Review of "LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001) -- Extended Edition"

Lights Out Entertainment ^ | November 6th, 2002 | Brian Balchack

[tjg]

What's a valor?

[HairOfTheDog]

Festa I think meant to say Valar, meaning: The Powers...

The Valar were named, and Tom is not one of them, but it has been thought that Tom is one of the gifted spirits of Ilúvatar, or God, possibly akin to Maiar, the Wizards, and possibly something else altogether.

Valar: Encyclopedia of Arda (beware: Lots of information!)

I am content and can live with Tom being Tom. He is what he is... He is the Eldest, the Master!

Tolkien himself is uncharacteristically reticent on the question of Tom's identity:

"And even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)."
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, No 144, dated 1954

More on Tom Bombadil: Encyclopedia of Arda (good analysis of the common theories about Tom here)

[FreeTally]

WOW!!

Thanks for that link. like you said, much information.

These posts and threads are very insightful for the fans who do not have/cant find the time to sit down and read all of the other books and discussions. You guys do a good job.

[HairOfTheDog]

That Encyclopedia of Arda site is a fabulous resource. In there you can find the answer to life, the universe and everything! - At least everything Tolkien! ;~D

[tjg]

Tom Bombadil as an enigma actually explains a lot for me. I kept thinking that I had missed something, but if you veiw him as inexplicably what he is, the whole thing makes sense.

Thanks for your input.

[Mamzelle]

You got one of the plasma tvs? Wow! I got a monster 55 inch rear projection Mitsubishi. DH complains about the most expensive movie date of his life.

Your child's question was on the money. The Dark Lord and his ring had a complex relationship--I think the meeker creatures of MiddleEarth used the ring "according to their natures" and disappearing was a simple enough trick for them to use and understand.