In general, it is considered as accepted the theory that Tom is one of the Ainur, angelic beings who shaped the earth. In fact, Robert Foster's The Complete Guide to Middle-earth describes him as "a Maia 'gone native'".

What race is Bombadil?

Robert Foster, author of an early guide to Middle-earth, suggested in 1978 that Bombadil is one of the Maiar, angelic beings sent from Valinor. The Tolkien scholar and philosopher Gene Hargrove argued in Mythlore in 1986 that Tolkien understood who Bombadil is, but purposefully made him enigmatic.

Is Tom Bombadil a Maiar or Valar?

The most common theory is, therefore, that Bombadil is just a "rogue" Maia who perhaps stayed behind and did not follow the other Ainur at the Breaking of the World. In contrast to the seven Valar, the Maiar are an unknown number, so it's easy to associate Tom with them.

Was Tom Bombadil an elf?

Tom Bombadil Is One Of The Ainur

Some of the Ainur befriended elves in the distant past, and took physical forms in order to approach the children of Eru. Since Tom Bombadil's power is restricted to the Old Forest, he could be a Valar, as both possess influence over aspects of nature.

Is Tom Bombadil A Maya?

The "Valaquenta" makes this clear: "Their number is not known to the Elves, and few have names in any of the tongues of the Children of Iluvatar". Thus, while Bombadil is not named in The Silmarillion and is not similar to any of the Maiar described there, that in no way proves he was not one of them.

The Life of Tom Bombadil | Tolkien Explained

What kind of creature was Tom Bombadil?

Even Tolkien said little about the mystery behind the character, stating that some things must remain mysterious in any narrative, "especially if an explanation really exists." In general, it is considered as accepted the theory that Tom is one of the Ainur, angelic beings who shaped the earth.

Is Tom Bombadil an istari?

Some have theorized that Bombadil was a member of the Istari, powerful angelic beings, but his behavior and choices also make that idea unlikely. Other readers wonder if Bombadil might have been one of the Ainur. Ainur are best understood as descendants of the gods and consist of Valar and Maiar.

Is Tom Bombadil more powerful than Galadriel?

More powerful than Gandalf and more ancient than Galadriel, Tom Bombadil is actually Lord of the Rings' most powerful being.

Is Tom Bombadil more powerful than Sauron?

Perhaps the most far-fetched theory yet states that Tom is not really the jolly old being we see, but in fact, something eviler, and much more powerful, than Sauron and many other characters.

Who is more powerful Gandalf or Tom Bombadil?

As Johnston summarizes: What we know about Bombadil is that he is a powerful and ancient being, older than Gandalf and older than the elves, and he has no interest in “trinkets” that are used to dominate others. Although he is aware of evil, he has no fear of it.

Why is Tom Bombadil so powerful?

Many Lord of the Rings fans also say Tom Bombadil is actually the most powerful character in all of Middle Earth, due to his apparent immortality, ability to completely resist the Ring, power over his domain, and knowledge that comes from living since the beginning of time.

Is Tom Bombadil the same as Radagast?

For one thing, Gandalf tells us there are only five wizards in Middle Earth: the Brown Wizard, Radagast, who is definitely not Tom; Saruman the White who shows up elsewhere in Lord of the Rings; the two Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando, who went into the east and have not been heard from again; and, of course, Gandalf ...

Is Tom Bombadil a beorn?

Initially, when looking at Beorn and Tom Bombadil, it is easy to see their differences. Beorn is a man, while Bombadil is not. Beorn is physically a very imposing figure, whereas Bombadil is comical in his appearance. Bombadil is married to Goldberry, and this marriage is a very important aspect of his existence.

Why not give the ring to Tom Bombadil?

The Ring cannot effect Tom Bombadil because he is outside the whole issue of Power and Domination; Tolkien uses Tom as an allegory that even this intense struggle between "good and evil" is only part of the whole picture of existence.

What elven race is galadriel?

Galadriel is of the Noldor, and her mother was of the highest race, the Vanyar; Celeborn was a Sindaran elf from Doriath, so between the two, the rulers of Lórien have the most impressive bloodlines.

Are Tom Bombadil's boots yellow?

Tom Bombadil:

Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None has ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master: His songs are the stronger songs, and his feet are faster.

What would happen to Tom Bombadil if Sauron won?

Although Tom would fall if the Dark Lord wins ("Nothing would be left for him in the world of Sauron," Ibid.), he would probably be "the Last as he was the First" (Rings, 1:279).

Can Tom Bombadil resist the Ring?

Tolkien intentionally left him undefined. Tom seemed to be completely "inert" to the ring. It doesn't turn him invisible or tempt him in the slightest. We can't know why, because we don't know what Bombadil actually is.

Is Tom Bombadil the Witch King?

But there's actually a long-standing fan theory of the original books, which, if true, quietly means Tom Bombadil was in the movies all along — in his true form as the Witch-king of the Nazgûl. The twist seems outlandish, especially considering Bombadil's overtly benevolent nature in Tolkien's work.

Who can defeat a balrog?

Gandalf the Grey fought the Balrog, allowing the Fellowship to escape Moria.

Who is stronger Tom Bombadil or Sauron?

Tom Bombadil's strength lies not in physical prowess but in his unwavering goodness and connection to nature. He is a creature of immense antiquity, predating even the likes of Sauron. His power is unobtrusive, but it distinguishes Tolkien's understanding of strength versus might.

Who is the most powerful character in Tolkien?

Is Tom Bombadil a canon?

As only The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and The Road Goes Ever On were published during Tolkien's lifetime, some argue only those works should be considered "true" canon with respect to Tolkien's publication history.

Is Tom Bombadil older than Treebeard?

So, of course, Treebeard would be older than him.

What is the rhyme for Tom Bombadil?

Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo! By water, wood and hill, by the reed and willow, By fire, sun and moon, harken now and hear us! Come, Tom Bombadil, for our need is near us!