Old Tom Bombadil! ( and my ‘Tolkien Pipe’)

I read to you from a first edition of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and smoke my ‘Tolkien Pipe’, which I bought in Oxford
If you like, you can encourage me with coffee and cake here: www.buymeacoffee.com/malcolmg...

[@BrutalHermit]

Coziest man on earth. The world would be a much better place if we all strived for this level of cozy.

[@Mistwalker67]

He's lovely and cozy isn't he

[@WBM219]

'If more people valued home above gold this world would be a merrier place' - Thorin Oakenshield

[@Stefan69whatever]

Living proof that the Shire is real.

[@Whitman1819]

It has a lot to do with the love of books. Something before the internet and before even television rotted our brains. We become what we study and love... Don't be afraid to be like this man for a future generation.

[@lindagbadamosi1622]

So there ARE still treasures to be found on KZbin - albeit rare. Thankyou for such a lovely reading 🙏😊

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome!

[@willsuttie3683]

I've been stuck in bed for two days, with the black dog at my door. I've had your videos on constantly, keeping it from coming in. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I know the black dog and if the little films help to keep him at bay then I am very glad of it

[@chance5745]

It might help to take the black dog out for a walk.

[@simonwilton3546]

Find someone in need.

[@billmcclean6986]

Get well soon

[@TheDennys21]

Jesus, what's wrong with you old boy?

[@usfaaartillerist]

You never get tired of 'Ol Tom because he is a merry old fellow.

[@Xerrand]

Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.

[@beerye9331]

Often to whistle be found, that merry fellow 😊@@Xerrand

[@jonjames7328]

I’m not a huge Tolkien follower but I’m hooked on Tom Bombardil. Anyone interested in his character could do worse than to examine the concept of the genius loci as a sort of gateway in to him.

[@DobbsyRCT]

Whisky, a pipe and Tolkien....what's not to love! A great reading, sir.

[@gcummings88]

I love the part at the end of the LotRs when Gandalf leaves the hobbits to go and see Tom Bombadil. He says, "I am going to have a long talk with Bombadil: such a talk as I have never had in all my time."

[@gommechops]

Can you imagine being a fly on the wall in that conversation ?

[@smegmaboy3196]

I imagine the hobbits’ visit to old Tom Bombadil’s house would’ve brought them the same comforts that your channel brings to all of us.

[@MikeRiley84]

I think he represents the idea that nature doesn't care about man's conflicts. He is unaffected by the ring's power, the war won't touch him until the very end when all else falls. When the battle ends, there might be bodies lying around... but there will be birds in the sky. Ants will still go about their business, life goes on. Here's a world at war, but over there on the horizon and out of harm's way... peace. Sam's song in the orc tower reflects on this idea too. Sitting in the dark, completely alone and surrounded by enemies, Sam took heart imagining how life is going on like normal back at home. Things are dark right here, right now... But it isn't like this everywhere.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes I agree with all of that

[@dark_SDKR]

and yet the Ents (which in a stretch could symbolise nature) become very interested in the affairs of middle earth once they realize the extent of Saruman's depravity. i think Tom operates on a level even beyond nature... he is an absolute law unto himself.

[@kemikemi756]

It is curious, specially given the fact that his name is reference to the Atom Bomb of the time [aTom Bombadil]

[@Whitman1819]

Thank You Malcolm! I raised my glass to you as you raised yours. 😁

[@anthonyhulse1248]

When I was a teen (back in the 70s) I couldn't stand Tom Bombadill. Now he is one of my favourite characters.

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

I also changed my mind about him. At university my English lit tutor said that TB was a character who benefitted from the bravery of others whilst refusing to help. However, after reading several articles I think his importance to the novel and what he represents is far deeper than that. I have read theories that he is one of the Valar as well.

[@OaksArmorial]

Why couldn’t you stand old Tom Bombadillo in the 70’s?

[@Eragon954]

Many years ago, I was put off from reading LoTR because of him. Now I see that not liking him was a sign that I was not ready for that story yet.

