Why Is Tom Bombadil Not Known As An Allegory

J.R.R. Tolkien has claimed numerous times that The Lord of The Rings and his fantasy in general was not intended as an allegory for Christian theology. In a letter to a Jesuit friend, he stated that while not originally intended to be a religious and Catholic work, it was most definitely intended to be so in the revision. He has even gone so far as to say that the reason that he has not put in any reference to religious practices in his imaginary world is because “the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism” (Letter to Robert Murray, S.J., 1953). With this understanding, we move forward in confusion as there are many aspects of the story that do not make much sense without being viewed through the lens of biblical myth.

In Tolkien’s own words, “even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)” The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, No. 144, 1954). While this may be a satisfactory explanation to divert the questions of the average reader, when viewed from the perspective of a theologian, it does not quite cover the issue. There is no real reason for the existence of the character of Tom Bombadil, or at least for his enigmatic nature, if not meant as an allegory for the intervention of a higher power. Within Tolkien’s work, Tom Bombadil is the prevailing mystery. While most everything else about Middle Earth is described to us in painstaking detail, Tom remains an enigmatic figure which Tolkien had little interest in ever defining. We have next to no clues as to Tom’s fate or origin, what kind of being he is, or even for what purpose he exists within Tolkien’s breadth of work. As such, this paper will serve to show that while Tom Bombadil may not be a direct allegory for God, he is an allegory for divine

The Hobbits first meet Tom after they fall asleep in the Old Forest and Old Man Willow attempts to entrap them all, succeeding in entrapping Pippin and nearly imprisoning Merry as well. The following morning, as they are attempting to free Pippin, for if they could not, they would be unable to continue their quest, Tom appears from nowhere and rapidly defeats Old Man Willow with strange magical abilities. After this, Tom speaks with them and sends them back on their way, but does not get involved himself, nor does he exact any revenge. The magic he employs was never introduced and is never touched upon again in the story. The only explanation that we receive is that he is the Eldest, and that he has always existed. Perhaps his powers are some ancient forgotten magic, but regardless the similarities of a magical figure appearing at random after an imprisonment at night and saving the “heroes” of the story to set them on their quest again is undeniable. In addition, much like the angels, Tom is a light in the darkness: an unexpected ally that the hobbits rely on to continue their adventure. Finally, Tom comes to their aid once more after Frodo recites the rhyme that he taught them, thereby making Tom an answer to prayer as