[ksen]

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.....

[Wneighbor]

The author made a pretty convincing case that Tom is actually Aule.

I have that article in my office if you want.

[Sam Cree]

Isn't Tolkien in print saying that Tom was the spirit of the Oxfordshire countryside?

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

I'll rummage around and see if I can find the article

Here it is!

While the article is an interesting read, I don't think Tolkien ever intended that Tom was really Aule!

[Wneighbor]

That article is like 7 pages long. Are you sure you want to post it?

[Darksheare]

Finally got to, and read through, the link you mentioned.
*chuckle*
Yes, it would seem that "Old Tom" might be Aule.
And that would be an enigma as Tolkien had intended it to be.
(Especially since everyone assumed that the Valar did not come to middle earth anymore, yet it appeared in one or more instances and allusions that they did. Gandalf's "There are other powers at work..." comment on Caradhras.)

Hmm..
Interesting.