[@TruckinPiperBob]

I was exactly the same, I think this is because I didn’t understand the character when I was younger, as age and experience comes the understanding comes.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

He's grown on me a lot! He shows us how the Ring functions and the importance of not desiring power over others. The ring doesn't affect him, because he has no desire it can manipulate.

[@Jackdm2049]

What a blessing this channel popped up for me. Very comfy.

[@johnconstantine2754]

I see Tom B as "pre fallen" humanity. In the sense of, the way humans were created to be. No heavy burdens and not only having dominion over nature, but actively enjoying and participating in its stewardship.

[@borderlands6606]

I agree. He is inside the story we are invited to participate in, but beyond it, reminding us that all things shall pass.

[@multida]

Malcolm, I discovered your channel two days ago or so and it's quickly become one of my favourites. You cultivate a lovely atmosphere and have reinvigorated my interests in literature (and also pipes!) Thanks a lot. You're great.

[@marka9292]

Something in the algorithm something good for once

[@lookoutlinn]

The same with me! Just wonderful!

[@PeterTrapasso]

Me too! Love LotR. Thank you @KZbin algorithm.😅🪈🪄🧙🧙‍♂️🧙‍♂️

[@user-gy1pu3gq3d]

@@PeterTrapasso Same. KZbin is starting to understand what I like.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@ROC3478]

I liked this gentleman the moment I clapped eyes on him. The attire, the beard, the Peterson Churchwarden, the bookshelf full of Tolkien and Inkling books...but the "slainte" won me over completely. Liked and subscribed.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome!

[@evandempsey7613]

I think that Tom couldn't have been the Ring-bearer because he isn't a means to achieving the goal of saving the world from Sauron--rather, he _is_ the goal, in a sense. The freedom, beauty, innocence, simplicity, and pure goodness of the natural world, all of which he represents, are exactly what the War of the Ring was fought to protect. On a related note, Malcolm, I've been thinking a lot about the peril that our own natural world is in these days. Peace of mind can be hard to come by, but one thing that always lifts my spirits is reading (or listening to) Gandalf's famous words of comfort and perseverance, about deciding what to do with the time that is given us. I'm not sure if you've already read to us from that passage, perhaps before I found your channel, but if you ever have the chance to give it another look, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on it.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes, I agree in a way Tom Bombadil is the goal - and yes, it might be good to look out that Gandalf passage and read it some time

[@evandempsey7613]

@@MalcolmGuitespell Great! Looking forward to listening to it, and to whatever else you see fit to read in the meantime.

[@dr.kenschmidt5726]

Tree and Leaf! I thoroughly enjoyed that little text. Leaf by Niggle holds a particularly fond memory. I sat in the backyard of my dear old cousin’s home overlooking the river Taw in Barnstaple. An American visiting Barnstaple in the early 80s, I fell in love with my ancestral home. I read that text while sipping a glass of my cousin’s homemade dandelion wine and having my pipe. It was a warm, lazy afternoon. I had no idea of the power of the wine and dozed off dreaming of Leaf by Niggle. Seriously, that happened! Truly a hobbit’s holiday of sorts.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

what a wonderful recollection!

[@aurelialeaena]

Thank you so much for sharing your absolutely elvish artisianship and knowledge with us all. Your recitiations & reflections have absolutely brought these works to life for me.

[@saxoncrow2500]

I absolutely love that we knock on the door and get invited in to your little world. Old school magic.

[@kalebhopewilcom8876]

The study of tolkiens work from start to finish in your own way would be a FANTASTIC series I would greatly enjoy.

[@jpwinn1511]

I have only just discovered this channel and I’m making my way through all the past videos and enjoying every second. I have never known such warm, welcoming and thought provoking videos. All the best from the heart of Yorkshire and thank you for the lovely content.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks, always happy to have greetings from Yorkshire as my father was a Yorkshireman

[@Phantasm1978]

❤

[@maryhaddock9145]

Marvellous! I live and work in a forest and think about Old Tom a lot every day and often feel akin to him in some ways (or like to). My name is Mary Haddock but really it's Meriadoc and I have a churchwarden just like yours. I painted a citadel miniature of Tom and Goldberry a couple of years ago and they have pride of place on my dressing table in my little house in the woods. I shall try to get hold of the same version as your book.

