To: Bear_in_RoseBear
Iarwain Ben Adar?
He's an interesting figure in Tolkien's work.
He's important to the first book, and at the end of the last book when Gandalf 'vacations' with him.
In the first book, he 'tricks around' with the ring, and it doesn't do anything to him. And he can see Frodo while Frodo is wearing it.
Frodo asks him, "Who are you, master?"
He answers, "Eh? Who are you when you are alone, yourself, and nameless?"
He gives them good advice, but they get into trouble with the Barrowight anyway.
And Tom shows up to save them there, then gives them their swords from the barrow hoard.
He sits inside self-imposed borders which he doesn't go outside of.
Tolkien doesn't say who what or where he comes from, so it's speculation as to his kind.
I'm guessing that he's a Maiar or a Vala that stayed there in eastlands (As opposed to going and staying at Valinor).
But if he was a Maia, he'd have to be far stronger than Sauron.
Sauron's origin was as a Maiar of Aule, so it's more likely then that Tom would be a Vala.
Or something else entirely?
Tolkien's unfinished works mention some things and allude to ideas he never fleshed out.
He also wrote the book, "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil" (Title?) and Smith of Wooten Major. (Farmer Giles of Ham..)
Which I haven't read yet.
Having to dig into deep memory here, since it's been awhile since my last read through of Silmarillion and Lost Tales.
44,826 posted on
11/24/2003 2:26:49 PM PST by
Darksheare
("I'm not scary, but I play it on TV!")
To: Darksheare
I just wondered... your remarks about bouncing through and being a thread wanderer made me think of Bombadil... but I didn't know if you'd be comfortable with the comparison. ;)
To: Darksheare
I lean toward the thought that Tom is one of the Vala. Partially because of the ring having no affect on him. But, also because of his mastery over all the things in middle earth.
Also, keep in mind from the Silmarillion the Girdle of Melian. That is the most mindful thing of Tom and his realm. Of course I realize that she was a Maia also, but I can also come to terms with different Maia having differing amounts of power. After all, we have a power structure given as to which of the Valar are more powerful and which are weaker. And each of the Valar had power over different areas. Maybe Maia are the same way and Bombadil is more powerful than Sauron in that manner.
I still think more that he's of the Valar. I wonder if he could be an as yet unnamed Vala. Judging from the numbers who came from the presence of Iluvatar to Middle Earth I think there could have been many more than just 14 Vala. Ummm... .. I dunno, 14 Vala and all the rest Maia doesn't sound right to me.
Oh, last thing of reasons I think Tom is Vala. He doesn't get involved in the affairs of the ring. I think if he were in any way and equal of Sauron that he would involve himself. I know, there are a number of explanations about that but, seems to me he was a major player in the singing of things into existance. And he knew the ending. So, he knew he needn't worry.
Mind rambling over. 2 cents paid.
44,834 posted on
11/24/2003 2:55:33 PM PST by
Wneighbor
(Thorlo Sock company is American and supports US Troops!!!!)
To: Darksheare; Bear_in_RoseBear
I'm guessing that he's a Maiar or a Vala that stayed there in eastlands (As opposed to going and staying at Valinor). But if he was a Maia, he'd have to be far stronger than Sauron. Sauron's origin was as a Maiar of Aule, so it's more likely then that Tom would be a Vala. Back when the Daily Tolkien articles were being posted there was one speculating about the identity of Tom Bombadil. The author made a pretty convincing case that Tom is actually Aule.
I'll rummage around and see if I can find the article.....
44,858 posted on
11/24/2003 5:14:41 PM PST by
ksen
(HHD)
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