The Life of Tom Bombadil | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

I recorded this beforehand, but this week’s rumors bring up the question: if Tom Bombadil does show up in Rings of Power, how should he be used? (Personally, I think it should be a small appearance, if at all.)

[@breadpitttt]

same here. they already have so many characters and storylines to focus on (that we didn't see enough in season 1) ESPECIALLY celebrimbor since he might get turned into a banner this season 👀👀.

[@Jiblits007]

If anything he should be just a cameo for nerds

[@faustomadebr]

After all they did, Tom should be untouchable.

[@GR-jr2rs]

Maybe when elendil founds arnor?

[@TheAngmarArchives]

I hope it's Brian Blessed who plays him, if they really do have old Tom...completely agree - a small cameo...I suspect somewhere along the Harfoot storyline?

[@Rory626]

> barges into the narrative > sings a song about how he's older than the world > puts on and takes off The One Ring with no effect > refuses to elaborate further > leaves

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Like the giga-giga-chad he is!

[@herbsuperb6034]

Yep, all proof that I'm right, and Tom Bombadil is truly DMX in disguise. For that is exactly what DMX would do, in the same situation.

[@michaelcook6483]

Tom is Eru

[@nicholaswoollhead6830]

@@herbsuperb6034 I enjoy your insistence across multiple comment threads. Consider me sold. Thatd also explain a lot of what happened to DMX in his earthly life. Rip

[@Rory626]

@@michaelcook6483 Tolkien flatly denied this

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Tom is the embodiment of the "I have no idea who is this! He was already here when I arrived!" meme.

[@witchthief9735]

Frodo in the undying lands: so what was up with that bombadil guy The Valar: we dont know tbh, he was already there when we got there

[@Novusod]

Tom Bombadil is what can be termed an "Elder god" a being that existed before creation.

[@AlienSensei]

Manwe: Is that bearded fellow our brother as well? Melkor: I have no idea! He was already here when I arrived.

[@witchthief9735]

@@AlienSensei Melkor: ...he's not with you guys..?

[@valentinkambushev4968]

@@witchthief9735 Manwë: Wait....he is not one of your creations!?

[@AutomaTom1939]

I remember hearing that Tom was based on a toy Tolkien had in childhood, and he would create simple stories around him. It's really cool that he included him in his Middle-earth stories! That would explain why he predates everything--he literally existed before Tolkien created his world, and he worked it in narratively.

[@ilikevideos4868]

A toy his son had*

[@swordmonkey6635]

Since the movies, I've pictured Tom as Robin Williams. Sparkling eyes, a bit chaotic and a smile that can brighten a room.

[@BJETNT]

That's perfect!!! I can see that in my head. I wish he was still around to do this in a movie! Very very wonderful idea sir!!!

[@realistic_delinquent]

So 0:35

[@prallencreative]

Robin Williams would have been the best Tom we could have had.

[@SparkCroft21]

Best idea!!! AI could help with face but his eyes and energy are irreplaceable

[@swordmonkey6635]

@@BJETNT Robin Williams name was being tossed around by us on TOR while the movies were being cast. His name was a fan favorite.

[@duncanjohnson8893]

Tom Bomadil is, lest we forget, a merry fellow.

[@RabidCupcake2010]

And his boots are yellow!!

[@deci2723]

Those word haunt me to this day. Unironically expected him to show up to help Gandalf stand up after killing the Balrog.

[@herbsuperb6034]

Yep, just more proof that Tom is actually DMX, in disguise.

[@1th_to_comment.]

​@@deci2723 Frodo and Sam struggle up the slopes of Mount Doom, only to be assailed by Gollum once again. In a feat of desperation, Sam calls out Tom's summoning poem. Appearing over the rocks, a man with yellow boots calls down to Gollum. I'm too lazy to write more

[@michaelcook6483]

judging by your photo, you would have played a better tom than the corpse amazon found to play him

[@gryphon9507]

It has always been my belief that Tom was created during the singing of the Ainur before Melkor began to add in his chaos. Many entities that even the Valar can't account for, Ungoliant, the creatures in the deep places of the earth, etc came about in the song. Most of those mentioned are evil results of Melkor's discord. But if Tom came to Arda before Melkor arrived then he was more than likely created during those first pure stanzas of Eru's song before any of Melkor's influence marred it. Hence why Sauron's power which was learned from Morgoth has no sway over him. Tom is a pure piece of Eru's true song. It's just what I believe.

[@TimTimTomTom]

Agreed, and someone (a couple actually) posted the same above. It's the only theory that fits completely.

[@Pow3llMorgan]

I don't know. It seems like Eru was pretty determined to have his children be the inhabitants of Arda. Could Bombadil be a result of some of the Ainu choir sneaking in some kind of harmony or _consonance_ in the song, as opposed to the dissonance of Melkor's ?

[@scottwesner9362]

That makes sense, though I believe that there is a chance Tom could be one of the Ainur. I don't know enough to say he is.

