Tom Bombadil: A Character of Purpose and Importance

The question of Tom Bombadil’s role in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has long been a matter of debate. Some have suggested that he could have been a character initially intended for a different story but not fully realized. However, a deeper look into Tolkien’s intentions and words reveal that Tom Bombadil was explicitly placed in the narrative for a series of significant reasons.

Tom Bombadil: Not an Error

Those who argue that Tom Bombadil was a forgotten or neglected character in the story often point to pieces of evidence suggesting that he might have been an afterthought. However, any well-read understanding of The Lord of the Rings reveals that this is not the case. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s own letters, he clearly states that Tom Bombadil is not simply an afterthought; rather, he is purposefully included for a specific role in the narrative.

Contrast to Sauron

One of the primary reasons for Tom Bombadil’s inclusion in the story is to serve as a direct contrast to Sauron. While Sauron is self-serving and seeks absolute power and control, Tom Bombadil is content to simply be. Sauron craves dominion over lands that do not belong to him, while Tom Bombadil respects boundaries and individual autonomy. This relationship between Sauron and Tom Bombadil provides rich thematic material, underscoring the importance of contentment, peace, and the balance between control and self-determination.

Beyond a Battle of Wills

Tolkien himself provides insight into the deeper meaning behind Tom Bombadil’s inclusion. In Letter 76 to Mrs. Michigan, written in April 1954, Tolkien explains:

"Tom Bombadil is not an important person – to the narrative. I suppose he has some importance as a 'comment'. I mean I do not really write like that: he is just an invention who first appeared in the Oxford Magazine about 1933 and he represents something that I feel important though I would not be prepared to analyze the feeling precisely."

Here, Tolkien clarifies that Tom Bombadil serves as a philosophical and thematic element, representing a form of pacifist philosophy. The idea that Tom Bombadil represents is the essence of a vow of poverty and renunciation of control. This viewpoint is particularly poignant in the context of war, emphasizing the value of peace and contentment over domination and conflict.

War and Peace: A Balance for Humankind

Tolkien’s message about Tom Bombadil extends beyond the mere contrast with Sauron. It reflects a broader human condition, where peace and contentment must be balanced with the need to stand against aggression. As Tolkien notes in his letters:

"But the view of Rivendell seems to be that it is an excellent thing to have represented but that there are in fact things with which it cannot cope and upon which its existence nonetheless depends. Ultimately only the victory of the West will allow Bombadil to continue or even to survive."

This passage suggests that while peace and contentment are critical, they must exist within a context where humans are prepared to defend themselves when necessary. This duality underscores the complexity of human existence, where one must often stand up against oppression while maintaining a peaceful ideal.

Further Insights

In Letter 19, Tolkien even considers the possibility of Tom Bombadil as a hero:

"Do you think Tom Bombadil the spirit of the vanishing Oxford and Berkshire countryside could be made into the hero of a story?"

This question reveals the deep connection that Tolkien had with the character of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien believed that Tom Bombadil represented something significant about the spirit of the land and a desire for harmony, even if such a character might not be a traditional hero.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tom Bombadil was not a forgotten or neglected character in The Lord of the Rings. He was a carefully crafted representation of contentment, peace, and the renunciation of control. His inclusion in the narrative serves to offer a profound philosophical commentary on the human condition, reminding us that while peace is often the ideal, preparedness for conflict is also necessary.

Ultimately, Tom Bombadil stands as a symbol of a vision that Tolkien believed was important to convey to his readers. As we read The Lord of the Rings, we are invited to reflect on the balance between peace and readiness, and the enduring value of contentment, even in the face of tyranny and oppression.