Part 6/8:

Tom Bombadil is a character that has intrigued readers since his first appearance. He is uniquely immune to the effects of the One Ring, and his nature remains an enigma within Tolkien’s work. Tolkien himself acknowledged that Tom Bombadil is intentionally mysterious and suggested that even Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity in Tolkien’s mythology, had not revealed certain secrets to the Valar, hinting that Bombadil embodies a complex being unlike any other.

His immunity to the Ring and knowledge of deeper prophecies make him a fascinating subject for speculation. While some theories propose that he may be an avatar of a divine being, Tolkien’s letters clarify that this is not the case. The questions surrounding his origins and nature continue to evoke curiosity among fans.