[@jeremyquinn4426]

I like this idea. I thought that perhaps Tom was the living embodiment of Iluvatar itself wishing to experience a more confined and natural life on the earth so that it may better understand the full breadth of life and experiences which it had brought about for the beings of middle-earth.

[@TylerGrennell-pu8xv]

What if Tom is just an avatar of Eru. Like a copy made of flesh and bone.

[@qwertyTRiG]

One thing that strikes me about Tom and Goldberry is how _domestic_ their house is. They're mysterious powerful beings ... who plant beans in their garden.

[@Firenutz]

Tell me of anything more mysterious and powerful than a bean. :)

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@Firenutz Adam Ragusea might agree with you there.

[@fangorn23]

its like they're retired adventurers and living in Tolkein's world as an immortal wedded couple still deliriously in love is their eternal reward. a bit of land, a stream you can swim in and fish in, a garden and a grumpy forest that still yields to your will... sounds like retirement to me.

[@dowsingelf77]

The truly great never forget the small things. :)

[@calico27]

I am sure for someone like Tolkien, humility and gardening is pretty magical.

[@EmblemParade]

The friendship between Tom and Farmer Maggot is one of the most charming little curios in Middle-earth. Of all the Hobbits! Really! Tolkien, as usual, shows us that there's far more to people than meets the eye, even the most anti-social and crotchety.

[@kaijenson7949]

After reading the books, I can no longer help but feel that Jackson did Farmer Maggot dirty. I understand the difference between the two story telling mediums, but it still hurts.

[@Hellbane224]

​@@kaijenson7949 Yeah, Jackson's movies kind of did Merry and Pippin dirty too. They are FAR less respectable in the movies than they are in the books. If anything, Merry and Pippin are courageous, intelligent, and fun-loving, rather than delinquents. I also like in the books that, by the end, Merry and Pippin are practically giants among the Hobbits because of the Ent-draught. XD

[@Martin-ub9ci]

I take it as symbolism that the oldest, wisest, incredibly powerful being is friend with the farmer, the strong, independent, wise, hospitable man. Tolkien love farmers, and he was correct.

[@Vidhur]

@@kaijenson7949 The Fellowship of the Ring could've gone with meeting Gildor Inglorion, the stay at Bamfurlong, the meeting of Tom Bombadil at Old Willow and the escapade in the Barrow Downs, it would've been even more epic. So yes, done dirty is right.

[@ManahManah77]

I've always thought it was humorous that with all of the unusual and exotic names of the characters and locations in Tolkien's world, the character who may be the most powerful of them all is simply named "Tom".

[@jefffinkbonner9551]

It’s like that goat-horned sorcerer in Monty Python and the Holy Grail being named “Tim.” 😂

[@AvB.83]

The trolls in The Hobbit were also called Tom, Bert & William. With how important names & language was to Tolkien in all the rest of his stories, I find those four names very strange.

[@ManahManah77]

@@jefffinkbonner9551 And he tried to warn them about that rabbit, lmao

[@scottanderson2458]

@@jefffinkbonner9551 you manky Scots git 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@swollenaor]

Small name big effect.

[@xionmemoria]

My crazy headcanon has always been that Tom is the physical manifestation of the Song of the Ainur, and that Ungoloant is the manifestation of the discord. The original creations of the world. A chaos without purpose and an unflinching truth. With Tom waiting for the second song so that his music can be continued.

[@EdwinBoyetteStorytime]

He does seem to be an echo of the song not the Creator himself but a manifestation of a portion of his majesty.

[@jerrydeem8845]

I really like your analogy, after 45 years i never brought it to point like this. Asute to be sure. Debatable. Well there's always debate, but thanks for provoking another thought process.

[@TheTep990]

My thoughts also. Tom can't be a Vala nor a Maia so it must be something in between. I think Ungoliant and Tom are beings sprouted from the fight between Eru and Melkor. One represent the discord by Melkor and the other the balancing note by Eru. The rest of the world is the creation of the Valar and their music.

[@renferal5290]

That is a very good theory

[@Eowyn3Pride]

😁👍

[@LPChipi]

I've always loved Tom Bombadil. His presence alone in LOTR adds another layer to Middle Earth. I also love that he is this odd, jolly fellow, but then we learn that powerful and respected beings such as Gandalf and the elves know him and respect him. This to me adds a weird aura around Tom that I can't quite explain, but I love it. I also like that Tom Bombadil's name alone is enough for the Barrow wraith to flinch. It adds a bit of darkness to the character.

[@brokenrecord3523]

Four sufferings in Buddhism: birth, aging, sickness and death. They have no meaning to Tom. Without fear and want, the natural result would be a childlike joy, right? Appreciation of everything.

[@fruitionapt]

I think the barrow wraith just knows that he simply cannot exist in the presence of Tom

[@4thlinemaniac356]

IMO it is the Opposite it Lightens his character as Sound alone ie his title vanishes the Evil Wight

[@LPChipi]

@@4thlinemaniac356 Sure, but if he can scare away a powerful evil spirit, why is that?

