Who is Tolkien's 'Tom Bombadil'?
Who is Tolkien's 'Tom Bombadil'?
Is the Mysterious Bombadil 'God Incarnate'? An Angel? An Ageless Adam?
Recently, Amazonās tv series, Rings of Power, released photos of Tom Bombadil on their set. Tolkienās mysterious character was left out of Peter Jacksonās trilogy and so this is the first time he will show up on a major production involving Middle Earth and The Lord of the Rings.
So who exactly is Bombadil and why does he matter? In my latest video (Part 1), I explore Tolkienās theology behind Tom and some of the texts associated with him in the novel. Although some writers want to say that he is āGod incarnateā of Middle Earth (and a case can be made!), Tolkien seems to shoot down that idea with one of his letters, and so I make another proposal in this presentation.
Next week, I will release Part 2 version of this video only for paid subscribers on Tom Bombadilās Hobbits and The Harrowing of Hell (one of my favorite topics to research).
Also, you may like to explore more of my articles and videos on the Harrowing of Hell below. (Some of them are free while others are paid):
I jotted down a quote I read once which I appreciated, but have since lost the source:
"Tom Bombadil represents the āotherā to me. A type of Adam who instead of being tempted into sin by the snake just laughed at his words and chased him away with a stick and a song about silly serpents. In the midst of a very otherwise dualistic, good vs. evil plot, he is the third way. He puts the entire struggle into context, framing up the seemingly pointless battle for temporary power as entirely dismissible. He maintains his kingdom not with a sword, but with a song."