peace?

[@traceursebas]

great train of thought about the orcs!

[@Billcarsonstobaccobox]

I can't help but see bombadil as a representative of the earth, the soil and its old wisdom. And goldberry as the life flow of nature,mother nature. Therefore something the ring cannot touch or damage at all.

[@opalglass8101]

I think that dragons were not created by Melkor. I think that there must have been some sort of lizard creature with sentience that he got ahold of. Or, they were corrupted eagles, as scientists love to point out the similarity between birds and lizards.

[@juancarlosreyes5138]

I assumed the nameless things under the earth that gnawed at the earth, where created as the time as ungoliant by the discord of Melkor during the song of the ainur. His discord created the dark creatures and Eru kept his word by making his discord a reality.

[@phoenixrising573]

I concur.

[@Crusadist1099]

In the days when iron crown enterprises tried to bring Middle Earth into the role playing game world they cast Tom Bombadil and Goldberry as Maiar, and I suppose they fit there in terms of level of power. However, I am inclined to agree that they are something other than Maiar, since they do not appear to share a common history. That same publication posited that Alatar and Pallando were seduced by the dark side like Sauron and became the next Big Bad. Maybe.

[@anthonyprezioso8115]

Great reaction and explaination about Tolkien lore and how his faith affected his classic writing

[@HerrrLuna]

While Tom Bombadil himself is one of the greatest mysteries in the legendarium, I always imagined Goldberry as a maia that left her position. Since she had powers over rivers and water, it is likely she once served under Ulmo.

[@bms9144]

I don't see how Maglor could be considered an oathbreaker. Earendil's Silmaril was beyond the ends of the world, and thus outside the parameters set forth in the oath. As the oath was sworn collectively, I don't see how Maglor was required to regain the Silmaril from his brother Maedhros, or vice versa. The oath didn't specify he or his father/brothers having to keep the Silmarils, only to regain them. Feanor and his sons all fulfilled the oath: with the rest dying trying to regain them.

[@patrickb1303]

I have always felt like Tom is a self insert for Tolkien himself in the story, not who he imagined himself to be. But his ideal version of what a person should be. He has all the qualities that our heroes have in lesser concentration. He values primordial life and justice without prejudice. He lives simply and loves his woman. Everything Tolkien valued after the war.

[@staiton3889]

Part 2 please 😊

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Maglor wandered the lands for many years until he found Himring. The last remaining piece of the first Age of his homeland. The fortress of his brother Maethros on the island was destroyed by not scavenged by time. In the hidden vault, Maglor found a Palantir, created by his father Feanor. Maglor the Musician watched the world unfold from the ruins of Himring, using the Palantir, waiting for his only visitor he will ever see. NOT CANON! Just a story I'm working on in the Fourth Age.

[@ScienceFindsGod-Official]

I like the theory of the Great Song creating beings of personification in Middle Earth. Just as it's a wonderful explanation of Tom Bombadil, and Goldberry (who clearly is presented as an elemental being), it's also a perfect explanation for evil beings such as Ungoliant, and the unnamed creatures beneath the world. Remember that the Valar didn't know what the significance of the Great Song was until it was completed. The evil things therefore would have been the result of Melkor's divergent melodies he injected into the music.

[@Dr_Cole]

I loved the video and the earnest attempt at being neutral to the evidence. I’d love to see a video that does the same for smaller (lesser) known mysteries in Middle Earth.

[@Crushnaut]

I think Bombadil is a Myiar. The reason the ring doesn't affect him is because he has no ambition. The ring would influence him to control and shape the world in the way he wants, but he already has everything he wants; happiness, song, and his loving wife.

[@loopslytle]

He can not be. In the LOTR books, they discuss giving the one ring to Bombadil. Saruman and Gandalf acknowledge they do not know what he is. Since they are Maiar, Tom Bombadil can not be one. The two wizards implied he could be more potent than they were but that in the end, even he could not withstand all the might of Mordor.

[@bigotis9042]

*Maiar

[@Crushnaut]

@@loopslytle that assumes Saruman and Gandalf are to be trusted sources on this. Maybe that is them deflecting on something the elves shouldn't know, or maybe they do not know everything. I think we over estimate their knowledge of things. You also have to remember that the Lord of the Rings isn't written by an omniscient narrator. It was written by some Hobbits based off what they heard.

[@LookToWindward]

If we take Tom at this word, he can't be a Maiar because he says he's "oldest and fatherless" and the Maiar have a father in Eru. However from what Gandalf says we can surmise that Tom does not have the powers of Eru himself. Of course one or both of them could be lying or simply mistaken. Tom could be Eru enjoying his own creation and has simply hidden his true identity from Gandalf. Or he could be an early creation of Eru who is so old he has forgotten, or perhaps never knew, his own origins.