[@4thlinemaniac356]

@@LPChipi Because the spirit is bound to Middle Earth and it should have moved on into the spirit world.

[@burundianfamily2982]

tom Bombadil is my favorite mystery of middle earth, he's so lighthearted and carefree in such a perilous world

[@herbsuperb6034]

I know who he is. It's not REALLY a mystery if you interpret the text carefully. After weighing all the evidence, and reconciling the full breadth of the legendarium, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind. I fear to tell you, for it may ruin the mystery for you. But you needn't read further if you don't want to. Tom Bombadil is, without doubt.........DMX, in disguise.

[@burundianfamily2982]

@@herbsuperb6034 😂

[@breezzyboy7603]

Tom is iluvatar directly experiencing his creations.

[@GrimmWarrior19]

Dang, I just saw this after posting and clicked "newest". Glad someone else considered it.

[@orfeas8]

I also stand a lot for this idea, a guy above said another interesting one : ''My head-canon still remains that Tom is an embodiment of The Discord, which helps me to explain all the things that were not specifically ceated by the Ainur-like The Nameless Things, Ungoliant & the creatures that would end up being Werewolves, Vampires & Dragons.'' and I think with this the contrast between him and Ungoliant makes sense, one being the embodiment of darkness beating even the Valar skills and the other not being affected by evil at all. Mysterious folk nonetheless and nature seems to bend in him.

[@peterdyreng2155]

Tolkien has said this isn't true... maybe just a super powerful Maiar in the service of Manwe?

[@paladinponyt1556]

When it comes to Tom Bombadil, I have always seen him as a character kind of like Santa Claus. Jolly, always Singing, Generous, and Incorruptible. I don't mind him being mysterious, to me it just adds more wonder to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien.

[@andreasriegler6589]

I was just creating a lesson for my English students about Tom Bombadil and The Old Forest when you uploaded this video. Thanks Matt for your work!

[@sunofsotep8265]

If I could be anyone in Middle Earth it would be Tom Bombadil. Dude is an ancient, powerful immortal, who spends 90% of his time picking lilies, and dancing without a care in the world while everyone else is at war.

[@Jim-Mc]

And don't forget he's got Goldberry😉

[@FancyNoises]

If only

[@peterdyreng2155]

yeah Manwe had something to do with this XD

[@fostermoody]

Tom is from outside the story. He came from another narrative entirely, initially as a curious visitor, but liked it so much that he stayed. He met Goldberry, fell in love, and has been in Arda so long he himself has forgotten where he really came from. (This is also what I think of Ungoliant too, except she's from a much darker story) Goldberry I think is the child of the unnamed maia who made the river when Arda was being assembled by the Valar. We know that maiar can procreate with the embodied beings of Arda, perhaps Goldberry's father was an elf who came across the Withywindle during the migration to Aman.

[@danechatman6086]

I think Tom is Maia. Though it is never explained. Maybe he is the avatar or Eru himself

[@android584]

Good thinking, Ungoliant and Tom are probably in the same class of beings, not created by Illuvatar.

[@kdaalder]

@@danechatman6086Eru never had an embodiment

[@Pixis1]

Regarding Tom and the Rohirrim - There used to be vast forests that stretched across Middle-earth in ancient days. Large portions of them were cut down by the Numenoreans in the Second Age. But places like the Old Forest and Fangorn were remnants of the ancient forests. Maybe Tom used to walk in those vast forests and visited other lands where he became known to the ancestors of the Rohirrim. Hence they had a name for him in their legends.

[@Pixis1]

@@12gramtalon8 Not sure about that. The Rohirrim were descended from the Eotheod, a clan of Northmen. So they were always from the north. The Dunedain of Arnor might have had contact with Tom though.

[@johndododoe1411]

They could have met before the existence of Arnor, making him a legend among all humans outside Rhun.

[@cherub3624]

I think it says in one of the letters that Tom even limits his own influence to the old forests and that they have basically receded to his current small circle. So yes, that's also how I assumed Rohan knew of him. Maybe legend passed down from when Tom used to wander further out.

[@Katharina_Lieblich]

I know that Tolkien himself disproved this theory, but I still love the idea that Tom represents the Professor in Arda. Such a fun idea in my opinion. I wish Tom appeared more in the Legendarium!

[@larsworldh2106]

Tolkien constructed the grammar and vocabulary of over a dozen languages for all of us to enjoy in a fantasy realm together and I will be forever thankful for the masterpiece.

[@paulnormandin5267]

The fact that Tom was known in Rohan makes sense when you remember that the men of Rohan came to the aid of Gondor... from the north. They originally lived far to the north of Rohan.

[@boringusername792]

But to the east of the Misty Mountains

[@DaeValarauko]

Most comprehensive compilation of details about Bombadil I've ever seen!

