The character of Tom Bombadil in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings stands as a fascinating enigma, eliciting both adoration and bewilderment from readers. His whimsical demeanor, punctuated by cheerful rhymes and an apparent detachment from the looming darkness of Sauron, creates a stark contrast to the prevailing tone of Middle-earth’s struggle. This unique character, who treats the One Ring as a mere “game” and remains unaffected by its power, has become a focal point for debate.
Aspects of Bombadil’s characterization as mirrored in Rings of Power and his place above and beyond the narrative contribute to a sense of otherworldliness. This has fueled speculation that he is more than a simple inhabitant of the forest, prompting many to ponder if he embodies a higher, perhaps even divine, power.
Tom Bombadil Resists The One Ring Better Than Almost Any Other Lord Of The Rings Character
Bombadil Is Not Even Slightly Tempted By The One Ring
Characters react differently to the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings. Tom Bombadil appears completely unaffected, which is a unique case. Others felt the Ring’s pull but handled it in various ways. Sam resisted easily. Galadriel and Gandalf struggled more, with Gandalf’s strong reaction to Frodo hinting at a particularly difficult internal fight. For Aragorn, Gimli, and others, it’s unclear. They showed no obvious signs of wanting the Ring, but the books don’t reveal their inner thoughts. They might not have been tempted at all, or they might have resisted without showing it.
Firstly, Tom Bombadil seems to be able to see Frodo while he is wearing the ring:
“Hey! Come Frodo, there! Where be you a-going? Old Tom Bombadil’s not as blind as that yet. Take off your golden ring! Your hand’s more fair without it. Come back! Leave your game and sit down beside me!”
via The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Not only are the ring’s effects not perceived by Tom, but he reduces the ring to a “game”, just one example of the character seeming to be above and beyond conflicts of Middle Earth such as the War of the Ring. Further, when Tom himself puts on the ring, it does not turn him invisible – not only thing, but he makes the ring disappear with a magic trick, emphasizing him not really taking it seriously. Gandalf says as much when he explains to Frodo that this is why he should not be entrusted with the One Ring, despite his indifference.
Tom Bombadil’s Reaction To The Ring Makes Me Believe The Theory That He’s Actually God
Bombadil Predates Both Creation And The Whole Story
A contentious issue among The Lord of the Rings theories about Tom Bombadil is whether or not he is God. Certainly, in a letter, J.R.R. Tolkien has referred to The Lord of the Rings in particular as a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work” (Tolkien Gateway). Conversely, Tolkien famously disliked and distrusted allegory and, despite his warm friendship with his peer C.S. Lewis, did not agree with his using Aslan as an allegory for Jesus Christ in The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis’ approach to religious allegory was heavy-handed, if charming.
This being said, some readers find it doubtful that Tolkien did not draw the exact same parallel with the character of Tom Bombadil. Bombadil states, “Eldest, that’s what I am,” and he is also referred to as “fatherless”. He is so old that he “remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn,” implying he predates creation itself. It is true that in other letters, Tolkien has discussed the origins of Tom Bombadil in his earlier poetry and that he is the spirit of the Oxford and Berkshire countryside. This makes him at the very least a Pagan nature spirit.
All The Other Signs That Tom Bombadil Is LOTR’s God
The Theory Is Compelling, But He Is Probably More Of A Land Spirit
Tolkien, in Letter 144, termed Bombadil a narratively “unimportant” comment, seemingly aligning him with enduring nature, beyond Middle-earth’s conflicts. Yet, Gandalf’s pre-departure visit to Tom before leaving for The Lord of the Rings’ Undying Lands, citing “much to say” and calling Tom a “moss gatherer,” contradicts this. This highlights Tom’s detachment from time and conflict, his union with nature, and his integral role in Gandalf’s closure, suggesting a narrative importance Tolkien downplayed.
His role as a force of balance […] suggests a being operating outside the conventional moral framework of Middle-earth…
Tom Bombadil’s enigmatic nature has sparked considerable debate, with interpretations ranging from a powerful nature spirit to an avatar of Eru Ilúvatar. While Tolkien explicitly denied Bombadil’s divine status, the character’s unique attributes – his indifference to the Ring’s power, his detachment from the overarching conflict, and Goldberry’s simple yet profound declaration, “He is” – invite speculation. His role as a force of balance, exemplified by his interaction with Old Man Willow, suggests a being operating outside the conventional moral framework of Middle-earth. Some argue that these qualities hint at a deeper, perhaps intentionally veiled, divine significance.
However, Tolkien consistently describes Bombadil as separate from Eru Ilúvatar. Gandalf’s ᴀssessment of Bombadil’s inability to comprehend the Ring’s importance underscores his unique perspective, akin to Treebeard’s neutral stance in the wider conflict. Textual evidence emphasizes Bombadil’s connection to the natural world, a force of balance rather than divine intervention. While acknowledging the potential for authorial evolution, respecting Tolkien’s stated intentions, as supported by his extensive writings, remains paramount. The weight of textual and authorial evidence leans towards his role as a powerful, ancient nature spirit, existing outside the typical dicH๏τomies in The Lord of the Rings.