[@doorntreader7624]

I always leave your library feeling refreshed and invigorated: thank you.

[@_Conzo_]

Such a tonic for a world-weary soul this channel is. I'm reminded of Wordsworth, in this case to your videos 'I will oft repair, and thence will drink, as at a fountain'.

[@Tenshihan-Quinn]

It is impossible to not love this man immediately upon sight, you can read his friendly demeanor from across the room with his inviting attitude, ...he reads beautifully with a gentle voice, ...and reveals heartfelt emotion with every sentence. Integrity & Wisdom are a rare match nowadays, ...but it's honestly so wonderfully inspiring to be able to visit with you each day, Sir! Hearing you read Tolkien, specifically about Tom, whom I wrote the other day - that you remind me of - is so amazing, THANK YOU! Sláinte/Cheers from across the Pond in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! ~Michael

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

You are most kind!

[@thepipersmantel]

I wish Peter Jackson had included Tom Bombadil in "The Fellowship of the Ring", if only in the extended edition.

[@kevfullo]

I was gutted in the Cinema when I realised there was no Tom. I imagined Tom Baker playing him.

[@unclebounce1495]

Peter Jackson did those books no justice. He just had a limitless budget and a great cast and supporting staff. he was pretty detrimental to tolkien's works and ignorant of them, too, imo. but because his name is on the director role of a mega-budget motion picture with a bunch of great actors doing what they do best... he steals the credit. Shame. It could have been much more than a fantasy war movie with short people and pointy eared people.

[@TheHangedMan]

I agree with cutting Tom out of the movie, because they had to make Fellowship into one film, and stuff had to go - the extended edition was too long to release already! But films for theaters and books for firesides are very different media. I love good ol' Tom.

[@Cosper79]

I was also fine with them omitting Tom, (I think what we got in respect to the films is the closest anyone could have gotten at that time) though I would have also been happy if they had filmed hours and hours more of that particular adaptation.

[@DafyddBrooks]

Only discovered you 2 days ago and now I either want you to be my father or grandfather :) Thank you for doing these videos :)

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@hobbitonpiper]

Yes, so interesting, “And even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally).” Now if only I could find a proper pair of yellow boots… :)

[@bambino198532]

I'm new here as well and I must say I enjoy listening to you speak!

[@bizzybone5022]

This Jack Blacks greatest character... You're killing it Jack!

[@jasonrhodes5023]

I love Tom Bobadillo! I noticed your copy of Sigurd and Gudrun as well. One of my favorites.

[@mattgreenwood827]

I have only just found Malcolm’s channel. In 24 hours I have watched more videos on his channel than any other I am subscribed to. So glad I have found the channel.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@mattgreenwood827]

Thank you Malcolm, I am in my year of personal discernment before starting hopefully my official journey towards Ordination.

[@thesoultransferprotocol721]

I must admit. I checked-out this exact copy (1969) out of my public library in 1981 when I was a wee fellow. I became enchanted by Tolkien at 5 years of age. This copy had a special lure, that being Tolkien and published in the year of my birth. Some how I never returned it. It sits among my Tolkien collection in my study to this very day. I still find it funny. Thank you so much Malcom.

[@stevenkimsey7039]

Thank you again for a very nice informative video. I watch all of your vids. I only hope that one day you might offer your comments about George McDonald Fraser and his series of historical fiction books that are just a hoot! Tom Brown's Schooldays updated with Flashman as the lovable rogue. A wonderful trip through the English empire's 19th century 🍻👍

[@aletheuo475]

I've got to say, I always find Tom's to be one of the most moving passages in the Lord of the Rings, not for any drama or pathos, but the pure goodness of it. The thought of having a good talk with Tom Bombadil like Gandalf does, to hear his tales of the ways of trees or the flowing of water seems to me utter bliss. I always think of him when among the willows and clear chalk streams of Hampshire. 恭禧發財 Happy Year of the Dragon!