[@AkshatKabra98]

Ah yes... Saturday evening with some classic nerd of the rings tales about a legendary Tolkien character Now all I need is a hot cuppa and put it on a big screen and enjoy 😌❤️

[@Paulmcknockiter81]

Get a dram.and toast the professor

[@nicholaswoollhead6830]

I still think tea tastes like sipping from a rain puddle on a kindergarten playground, but these videos make me want to have a cup just to hold it

[@JDW-wn9te]

Going by the drawings of Tom I think Brian Blessed would have been the perfect actor to play him in the films.

[@BrettWMcCoy]

I was just thinking the same thing

[@scottanderson2458]

Tom Baker would also fit well I think

[@nelsonrko]

Not an actor but I was thinking he was a free character like Hemingway.

[@scottanderson2458]

@@lednails The Hands of Fate 🤣🤣🤣

[@best_Dave_ever]

Finally some much needed love for Adventures of Tom Bombadil!

[@thebeastjs]

Tom is Tolkien. Oldest and fatherless, saw the first raindrops and acorns, because he created it all. He was there before any others because they are all his creations and he does not interfere in his own story, because he wants to see it play out. Tolkien made himself a part of his own amazing and magical world. And the reason why he would be the wrong choice to give the one ring to, is because that would end the story. "He would misplace it or throw it away" - He would move on to something else. Sauron would then in a sense get him in the end. Because if Tolkien/Tom takes the one ring and ends the story, in Tolkiens mind, Sauron would then never be destroyed and be free to conquer middle earth. And as Tolkien/Tom leaves his own story, he also leaves the one ring behind.

[@UnrealBelonging]

Excellently put. This has certainly given me more peace of mind. Thank you

[@mee091000]

@@UnrealBelonging He's wrong though lol. Tolkien said it was not him

[@mee091000]

@Patrick-vm2bb Except Tolkien already made it pretty clear a long time ago. That he did not self insert himself in the book.

[@UnrealBelonging]

@@mee091000 Was not confirming. Though Tolkien may have said it was not him does not deny the fact that it was his creation. All characters are him and Tom Bombadil is the closest to Tolkien since he is one of the most ancient characters before the first raindrop and acorn. It's Tolkien's world and Bombadil is one of the first...

[@mee091000]

@@UnrealBelonging Tom Bombadil is not Tolkien lol

[@ethenallen1388]

I like to think that Gandalf wanted Tom's help in finding Radagast to tell him it was OK that Saruman tricked him, he was forgiven and could come home to Valinor.

[@silasollegario]

I never get tired of Tolkien's writing. Absolutely genius!

[@JibberJabJones]

tom's lack of awareness of the struggle between light and dark reminds me of a very rich friend i once had. it wasn't that he didn't care about people with financial struggles. it was just that such struggles had never affected him, so money meant practically nothing to him.

[@stevenhayes7910]

Tom Bombadil won over my heart from the first time I ever read The Fellowship of the Ring. I talk to everyone willing to listen about how awesome and mysterious he is. ☺️

[@AMRosa10]

I like the theory that says that Tom is the embodiment of the unblemished music of the Ainur. That he is what would have been Arda and the Children of Iluvatar without the Discord of Melkor.

[@sansheng5865]

Hey, i like that theory. From now on, that will be my head cannon..😅😅

[@Zombied77]

Like Adam before The Fall

[@cdkilo77]

I know I'm late to the comment section, but I agree with this. There are many theories regarding Tom, but many fail to recognize his strong ties to songs and music and the way he uses them. I consider this to be an important clue from Tolkien.

[@peterdyreng2155]

Manwe's song is most faithful to the theme of Iluvatar... Maia in service of Manwe?

[@celtictara29]

Tom Bombadil's one of my favorite Middle Earth characters. I haven't watched the full video yet, but I know you'll do him justice.

[@paddyDeeful]

the one thing that blew my mind when learning the lore is how in the first lord of the rings, the hobbits Tavel to the prancing pony from the shire feels like it all takes place in one night. Or when Gandalf leaves Frodo to go to the kingdom to research the ring. the movie makes it feel like he was gone only a few days. not months/years which it actually was.

[@RadicalCaveman]

Tom is unique in all the world. Not only did he never succumb to evil, he never even succumbed to sadness.

[@lolodrum3013]

I always considered Tom to be the human personification of Eru Ilúvatar on Arda. I like to imagine that an all powerful being like Eru would keep an eye on its creation through the eyes of an old bearded man wearing yellow boots x)

[@michaelcook6483]

100%

[@nightingalecat]

it also explains why the Ring doesn't work on him, and also why his powers are limited by the old forest. Eru's direct intervention into the world would cause mass destruction like in Numenor, so he limited himself in this little reservation of his. It is also significant that he lives near the "small of the world". That is the place where the God often can be found.

