LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: In the House of Tom Bombadil

So, I've finally been introduced to the famous Tom Bombadil. I, of course, had heard of Tom Bombadil and what a well loved character he and his significant other, Goldberry are. People were initially disappointed that they weren't in the film (because up to this point the Peter Jackson and crew decided to cut out anything remotely happy or hopeful), yet somehow it would have been hard to fit them in, with timing constraints and story flow to consider. Yet, now reading the chapter, I find them both to be endearing characters and they represent one of the most important virtues that is seen frequently throughout British literature. 

The English know how to write a good fantasy, but even more, they understand the importance of hospitality to both friends and strangers. From the Beaver's Dam in Narnia to the Weasley's home in Harry Potter, hospitality frequents some of the best literature. To give shelter and aid to travelers and protection to the unwanted, hospitality and the opening upon one's home is a virtue that tends to get overlooked among the other virtues of courage, wisdom and love.

Tom Bombadil not only rescued the hobbits from...whatever was trying to eat the...he brings them into his home as if they were his oldest and dearest friend. Goldberry is called a river-daughter, which is another term for a nymph. She is gentle, sweet and very motherly toward the hobbits. There is clearly a great deal of love and affection between Tom and Goldberry and that translates into their happy home. Tom Bombadil is an immortal spirit of sorts, probably akin to a shapeshifter that was present before the creation of Middle-Earth. He possesses lively wit, but also great wisdom and concern. When presented with the Ring, he shuns it showing no desire for its power. 

While reading this chapter, I saw a several parallels between Tom Bombadil and Melchizedek from the Old Testament. Melchizedek was a priest and the king of Salem who gave aid to Abraham (who was Abram at the time) and his men. He then proceeds to bless Abram. It is a belief that Melchizedek may have been Jesus in one of his Old Testament forms. All these forms Jesus took gave protection and wisdom to those that needed it. And like Tom, Jesus was present before Creation. I know it's somewhat of a stretch, but something about Tom and his hospitality seems to to correlate with the generosity of Melchizedek. 

This was a very sweet chapter and I'm somewhat disappointed that both Tom and Goldberry weren't in the film. I think having Tom and his wisdom would have been very beneficial for the hobbits, however, it was portrayed very strongly in Elrond, also a master of hospitality. While Tom and Goldberry may have seemed somewhat out of place, sometimes you need those unexpected characters that just give you rest and reassurance for the journey your on. 

Heidi's Questions: 

• Have you read either of the Bombadil poems (i.e. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil or Bombadil Goes Boating)?

No, but I'll have to look them up.

• As y'all know, there are zillions of Tolkien pages and threads and deep rabbit holes on the internet, but I highly recommend you skim through the Wikipedia page here on Bombadil. It's very interesting, a quick read, and pulls everything together really clearly and succinctly. At one point, Tolkien wrote that he did not think Tom was improved by philosophizing, saying at another time (one of my favorite quotes), "even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)." Do you agree?

I would truly agree that Tom Bombadil is an enigma, a mystery. He's up for any variety of interpretations.