Ludological Alchemy: The Hypothesis - A Random Encounter with Tom Bombadil

Dearest listener,

Here we present to a special episode. Normally, we limit such special episodes to paid subscribers, but we enjoyed this discussion so much we wanted to share it with everyone. Please enjoy and if you’re so compelled, put a few goldberries in our yellow hat.

TOM BOMBADIL.

Merry old Tom is a denizen of the Old Forest, northeast of the Shire in Tolkien’s Middle Earth. He’s an odd character, seeming unlike the elves and powers of the world. Even Elrond’s council discusses Tom’s queer nature and what use he could be in the quest to destroy the Ring of Power. In fact, he’s such an odd duck, Peter Jackson omitted his appearance entirely from his translation of the books to the screen. 

Luke recently reread the Lord of the Rings and found in them a new appreciation (and fear) of Tom Bombadil. Christopher and Sam were eager to discuss the old soul’s true nature, so we thought we would include you all in the discussion.

What you think of Bombadil? Do you love him? Hate him? Fear him? How about random encounters? Love them? Hate them? Fear them? Let us know by commenting on our Substack!