[@TimTimTomTom]

So I've thought about this a lot over the years. That was my initial conclusion, but it never felt quite right. If that were so, then why would he not understand the need to deal with the Ring? And if he were the human form of Eru, then nothing in Middle Earth could overpower him... so Celeborn's comments at the council would be null. I agree with the person above, who posted their theory that he's a being that arose from the Song of the Ainur, as was Ungoliant. It just fits so much better, in every way I can see.

[@davidfawcett3144]

Not Eru Iluvatar. Tom is the "current" incarnation of Aule. In a previous incarnation, Aule created the first Dwarves, in an attempt to match Eru's creation of the Elves and Men. The Valar saw that it was done in good intent, and allowed him to keep them in "cold storage", to bring to life at a later time. So Tom is effectively the Father of the Dwarves. But Tolkien does not use this connection in his stories.

[@Sskbreh]

Finally been waiting for this for a year. Asked you to make another video bout him and u did so thanks🫡🫡🤟

[@Volvith]

No matter who you are in life, how strong or weak, how tall or tiny, young, old or wise, there will always be one that deserves your respect. You don't have to understand why, or even who, all you have to know is you should to treat them with kindness. As if their very existence defines them as a father, caretaker and neighbor to all. A guiding hand in a twilit world. Because perspective paints you a bigger picture looking up than it does looking down. Tom Bombadil is a lesson for the lost and seeking, those adrift. A parting gift. What he is, quite clear. For Tom Bombadil is exactly what he needs to be, my dear.

[@joaoloureiro890]

One of that deserved a place on the movies. To me, Tom is the spirit of Middle Earth it self.

[@killermiller1980]

Love to hear a solid origin story. He's fascinating.

[@burundianfamily2982]

Yeah, I would have loved to see him but then again, I see why they didn't add him

[@tomorbataar5922]

I'm kinda glad he was not included, the whole passage of him is kinda jarring in the overall tone of the books.

[@TimTimTomTom]

@@tomorbataar5922 Lots of people say that, but I've never felt that way at all. It wouldn't really work in the flow of the films, though.

[@Bdog028]

Great character for the books. Not for the mainstream movies. If you know, you know. I like that.

[@PmatWolf]

Thankyou for covering this very important character he is so overlooked and so under appreciated.

[@teviston7288]

I just started a re-read of LotR and just read about Tom, this video is just what i needed.

[@Thedawntempest]

Tom Bombadil is my absolute favorite LOTR character. This was a great video

[@MrOskiee]

Tom Bombadil has always been one of my favorite characters to think about. The mystery surrounding him is intriguing. It's obvious we're not supposed to know who he is. But that's the fun, as readers we can speculate and imagine.

[@jbear3478]

I love how Gandalf is like no we can’t give it to this dude, he will totally lose it

[@kaisailor1]

Tom is Tolkeins Avatar. Tolkein created a place for himself in Middle-Earth. He's an NPC, who's not an NPC and he has his own perfect little place and life that's hidden from the rest of ME. To is definitely Tolkeins way of living in the world that he created, so that he could live on as long as his stories did... Only a great writer and story teller would think to do this in this manner. I've read a lot of famous writers in my lifetime. But I don't think there will ever be another like JRRT.

[@kathrynstansbury2349]

I have always loved Tom and was very excited to see how he would be portrayed in the films - I was very disappointed that he didn't make an appearence!! Brilliant analysis of Tom. Glad this came up on my feed.

[@Cazgratic]

Tom Bomba is the manifestation of Eru Illuvatar just enjoying his world he created for sure. 100% cannon can confirm lol.

[@FancyNoises]

Confirm how, when the author said otherwise? Manic episode? Orthomolecular psychiatry works for me

[@Cazgratic]

@@FancyNoises It’s a joke, but essentially I’ve always imagined Tom to be a version of Eru that truly wanted a merry place he could call home.

[@polishprince0405]

@@Cazgraticwhen I used to sit and think about it, I’d see him more like a “Gaia” type figure…but not a god, more like the “sentient spirit” of middle earth itself manifested and given form. This could give ego the living planet vibes 😂, but think more uniform to Tolkiens subdued power displays. A lot of his appearances or mentions come with verbiage relating to landscape/earth/etc…and it sort of explains that he “just is”

[@juanbolivar8327]

I cannot express how much I love this channel

[@orfeas8]

it keeps great company. I find myself watching passionately the videos of this channel, feeling like a small kid reading his favourite fairy-tales!

[@AsiniusNaso]

My favorite interpretation of Tom Bombadil is that he is a 'good' being of the void: a sort of opposite to the dark Ungoliant

[@leminjapan]

I still can't forgive him being cut from the movies. Excellent video!

[@jamesgordon364]

I feel he is an aspect Eru Ilúvatar. Or maybe he is the force of harmony created by the Valars chorus, similar to the discord that created the watcher in the water. J.R. Tolkiens child had a toy that was named Tom bombadil that matched his description, a father wove his child's friend into his own works.

