title: The Rings of Power Season 2’s Tom Bombadil: A Whimsical Tale Unraveled
date: March 15, 2023
author: By Anonymous

Thou hast been warned: The tale thou art about to partake in containeth spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 4, “Eldest.”

In the latest episode of The Ring of Power, the much-anticipated arrival of Tom Bombadil hath finally graced our screens in “Eldest” – leaving many a casual viewer with queries aplenty! What be the enigma that is Tom Bombadil, and doth his portrayal in The Rings of Power Season 2 align with the holy scripture of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original Lord of the Rings lore?

The Rings of Power Season 2’s Tom Bombadil, Expounded Upon

In Season 2, Episode 4 of The Rings of Power, Tom Bombadil doth emerge early on, as the Stranger fortuitously stumbles upon his abode in Rhûn. A place of solace for Tom, where he doth dwell whilst investigating the malevolence that hath transformed these once bountiful lands into a barren wasteland. Yet, in the current episode, Tom hath redirected his efforts towards preparing the Stranger for the imminent clash with Rhûn’s self-declared sovereign, the Dark Wizard. Though not one for combat, Tom comprehendeth full well the perils should the Dark Wizard and Sauron join forces, hence assuming the mantle of mentor to enlighten the Stranger on the arcane arts. And behold! The celestial bodies that guided the Stranger to Tom’s humble abode do affirm this divine appointment!

’Tis all well and good – but what, pray tell, is Tom Bombadil? A Wizard akin to the Stranger? An emissary of the heavenly Valar (as Sauron feigneth to be in Eregion)? Nay and nay. Indeed, Tom’s essence transcends these moldings, though he doth cloak his true nature in mystery. All he doth reveal is his title as “Eldest” – the oldest dweller in the realm of Middle-earth. Stars he doth deem as “newcomers,” recounting the advent of the first raindrop and acorn. Thus, with this knowledge – alongside Tom’s dominion over the great outdoors – one might surmise him to be an immortal steward of the natural world, if not nature incarnate. Yet, this epiphany is but a conjecture; for even Tolkien himself furnisheth naught in regards to Tom’s origin!

Doth Tom Bombadil Differ in Tolkien’s Scrolls?

Aye, Tom Bombadil doth assume a distinct visage within the annals of Tolkien’s creation. Indeed, The Rings of Power doth retain vestiges of Tom’s essence in semblance. Much like the show’s rendition, Tolkien’s Tom is an enigma of uncertain lineage who finds solace in song, exuding his command over nature through verse. He, too, exhibits a reluctance to partake in the conflict against Sauron. Similar to his on-screen counterpart, the Tom Bombadil of the tomes shuneth the path of the warrior (though he doth vanquish the Barrow-wights in The Fellowship of the Ring). It is not outlandish to envision Tolkien’s Tom taking notice of Rhûn’s withered landscapes as well.

Nevertheless, Tolkien doth not regale us with tales of Tom Bombadil departing his abode in the Old Forest, nor doth he portray Tom as displaying much care for matters beyond its confines (save for the Ents). Consequently, Tolkien’s Tom doth not merely remain on the periphery during the War of the Ring; he remaineth disinterested in its ramifications. He lacketh the vision to perceive its potential repercussions upon the woodlands he holds so dear! Hence, the portrayal of Tom as a sage guiding the Stranger in The Rings of Power doth stray from the whimsical spirit envisioned by Tolkien.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 doth presently grace the screens of Prime Video, with fresh episodes unfolding on Thursdays. Let us embark on this enchanting journey through Middle-earth once more!