[@idipped2521]

@@LookToWindward some people say he is the spirit of the music of creation, which essentially makes him an aspect of Eru in a way. Which is why he would not fight back against Sauron directly, or even care about world events

[@beatleblev]

1. There is no reason that Tom and Goldberry can't be Maiar. Your reasoning about their primeval nature still applies. Perhaps Maiar get attached to their pet project in the subcreation of Arda. I think this also applies to the Spirit of Carhadras, who tells the Fellowship to get of his lawn in the language of snow. Some Maia get grumpy and go native, others, like Tom, are still the same ole Maia they always have been in the thought of Eru. Tom is still the Master of what remains of his Old Forrest, but even more so, Tom is the Master of himself. 4. A modern tale of Maglor would be a cool project. You could write the story without any of the names. The protagonist could have ID's from all over the world in just as many names. He could reference his six brothers and his hot tempered genius dad without giving away their names, age, or significance. He's made patrons in beach bars weep from Miami to Kingston to Singapore. His audiences swear that they can see and taste his music even when hallucinogen free. Sometimes repentance and the road to redemption is a long one. 5. Can't find that Secret Fire? Don't have enough self awareness that it only resides with the One who made you? Well, naught Vala and Maiar, there is an alternative. I call it the Fallen Maiar breeding program. Kidnap an Elf and breed (I mean...that's one word for it. Yes it's gross.) them with one of the lesser Maiar in orc form. You get an immortal Orc Captain and a breeding stud. That's three wins! What's the third you ask? It is the most offensive thing a Vala can do in the eyes of Eru, who withholds the Secret Fire. Need stronger troops? Just mate a former earth Maia with a tortured Ent. Don't have a fire breathing air force? Mate a fire associated Maia with a mutated Great Eagle. The slight to Manwe comes free with every mutilation. Take something good and holy and twist and corrupt it with pain, lust, and evil spirits. Of course, Melkor was warned that there was nothing that he could do in Eru's despite that would not result in creations more wonderful than imagined by their creator. One can only imagine the dropping of the Iron Jaw of Melkor when countless multitudes of Eru redeemed Elves stand arrayed against their former masters and have a bone to pick with Morgoth, Sauron, and Saruman. The greatest sin invites the greatest Eucatastrophe.

[@Blazbaros]

I've been listening to the Simillarion lately and had my own thought about the Music. The Music of the Ainur creates the universe, yet things like Ungoliant and the Nameless ones exist. My thought is that those things come into being as “echos” of the music, rebounding off the void in the blackness of space, becoming things that appear to have some basis in reality, but are lovecraftian and weird. Whether or not they were intended to exist by Illuvatar is definitely up for debate, but it could explain why other evil beings exist outside of Morgoth's control such as in Ungoliant's case.

[@allenrussell1947]

I have always thought the last words of Bombadil's description of finding Goldberry a bit odd: "And her heart was beating". Should it not have been? Did he cause her heart to start?

[@Theartwithin]

I genuinely think goldberry is an elf, who recognizes that frodo is an elf friend just by hearing his voice. I also think she is like Galadriel in many ways, like her awe inspiring presence and voice. Both having golden hair also helps lol.

[@guidingrock7051]

how awesome would a Durin's Bane cartoon/animation be? Like his backstory, then him defeating the Dwarfs and then ruling over the orcs in Moria.

[@titanscerw]

Best explanation of orks so far!

[@marksurch3941]

We need a part 2

[@marceln84]

I’ve always thought of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry as Tolkiens versions of Father Time and Mother Nature. Unstoppable and uncontrollable forces, that are in essence benevolent (I wouldn’t call them “good” perse), but don’t influence the world to anyone side. The fact that they helped the hobbits, is I think because of the unnatural essence of Sauron. Even the most primordial of beings rose up, without influencing the outcome too much

[@paulwagner688]

My headcanon is always for the Elves, during the procession of the Captains into Minas Tirith in Book V, to have a column led by Maglor, and for Maglor to redeem himself in the battle, thereby being the ONLY son of Feanor to do so.

[@HUFFLE-PUFF]

We always want Part 2! Lol.

[@otaku-sempai2197]

'The Nature of Middle-earth' edited by Carl F. Hostetter provides us deeper insights into the history of the Istari, possibly including the Blue Wizards. In the chapter XIII (KEY DATES) Tolkien writes of (to quote Hostetter) "the sending of Melian and (at least three of) the later Istari to Cuiviénen for a time as guardians of the Elves". In the entry for the Days of Bliss (Vanyar Years 866/13; page 93) Tolkien writes: "The Valar send five Guardians (great spirits of the Maiar) -- with Melian (the only woman, but the chief) these make six. The others were 'Tarindor' (later Saruman), 'Olorin' (Gandalf), 'Hravandil' (Radagast), 'Palacendo', and 'Haimendar'." Later (page 102) Hostetter includes an annotation on the Quenya names of the Guardians. It is unclear whether the final two Guardians are the later Blue Wizards.