[@AIPilot-Boda]

Have been a fan of the movies since they were released. Just started reading LOTR on January 1st and Tom Bombadil was one of the parts I had most looked forward to. Glad you released this video when you did as I had just read The Old Forest, In the House of Tom Bombadil and Fog on the Barrow Downs a couple days ago.

[@kendallsmith1458]

Boy are you in for some surprises!

[@Khaledmiri]

I really think that J.R.R Tolkien intended to leave Tom Bombadil hidden as a mystery, it is like an enigma in Ëa. It is a kind of pleasure for Tolkien himself, i believe he chose to keep some informations about his Fantasy world for himself, he's the creator and he does whatever he wants. Personally, Tom Bombadil must remain mysterious and i consider that as a magical touch of perfection for this magnificent fantasy world. Ps : A world can't be called a "world" without incomprehensible things.

[@ankh-ef-en-khonsu3274]

Yes, in one of Tolkien’s letters he explains Tom is intended as an enigma. There’s no right theory about him.

[@SaschaLeib]

Of all the characters in Tolkien's stories, it is Tom where I can most see the influence that the Kalevala had on his writing. Just think how Tom sings the Old Man Willow to sleep, just as Väinämöinen sings Joukahainen “into a mire”. Maybe from Tolkien's perspective, Tom's "ancientness" comes from most resembling these old poems and ancient magic.

[@herrdoctor2895]

The more I heard of Tom Bombadil's life, the more I think that he's Eru but created by Eru to be his representative

[@tombombadill22]

He is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit of the Blessed Trinity, the grace of God / Eru, the Secret Fire / Flame Imperishable that Gandalf goes to following the destruction of the One ring.

[@saysheate197]

This is my interpretation as well. I think Tom is the essence of Eru Ilúvatar

[@AJ21743]

...and what a glorious life Jolly Tom had. Bless his hearty soul.

[@orfeas8]

After watching this I think if I was one character in Middle Earth I would probably choose to be him. Man is carefree, warm and joyous and simply enjoys life. What a folk indeed

[@TheMarcHicks]

My head-canon still remains that Tom is an embodiment of The Discord, which helps me to explain all the things that were not specifically ceated by the Ainur-like The Nameless Things, Ungoliant & the creatures that would end up being Werewolves, Vampires & Dragons.

[@orfeas8]

yeah perhaps. This is an explanation for his origin. Just like Ungoliant's origin remains a complete mystery as well. Also the contrast between him and Ungoliant makes sense, one being the embodiment of darkness beating even the Valar skills and the other not being affected by evil at all. Also the idea of him being Eru Himself is very strong as he doesn't seem to have any resentment even for evil characters as all are his own creations in the end.

[@scottfitzpatrick1939]

Tolkien writes of such deep philosophical questions, good, evil, power, nature, love, friendship, corruption, creation, duty, heroism, among others. I think Tom was Tolkien's vision of someone who navigated all those things in a masterful way. Someone free of attatchment, who put all the world's wisdom together and practiced it creating a utopia he simply existed in. He was merry, full of life, generous, loving, surrounded by beautiy love growth and friendship. I imagine Tom as a daydream from a young Tolkien in the trenches of WWI.

[@Jebbtube]

Tom Bombadil is what happens when your DM throws a chaotic neutral NPC into your campaign to bail out your low level party.

[@ryorta]

I love to believe the urban legend that is the spirit of Profesor Tolkien wandering very happy in the lands of Middle Earth.

[@philipwest4553]

Sometimes it seems as if Tom is some kind of incarnation of Eru. So ancient, so undaunted, so untouched by Sauron' ring, he seems like a being completely beyond the ordinary cares of the world.

[@skunto]

unfortunately eru is the only person tom is confirmed not being

[@bitsandbobs3545]

The Glorfindel believed Tom could not resist Sauron in person, so he couldn't have been Eru. I believe he was a Maia gone wild.

[@TimTimTomTom]

@@bitsandbobs3545 But that wouldn't fit the "I was the first" part of the narrative at all. I think the correct theory was posted above...

[@IamHumble5D]

Thanks for being a Nerd! That was great!

[@tombombadill22]

Tom was not bound to the Old Forest / Barrow Downs. He was known far and wide over Middle-earth, as mentioned in the Council of Elrond. He was in that location at that point in time to ensure his encounter with the hobbits in order to assist in their completing their quest.

[@johndododoe1411]

Yet this is also the area where he met his wife. Seems very much his home that others visit as they move around the world. Sauron not knowing where the Shire is indicates that Sauron probably never visited the area in his travels, having used another path from Beleriand to Eregion.

[@tombombadill22]

@@johndododoe1411 Are you suggesting that Tom has lived there since the beginning of time? ... I don't believe so. Tolkien wrote the Tom Bombadil verse prior to 1934. Then, as with much of his legendarium, he subsequently expanded upon it. The version of Tom in the Lord of the Rings was greatly expanded upon during its writing between 1937-48. Therein he had travelled widely and his powers and enigmatic nature increased. If you look at the totality of what Tolkien wrote and said about him, then the Barrow Downs residency seems a relatively recent episode. Gandalf said he seemed to be bound to it, but he had only arrived in Middle-earth during the middle of the Third Age. He knew little of Tom's story. Elrond knew much more.

