Malcolm Guite on Tom Bombadil

[Mithrandir]

Hello All,

I am not sure how many people are familiar with Malcolm Guite, or if he has been discussed on this forum before, but I discovered him recently and have been enchanted. He has many videos on Tolkien that I find very well thought out and insightful - not to mention a love of all the Inklings, pipes, and a good drink. I figured I would share the video on Tom Bombadil as a starting point - perhaps you will find yourself enjoying it as well.

I particularly like this observation on Tom's connection to poetry.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

I posted a couple of his a few years ago. Interesting guy -- though it seems he never learned how to pack a pipe. And that Zippo! My tongue recoils.

 

[Mithrandir]

ha! He actually uses a zippo made for pipes - I have one, and they actually work really well - the large hole in the center makes it so you can lay the zippo on it's side instead of dipping it, which prevents the problem of fluid leaking (the reason zippos are traditionally bad for pipes).

The packing I can't speak to, outside of one comment - all the talking would necessitate a constant re-lighting. Pipes are not an exercise in conversation after all.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

If you can hear the air going through it, it's too loose. And Zippo-type lighters transfer lighter fluid fumes right into your pipe. Yecch. 🤮

Here's an old thread you might find interesting. Or at least amusing. 😄

Is anyone a Pipe smoker?

I just started on Christmas. I have this awesome Wizard Pipe, and this sweet Vanilla Pipe Tobacco. I really do feel like an Inkling! How about thee? CL

thetolkien.forum

 

[Mithrandir]

They transfer fluid fumes because you have to dip the lighter - the pipe version makes it so you don't have to do that so the fumes don't go in to the pipe. If you ever have a chance to try it I recommend it - they work really well and solved the issue of using a zippo for a pipe.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

You mean the cylindrical kind, with a hole in the middle? My Dad had one -- No idea what happened to it. He quit smoking when I was born; he didn't want me to pick up any bad habits. Hah -- that didn't work out so well. 😄

I did inherit a nice two-pipe stand: brass anchor on a leather-covered base (he was in the Navy).

Anyway, I'm sticking with matches and butane.

By the way, here's where I posted a couple of videos from Malcolm:

Some Reflections Over a Pipe

I just stumbled over this, and thought some here might enjoy it:

thetolkien.forum

I should check in with the other guy, too.

 

[Mithrandir]

Yea, the image I showed above is literally a zippo made for pipes.

That stand sounds great.

Matches are great - but butane torches will burn your pipe weed my man! Soft flame is king with pipes.

Anyways, always happy to find another connoisseur of the pipe weed. I think I shall indulge in mine after I am done teaching this evening.

Cheers.