[@demotivater]

It appears I'm not alone in having discovered this channel within the past week. The algorithm knows great minds think alike. Wonderful channel, enjoying it greatly!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@QHarefield]

Thank you, Malcolm. Great stuff! I too, was 12 in 1962, and I also love Pauline Baynes' drawings, and Tom, and, of course, those marvellous poems.

[@sectureverothoughtcriminal7734]

I read the entire Hobbit, Lord of the Rings during the Summer of 1980. Them Found other Tolkien writtings. Great story telling.

[@meorgegoran]

I think my favourite poem from that collection is Bombadiil Goes Boating, where Tom meets Farmer Maggot, and the talk of the Black Riders and the Dunedain. "When others went to bed, in hay, fern or feather, close in the inglenook they laid their heads together, old Tom and Muddy-feet, swapping all the tidings from Barrow-downs to Tower Hills: of walkings and of ridings; of wheat-ear and barley-corn, of sowing and of reaping; queer tales from Bree, and talk at smithy, mill, and cheaping; rumours in whispering trees, south-wind in the larches, tall Watchers by the Ford, Shadows on the marches." It's such a wholesome bunch of poems, but that bit always gave me the creeps: because I knew the context of their conversation from Lord of the Rings. I love it!

[@cohcam2113]

He called his drink lunch. I love it. I wish I enjoyed drinking sometimes lol.

[@edenoftheworld1090]

having drink as a non-temptation is an absolute blessing my friend. cherish it.

[@cohcam2113]

@@edenoftheworld1090 alcohol always makes me feel sick. I wish I could enjoy it.

[@Greencurry15]

He actually said sláinte which is cheers in Irish haha

[@grufff6350]

Loving the videos! Also super jealous of your amazing study! :)

[@jeffreylc]

“its lunch”. I almost spit out my coffee when Malcom said that. Cheers mate!

[@sto3359]

I have grown to love Tom, in fact he is most probably my favourite character followed closely by Gandalf.

[@lucabrasi5070]

I always loved his character. So very powerful, yet so merry and good. Ancient and wise.

[@Mezcon2]

Ive been a LOTR fan all my life and I never knew such a book existed. What great treasure. I feel like I could spend a whole day there head deep in a good book, and spend hours talking middle earth lore with a good pipe. Sounds great.

[@olepops5021]

He has a unique mastery of meter. You always read so beautifully. Thanks for sharing.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@CarlSanford76]

I'm so happy I discovered this channel.

[@orionfoote2890]

Wonderful rhythms in the verse - it’s so musical to listen to - I can just imagine him listening to some Mozart on the gramophone while he was writing.

[@NicolasRSparrow]

Thank you for diving into some Tolkien items. I just finished The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

[@SavageHenry777]

I feel this one deeply, the Bombadil sequence and more broadly Tolkien's descriptions of the Old Forest and other landscapes are probably my favorite bits of LotR.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

The start to when they get to Bree are the best chapters in the whole of LOTR

[@PeterAthawes]

"They stole quietly out of the house" ahhhhh. I completely agree and yet can't quite pinpoint why. I find the FOTR absolutely gripping, start to finish but particularly up to Weathertop. I adore the whole trilogy but much prefer FOTR and don't seem to tire of it. I know that it is not everyone's cup of tea but I love Phil Dragash's audio rendition and listen to it every day during my commute. I do wish Peter Jackson had further extended his extended edition and padded out certain areas - dinner at Farmer Maggot's, the black riders' attack on Crickhollow, dear Bombadil, the warg attack on the fellowship (can't believe this was omitted!!). Yet, of course I am asking for far too much and I suppose it is rather lovely to use one's own imagination!