[@johndododoe1411]

@@tombombadill22 I'm going by having seen and heard no stories of Tom anywhere else, and how everything around him seems to keep its distance, including the barrow downs, the Shire and the road network. Also in earlier ages this would be closer to the middle of middle earth. Hobbits may have settled in the Shire because the area was protected by Tom's influence, unlike the wild shores of Anduin.

[@tombombadill22]

@@johndododoe1411 The hobbits are basically invisible to Sauron and the Ringwraiths whilst within the sphere of influence of Tom. Once again, this is a factor slowly developed by Tolkien and as seen in The History of Middle-earth drafts of TLOTR. Tolkien did not expand Tom’s presence in the greater legendarium apart from what he wrote therein. Though he did make him immortal and Eru-like. The Barrow Downs may have been his base, but there is no doubt in my mind that he travelled widely and was well known far and wide, by Elves, Dwarves, Northmen, etc., and not just in passing.

[@ianthomas1060]

A very beautiful thing to watch and listen to this was. Thank you. I'm intrigued by Toms character and more so his meaning. Thanks again.

[@jessealot]

Tom's pony at 7:24 is my new hair inspiration

[@orfeas8]

hahaha this is great! really fancy and whimsical!

[@bretthaeler8443]

I was in a Tolkien literature class once where one of the other students wrote a paper where he expressing his theory that Bombadil was the physical manifestation of time.

[@orfeas8]

very interesting idea, putting such things like universal forces into play.

[@ronandynan1228]

I know this is a sweeping statement but I think Tom in the coolest character in Tolkiens works. He’s just so mysterious and his unrelenting non caring-ness is so damn cool

[@tobsta30]

Tom is not just in Tolkiens work.👀 😘

[@ronandynan1228]

@@tobsta30 oh……what else is he in?

[@tobsta30]

@@ronandynan1228 He's had many names, Some say he is the eldest, well maybe on this planet. He saw the first rain drop and the first acorn. If you go outside to a quiet place, you may hear him singing. Never sing his song mind. Only if you need rescue he will come running. Old Tom Bomadil and the river Daughter.

[@moif]

Tom is who we all should be in this world, I think. That's my guy.

[@orfeas8]

Oh I sooo much agree mate! A fellow carefree, warm and joyous simply enjoying life. The best embodiment of simple life I have seen.

[@brianD7844]

Being a nerd saved my life.

[@opie2736]

So glad I found this channel!

[@JumpingTomato]

I see some people imagine Robin Williams play Tom.Bombadil. It might be good choice, but Williams did nit really have the build. A character like Brian Blessed does! He would have been perfect for the role. Thank you for this video! I really enjoyed it! I don't know if there enough information for a video, but if so I would love a video about Goldberry! Of all the women (of all races) in the LotR she is my favorite one!

[@NoOneInParticular94]

Brian Blessed. Absolutely.

[@SirGalahadCtny]

This was very lovely indeed. Thank you. I never heard any theory about Tom, but the moment you told me about his time of "origin" I would guess he could actually be "The One." Imagine, Eru Ilúvatar delegated most of the details of Arda to Ainar - is it very reasonable to assume, he decided to go inside incognito to enjoy his "children's" works first handed, right? As a proud father, he simply enjoys what they do and he does not judge - he attracts all life, yet all life obeys him. All nations know him as (yes) "the guy that was already here." And he kind of looks depicted as something between man, elf, dwarf and hobbit alike. He marry Goldberry, so he is no longer the "Alone". Makes perfect sense. He enjoys Arda, as a witness, but also guide those he find deserving - yet unaffected by other nation's quarrels. If I was God and created entire World - this is exactly how I would enjoy it - as a silent witness, immortal, always there, yet without desire to affect it further. My theory - Tom is Eru Ilúvatar's Arda's form.

[@justintrammell9109]

I am not sure if there is enough content but doing a video on farmer maggot and maybe the other lesser known Hobbits that helped frodo would be cool! Any hobbit who can tell a ring wraith off is worthy of lore!

[@corbinlowe5662]

Thanks to you, we are now all nerds of the rings.

[@harrisonreed8718]

Tom and Goldberry are obviously the same people as Daniel and Marty. They had to wait a long time and wade through nearly 100,000 years of inane dealings with Gandalf and hobbits, and later the construction of London, modernization, and the eventual exodus from Old Earth, just so they could go out in the Scattering and finalize Holzman's theories on tachyons ... Only to fail to capture Duncan's no-ship with The Net. Long live Eru, Illuvatar.

[@newtonthedirector]

I love the detail, that Tom looks like Peter Jackson in some of the illustrations. This adds a whole new touch to P J's work on the Trillogy...

