Who or what is Tom Bombadil the master of?

Question

In LOTR, Tom Bombadil describes himself as "the master" but the whole text makes me unsure of what or who he is the master of. Some references make him the master of the Old Forest but when Tom spoke of his relationship to the Forest, I recall him inferring he wasn't its master per se.

Who/what do you think he is the master of?

Answer 1

Tom Bombadil is the master of HIMSELF. that's why when he puts on the Ring of Power, nothing happens. He's Master of HIMSELF, so Sauron has no sway over him. And Elrond speaks sort of demeaning of him, i can't remember his exact words, but he's like, 'let's not give Tom the Ring, he'd just lose it..." or maybe that was Gandalf... But I think he's just jealous, because Tom is his own Master and isn't subservient to the sway of Sauron.

In relation to the Old Forest issue: I suppose he probably has some power over the Old Forest, because he is master over himself and has no cause to be afraid, so the Forest listens to and obeys him to some degree... I always thought he treats the Old Forest rather like a dog....but that would make him the 'master' of it, but, as you said, not the 'master per se,' because he doesn't have dominance over it, just persuades it to behave, like any human can do to a dog.

I don't think Tom's an elemental, or anything like that, and I'm not even sure what Tolkien was trying to say by him... but he's still a cool character. He feels like he's just sort of 'there,' to help the Hobbits and be ther when they need him, like a Hollywood shortcut, "oh, isn't that convenient? I'll just whistle up O'l Tom to solve all our problems!" I rather think Tolkien meant more than that.... but then again...?

Answer 2

He is the master of his domain, and all things therein. It is implied later in the book that he personally chose the borders of his domain, and could have taken more if he chose. But Bombadil was not a man who sought after power, so he did not seek to enslave others.

Answer 3

I think it says in the book "wood, water, and hill", but I could be wrong. Probably a reference to the old forest, but like everything else about Bombadil it is debatable. Everyone wonders what he is, what about his wife, what is she?

Answer 4

Nature and earth, I think.

With no desire for any thing or to control any person or thing, maybe he's simply master of himself. Likewise, things have no control over him (e.g., the Ring doesn't make him invisible).

Tolkien kept him a mystery, but what Gandalf calls him means "oldest and fatherless," which could be seen as a suggestion that he's a Vala or Maia.

Answer 5

"'Fair lady!' said Frodo again after a while. "Tell me, if my asking does not seem foolish, who is Tom Bombadil?'
'He is,' said Goldberry, staying her swift movements and smiling.
Frodo looked at her questioningly. 'He is, as you have seen him,' she said in answer to his look. 'He is the Master of wood, water, and hill.'"


For some extensive (and fascinating) speculation, please see link 2

Answer 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Bombadil

Does this help?