Abstract
Tom Bombadil, with his iconic singing―”Hey! Come merry doll! Derry doll and merry-o!―has captivated scholars worldwide, due to the enigmatic nature Tolkien intentionally left unexplained. This deliberate mystery has fuelled extensive debate, leading many to explore possible mythological and cultural frameworks that might decode Bombadil’s origins. Among these hypotheses, a Celtic interpretation has often been dismissed despite its potential relevance. This paper, thereby, seeks to analyse Bombadil’s function within the Old Forest and his interactions with the hobbits during their forest episode, presenting fresh insights into his role as a Celtic-inspired guide and druidic figure.
To support this analysis, primary sources such as The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (1962), The Mabinogion, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (2014) have been pivotal. These texts offer valuable insights into Bombadil’s narrative significance and his potential ties to Celtic mythos and provide a foundation for understanding Bombadil’s unique characteristics, including his profound connection to the natural world and his role as a protector and guide for mortal beings.
While Tolkien never explicitly defined Bombadil’s nature, and evidence of direct Celtic influence is limited, this analysis argues that both Bombadil characteristics and his setting in the Old Forest suggest strong parallels with Celtic traditions. By exploring these connections, this study aims to highlight Bombadil’s narrative significance and his potential as a symbol of harmony and guidance deeply rooted in mythological and cultural archetypes.
Recommended Citation
Ramos, Noelia
(2024)
"He Is the Master of Wood, Water, and Hill: Is Tom Bombadil the True Key Keeper of the Old Forest?,"
Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 20:
Iss.
2, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol20/iss2/8
Included in
Celtic Studies Commons, Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons, Literature in English, Anglophone outside British Isles and North America Commons, Literature in English, British Isles Commons, Medieval Studies Commons, Modern Literature Commons, Other Classics Commons
