An Analysis of the Character of Tom Bombadil in Lord of the Rings, a Novel by J. R. R. Tolkien Essay

Who or what is Tom Bombadil? Is he a fairy, leprechaun, sprite, or some other of theLittle Peoplemany of us have heard stories of when we were children? Could Tom Bombadil possibly be an embodiment of various gods from different myths? Can the simple remark by Goldberry, He is.(Tolkien, Lord 135) tell the reader that Tom is not an entity to be analyzed, but rather just a character to enjoy for simply who he is. In this essay, I will attempt to find who or what Tom Bombadil is by analyzing four possible beings he may be. Before Tom can be properly analyzed, we must first define who Tom is and his significance to J.R.R. Tolkien. Within the Tolkien household Tom Bombadil was originally a Dutch doll belonging to one of Tolkien's children (Carpenter 162). Tolkien later wrote a poem about him called "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil," published in Oxford Magazine in 1934, long before the writing of the Lord of the Rings began (Hargrove). In reading The Adventures of Tom Bombadil the reader doesnt get much insight into Tom is, rather the reader gets to see an inkling of Toms ability to interact with nature. The two beings that will be looked at for the possibilities in finding who or what Tom are will be Iluvatar and a Valar. Iluvatar, also known as Eru, is the Creator of Middle-Earth (Tyler 162). The Valar the guardians of the worldwere the beings that helped shape Middle-Earth with their music(Tyler 502-505). The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, is the first place that Tom can be identified as more than a character in a poem. When Frodo and his companions are brought to the house of Tom they are introduced to Goldberry, Frodo asks her Fair Lady, tell me if my asking does not seem foolish, who is Tom Bombadil?(Tolkien, The Lord 135). Goldberrys reply of He is.(Tolkien, The...

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