[@TruckinPiperBob]

Good morning definitely shouldn’t have been left out of the films, like others have put when I was younger in the 80s I didn’t understand the character, it takes time and age to understand who and what he is. Ah glenfarclas one of my favourites with a pipe just lovely

[@tombadil64]

Thanks again for existing my friend! You're the best!

[@amplified486]

My best friend is 25 and I'm 31. Over the last two years we've both dove into the beauty of pipes and exploring different flavors. Tolkien is also my favorite author.

[@voice-of-the-flame]

Same here, im 27 and I started smoking a pipe recently as well. Trying the different flavors and enjoying different stories. It's nice to see more young people are of like mind.

[@user-zf8hw2nz2e]

This channel makes me so happy! Thank you sir.🙏

[@halloweennerd4076]

That was wonderful. 👍I always wanted to see Tom Bombadil in a movie even if it was animated. He's such an interesting character and it's a beautiful little part in LotRs.

[@JTHX-1138]

I took tons of literature classes and this guy reminds me so much of all my favorite professors. The man seems passionate about his books and I am all in.

[@ticoalochancho]

Beautiful edition! Pauline Baynes illustrations unite the images of Tolkien and Lewis and allow those very different worlds to meet and mingle so well.

[@PiperX1X]

Good morning Malcolm and hello from a wet soggy North Yorkshire. Great Sunday morning chat with my first pipe of the day along with a cup of coffee with a drop of scotch in it to fire up the engine. Enjoy your Sunday and I could listen to you all day my friend.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks, yes I too sometimes like a little drop of whisky in the coffee!

[@wesleywarsmith1113]

Tom is in a way my favorite character. Very jolly yet mysterious.

[@Lionheart_89]

This guy is one clever man… a person to read this many books nos everything.. love it

[@Viragoh-]

Thank you for these wonderful and insightful videos! My wife is currently making a Tom Bombadil doll so he can fill our lives with joy everyday!

[@davelightman]

Very good indeed. Thanks Malcolm. I completely understand why Brian Sibley, and Bakshi, and Jackson, all omitted Bombadil - but there is certainly something about that diversion that adds to the "sense of place", as you say. I'm planning a re-read of LOTR soon, and it will be interesting to revisit him. By the way - perhaps the Lay of Beren & Luthien next? Keep up the great work, my friend.

[@carlarthur4442]

Really lovely listening to your readings , takes you to another place away from the worlds troubles , A Far away place of rhythm and rhyme a magical kingdom another place in time .

[@Mateo-ov7xx]

I love your tolkien videos

[@zhartheProprietor]

Always loved old Tom, and a lovely reading as always. Thank you

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

Malcolm, you channel is a delight indeed.

[@OldNickHindle]

Thank you for sharing some pleasant contemplations and readings Malcolm. I agree it's a shame Tom and Goldberry weren't included in the radio series or the film versions. I was delighted to get my copy of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil" from the Tolkien museum at Sarehole Mill in Birmingham, UK. Well worth a visit folks if you can 👍

[@ERIKsPG]

I doubt I will live to this age or have grandchildren, but if I do and the world hasn't ended, I aspire to be this kind of grandfather for my grandchildren. Someone who will sit them down and read to them with good humor and the unassuming beauty and mystique to be found in being a well spoken old man. Also definitely the pipe smoking.

[@jabthejedi]

What a great little channel. I've been a Tolkien fan since childhood. Thank you algorithm.

[@anyakukureka3595]

That was a delightful visit, thank you! I love how you said: 'the magic of language & the magic of landscape have become one person'. Lovely! He's incorruptible by the Ring. Innocent. The spirit of unfallen Nature itself. :)

[@Barefoot-Jaycee]

Wonderful! No more scrolling for me tonight, found my stop. I was never close to my grandfather, I imagine these "chats" are as good as a substitute as any.

[@hardusdeklerk8993]

Thank you for great video, Sir. Greetings from South Africa.

[@kearnsey64]

Outstanding!

[@Razured]

Always so relaxing listening to his stories. Thank you :)

[@robbieweld7928]

Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo! Just reminded me of tolkien ensemble's Tom Bombadil's song. Very cosy looking study, perfect for reading in. Great video!

