Could Tom Bombadil's Nature Hint at the 🎶Music of the Ainur?

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

Everyone has theories on who Tom Bombadil could be. One of my favorites is the one I posed in the title: Could Tom Bombadil truly be the embodiment of the Music of the Ainur? The idea that Tom Bombadil is "oldest and fatherless" and is indicated with the name Iarwain Ben-Adar by the Elves meaning the same prompted this.
Additionally, during the Council of Elrond, I say

I think that in the end, if all else is conquered, Bombadil will fall, Last as he was First; and then Night will come.
- Glorfindel, The Council of Elrond

That could make sense falling in line with the Music of the Ainur theory.
On the converse, since no one truly knows the origins of Ungoliant, could she be an embodiment of the Discord of the Ainur?
Let me know your thoughts!

 

[Radaghast]

No. The Music of the Ainur manifested as all of creation itself, or at least the shaping of it. As for Tom Bombadil, Tolkien actually specified once that he is meant to represent the "the spirit of the (vanishing) Oxford and Berkshire countryside". Place names like Oxford and Berkshire have no meaning in Middle-earth, but that's kind of what Tom is: an incongruous enigma, someone perhaps out of time if not place; the Old Forest takes up the same area as Oxford and Berkshire, presumably.

As for Tom calling himself "oldest" it's my strong belief that this is a sly little "meta" in-joke of Tolkien's referring to the fact that Tom is the first of his characters to ever see print.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Everyone has theories on who Tom Bombadil could be

I've moved this to The Hall of Fire, where dwell the Tom Bombadil threads.

 

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

As for Tom calling himself "oldest" it's my strong belief that this is a sly little meta in-joke of Tolkien's referring to the fact that Tom is the first of his characters to ever see print.

Ah yes, the theory that Tom Bombadil = Tom Bombadil. 😂 It probably is the true theory, but this one blew my mind when I first heard it, so I "adopted" it.

I've moved this to The Hall of Fire, where dwell the Tom Bombadil threads.

Thank you, I wasn't quite sure where to put it as Tom Bombadil would certainly date back to the time of the Sil. 😅

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Members are encouraged to explore the various forums -- you never know what might turn up! 😄

 

[Ent]

To the original question: "

Could Tom Bombadil Be the Embodiment of the Music of the Ainur"​

I respond: "Of course he could" if one wants him to be, and puts together a corresponding 'explanation.'

He can be whatever anyone decides in their opinion he may represent. (Except Melkor high on the suds or something equally preposterous.)

I think if we read all Tolkien himself said about Bombadil and what he represents, we get closer to 'the truth'.
What is "the truth" ?? We don't know. Intentionally so..! Why? Tolkien said so.

Thus, Huorn has forever relegated Tom to the Great Halls of Speculation... forever there to remain.

This is uncomfortable for many, as the human species craves 'answers'...'finalizations'... 'no loose ends'. But Huorn has no problems with such things.

Huorn personally would 'reject' this particular idea, as from all we know from Tolkien's works, the Music has not yet "ever been sung aright." And if he's not mistaken, it is written at the end the race of men will also join in the singing when all is redone as it should be.

Since, therefore, the only "music" currently existing is tainted by Melkor's discord and that discord cannot be excised until all is sung aright (i.e. "made anew" or possilby "renewed") by Eru Himself through the new song, Bombadil CANNOT represent the music sung, as (it seems) Bombadil is not 'tainted'. (unless unabashed and unrestrained silliness is a form of 'tainting'.)

Bombadil MAY represent a forshadowing of what the 'creation' will look like in future, as close as tainted music can get... (which is why he will fail in the end, though that is spoken as 'speculation' not fact)...

But he cannot represent "perfected music" Huorn fears.

 

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

Thus, Huorn has forever relegated Tom to the Great Halls of Speculation... forever there to remain.

I think that sums up the Bombadil of the Tom very well.

Thank you for befitting us with your wise words, Huorn!

 

[Ent]

Ah, you are welcome, and thank you - but Huorn never considers his words 'wise'. Just his opinion. Though often expressed a bit too 'finally' so to speak.

Huorn is always open to being shown additional texts or alternative considerations for what few 'facts' or 'things' he may have at hand, adding to his knowledge and resulting in adjustment of whatever conclusion to his pondering he currently holds.

'Tis the priimary purpose of TTF for him..

 

[d4rk3lf]

If Tom is embodiment, then Ainurs were very high, when singing.

 

[Radaghast]

They had some of the same stuff as whoever wrote this:

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Isn't this the guy from star trek?

 

[Ent]

Isn't this the guy from star trek?

Yes indeed. And I'm SO sorry I saw it..!!

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Yes indeed. And I'm SO sorry I saw it..!!

Sheldon Cooper: this is preposterous!
*faints*

 

[Ent]

Is there any way I can "unsee" this??? Kind of dragged my view of one of the 'idols' of my later youth down a peg or twelve.

 

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

They had some of the same stuff as whoever wrote this:

Spock... buddy... what happened?!?!

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

What is wrong with you guys? It's a classic!

 

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

You-- you have seen this before? 😅 I am so sorry.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

And another classic from the Star Trek Ainur!

Not sure if it's about Goldberry -- or Elbereth. 🤔

 

[Glorfindel Goldtress]

Jimanwë, Sporomë... on the star ship Elentáriprise... Need I say more?

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

You-- you have seen this before?

Many times. In fact, my little brother had the original LP.

You'll find the video on a number of threads here, BTW -- it's a TTF favorite! 😁