[@TrueTempleDog]

Tom's existence brings up another mystery...Goldberry. Who IS she? 'The River Woman's daughter' doesn't cover it. Is she one of the first humans? Is she elven, or did she spring up from the creation of Arda itself, a beautiful 'accident' to mirror the horror of Ungoliant? If you can dig up enough lore for an episode, I'd like to know more about HER.

[@xina968]

That was excellent! Thanks for all of your great videos. I always learn something new 😊❤

[@Kanig94]

Tom Bombadil is the embodiment of that one lost sock in the corner of your room. You don't know where it came from, how long it has been there and how it came to be.

[@kendallsmith1458]

HA HA

[@orfeas8]

hahahaaha!!

[@rd6416]

I think Tom Bombadil was just Eru's own special creation, brought to life during the Song during the making of the world. Just because Tom existed in Middle Earth before the Valar arrived doesn't mean he existed before the Valar themselves. Not even the Valar and Maiar could perceive every facet of the Song of Creation. If the mischievous twinkle in Eru's eye was a person, it would be Tom Bombadil.

[@Caldera01]

Tom Bombadil is most certainly at least partially based on the character of Vaka Vanha Wäinämöinen. An ageless and timeless wizard, created by the very first Gods before anything else who would do his magic by song and poetry.

[@anttiturpeinen9457]

As a Finn I would not be so sure about connection to Väinämöinen... Maybe as it comes to being the "First". But other than Väinämöinen had also rather evil qualities. But yet, it may not be so far fetched. Tolkien was extremely interested in Kalevala. Turin Turambar is definately an another interpretation of Kalevala's Kullervo.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Tom Bombadil was inspired primarily from dutch doll Tolkien's child(ren) toyed with. The doll had a f feathered hat. One time they found it in the lavatory, being stuffed there by little John Tolkien, who perhaps didn't like it much.

[@mariopurisic5133]

My theory always was that Tom is "Father Time", and Goldberry is "Mother Nature"

[@orfeas8]

wow! Now that's a very interesting and unique idea! Didn't expect to come across one such as this.

[@serge8285]

Tom is an embodiment of the reader. Older than the world, unconcerned about the troubles of that world and just there for a good time.

[@kristijan8518]

I think Tom Bombadil is supposed to be a reference to Tolkien himself. He existed before middle earth, everyone obey him, the ring has no effect on him because he's above the powers.

[@orfeas8]

very interesting take!

[@brianp6682]

Bombadil is an anagram of “bad limbo” which infers he is from outside the cycle and likely there was a time before arda when it was just iluvatar and tom.

[@Ghi102]

I wonder if Tom Bombadil is like Ungoliant, a primordial being that existed before the Valar

[@orfeas8]

it is a theory yes. born out of the discord of the Valar and Eru against Melkor. It also makes sense since he is the contrast imo to Ungoliant which is the embodiment of darkness even the Valar cannot pierce, yet Tom is totally unfazed by evil.

[@DUNKIN_DEAN]

Thanks for this; you filled in some gaps in my Tolkien knowledge. 👍🏻

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

He saw the first raindrop and the first acorn? Imagine how trippy that would have been for him! 😂

[@GastenX]

I just read the books and I'm fairly sure that Tom mentions that his 'kingdom' used to be much larger but with the expansion of other races and war he now focuses on just his wee bit on land between the Old forest and the mountains.. or something similar.

[@09rishi]

Here after watching The Eldest episode of Ring of Power Season 2.

[@petemurphy7164]

Me too

[@connorsortland4335]

I think you should do a History of the Nadorin Elves, especially the Laquendi, the Galadhrim, and Silvan. I think it would be so interesting to know more about them and their interactions with the other Elves

[@thehamster7538]

2 theories from me 1. He is simply the earth embodied. 2. He is JRRT...

[@JasonCharlesMiller]

Thanks for this! Imagine if Tom was at The battle of the Morannon, jumping and skipping around, kicking orcs in the head while singing a merry tune.

[@matthewmortensen988]

Doesn’t Aragorn mention Bombadil as well when he meets the hobbits in Bree? I’ve always thought that was interesting.

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Brilliant video. We know it takes a lot of time and hard work to make these videos. So we always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.

[@anatolydyatlov963]

I believe that Tom is a representation of Arda itself, and his wife is Mother Nature. It would make sense - he was there before everything else and married Goldberry shortly after finding her, i.e. after nature started forming on Arda.

[@whoisyouranime]

I came to learn about Tom Bombadill after watching Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 4.

[@kryzieg]

9:49 This is why I think RoP is playing around with the Stranger being Gandalf... I pray they go the Blue Wizard route though 🙏🏼

[@rossginn5333]

can never resist a Tom Bombadil discussion!

[@IloveDAGAMEZ]

I somewhat feel like Tom is meant to represent 'Gaia' some ancient being that is basically the planet itself, basically the Gaia of Arda

[@orfeas8]

or maybe his wife is represented as ''Gaia''. Interesting thought you made by the way.