Tom Bombadil – A Primer

​For those of you who aren’t Tolkien nuts, a quick primer about Tom Bombadil may be in order. Essentially, Tom Bombadil is the most enigmatic character in the Tolkien Legendarium, jumping from a series of short stories into the Lord of The Rings lock, stocking, and yellow boots.

Both Gandalf and Tolkien himself were mystified as to the true origin and nature of Tom Bombadil. 

Thus, every year we throw a party where we drink and geek-out with fan theories and, of course, copious amounts of mead.

It’s also important to note that we have a standard order of precedent for canon, which is as follows:

1. The Fellowship of the Ring
2. The Return of the King
3. The Two Towers
4. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (Tales from the Perilous Realm)
5. The Silmarillion
6. Unfinished Tales
7. The Histories of Middle Earth
8. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
9. Video Games and Films

Note: While it might be contentious to place Tales from the Perilous Realm above the Silmarillion for canon, we believe that it represents a better exploration of Tom as a character, whereas the Silmarillion is obviously the trump text for the whole Legendarium.

So, come one, come all,
Fear no alder black!
Heed no hoary willow!
Fear neither root nor bough!
We’ll be waiting for you!