[HairOfTheDog]

I think Bombadil is one of the old things of the earth... To paraphrase Ganddalf: "there are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the earth". In order for some of the ancient things to be foul, then perhaps some must be fair in comparison.

[Overtaxed]

But why does it seem that there are so many more fouler things?

[doubled]

Maybe we should approach Tom from another direction. If Goldberry is the Riverman's Daughter, who is the Riverman? My guess would be the Valar in charge of water(Oreme, I think, but I have no references here). That would make her at least of the Maiar. Therefore, Tom must be at that level , also. I have seen references to other stories of Tom Bombidil, a book or such, but I haven't read them so I don't know if they offer a clue.

[carton253]

I think the whole Bombadil and Goldberry chapters are a waste of paper and ink. Talk about going nowhere. It was during this chapter that I almost put the book down... But it was because I liked Pippin that I kept going. Good thing I did because when they get to Bree, the book takes off.

[Valpal1]

Somewhere, and I couldn't find it again, someone (Strider, Gandalf or Bilbo) tells Frodo that the firstborn (the elves) call him (Bombadil) Eldest, implying he was there before they awoke, and predates them.

[Miss Marple]

I have been reading this entire thread, including the information you brought over from the other side.

I want to thank you and the participants for a most enjoyable hour or so. I am currently re-reading the trilogy, but many, many things I didn't know about or notice have been discussed here. I don't know that I will be a regular participant, but I certainly will be a regular reader of this thread.

It is heartening to know that there are so many who love this book, and it is very nice on a rainy, chilly evening to read this discussion, which reminds me of friends chatting around a fire.

Thank you to all of you!