[@JohnCantey]

Just beautiful. Thank you professor Guite. I have started to read LOTR to my daughters at night with prayer time. As for me. A slow Saturday start with dishes an old Peterson from my dad and savinelli janus. Cut with a bit of LQ1 for the family. Happy piping from across the pond!

[@marcspade_pipes]

Thank you for sharing with us, good sir. An absolute treasure.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Severius84]

I love that book. It's been a favorite since I first read it as a kid. I can hear the poems like songs as I read them. The words flow and sound so perfectly. Some of my favorite poems are in this book.

[@Inkdipper]

So happy to have found your channel. Thank you for being you

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Morning 😊 Awesome Video👌🏽 Always a pleasure to hear from you 🤗 Thanks for sharing Tom with us 👏🏼👏🏼 Have a great weekend & Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@HammerandPipe]

I love these videos I really do. I love the feeling I get when Im listening. Like a personal conversation with a great man. I have been binge watching these videos since the Jason Patrick upload. Thank for doing these my friend.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you like them!

[@sundaychillfirnament6579]

Exactly!! Tom is the most enigmatic figure aloof of the story yet as simple as the inherent goodness of nature. Very beautiful poems and i really love the drawings. Never knew this existed as i knew tom only from the lotr books. I will look into narnia as wel never read that

[@cheerfulbombadil8052]

Another wonderful video, Malcolm! Guess you could say this one spoke to me a bit. Will never get tired of your commentary. God bless you!

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Wonderful, thank you Malcolm for your insight and reading.

[@CroninMusicLtd]

Lovely. Thank you.

[@dalepiper6693]

Tom Bombadil is a wonderful creation..cheers and happy smokes

[@donmountains]

I get a great sense of warmth from you. Something of a warm grandfather. Something I never had much of in my life. Thank you.

[@gommechops]

Wonderful, one of my favourites parts of the book. I love that whole sense of the landscape being only just tame in the crossing of Buckleberry Ferry. That atmosphere grabs me somehow more deeply than many other parts of the tale. Incredible skill.

[@whitehair8824]

Thank you for shining some well needed light on us all .

[@ravnodinson]

Your knowledge and presentation are quite energetic and enjoyable.

[@jayceg.9180]

Thank you for being you Mr. Guite.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@bluestonecottage642]

This was so lovely! Thank you for opening your home and your books to share

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

You are so welcome!

[@Jesusisthelordandsavior]

Imagine a nice life after living a nice comfortable life in italy starting a family and then sitting down reading tolkien with a pipe in a comfy red arm chair thats the kind of life i want to live

[@EDungarian]

Thanks for sharing! I love your videos and style, good sir!

[@TheBigDuece]

Malcolm, Ever so good to see you again as well. Thank you for sharing as always. I really enjoy you so much and want you to know what a wonderful time I have with your readings and conversations. Be well, James Smith

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks James

[@tom13stone59]

Thank you for doing this! Absolute pleasure to watch and listen to you.

[@PintsWithAquinas]

Love your channel, Malcolm.

[@toddventure]

Love collecting pipes. A good read, a good pipe and a pint....or coffee. 😊 Just received that same Tom Bombadil book. ❤

[@miguelpena5112]

Thank you for sharing your "world" and words, its so good and relaxing to listen to you read and enjoing your pipe and malte. I Imagine you to be the kind of teacher that stay in your memorie forever. You also remind me of my father with all his books and pipes, he was the one who persuade us (brothers and sisters) to read LOTR. And i did, 17\18 years old, many details of the english language i did and still dont understand, im portuguese (excuse me for all the gramma mistakes...) But i loved it! You make me travel to those times, thank you.

[@jono8884]

So glad I stumbled on you Malcolm....too bad there is not smellovision....would love to get a whiff of your tobacco pipe infused study. Are you familiar with Ralfy of the whisky reviews? He lives on the Isle of Man.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

no not heard of him, I'll check him out