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There is one major, major problem with this interpretation. He states over and over again that no hobbit has ever seen Tom Bombadil. But that's not true. At
by qap 11y ago
There is one major, major problem with this interpretation. He states over and over again that no hobbit has ever seen Tom Bombadil. But that's not true. At least one other hobbit has been described as knowing Bombadil--that is Farmer Maggot (the one Frodo used to steal mushrooms from). Let me quote from the story: "[Bombadil] made no secret that he owed his recent knowledge largely to Farmer Maggot, whom he seemed to regard as a person of more importance than they had imagined. 'There's earth under his old feet, and clay on his finger; wisdom in his bones, and both his eyses are open'" said Tom.
Later, it is mentioned that Bombadil already had messages from Gildor that Frodo & co were going through the forest.
I think the reason that Bombadil his hardly ever mentioned is the taboo which Hobbits have of going on adventures. If they talked about their adventures in the forest, meeting with magical folk like Bombadil, they would lose respectability.
- anp 11y agoThis is addressed in the article: "Now, in his conversation with Frodo, Bombadil implies (but avoids directly stating) that he had heard of their coming from Farmer Maggot and from Gildor’s elves (both of whom Frodo had recently described). But that also makes no sense. Maggot lives west of the Brandywine, remained there when Frodo left, and never even knew that Frodo would be leaving the Shire. And if Elrond knows nothing of Bombadil, how can he be a friend of Gildor’s? What do we know about Tom Bombadil? He lies." The only word we have is Bombadil's. Not that I buy this interpretation, but your complaint is addressed there.
- rossdavidh 11y agoBut, the Hobbits did have rhymes about Tom Bombadil, so someone among the Hobbits knew about him. Not that it really detracts from the article, he was just having a bit of fun.