The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power offers a deeper view into Middle-earth’s ancient history. This series takes viewers back to a time of great danger when Sauron rises to power. Men, Elves, and Dwarves must unite to protect their world.
Key characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, like Galadriel (played by Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (portrayed by Robert Aramayo), are central to the unfolding conflict. Fans who are familiar with Tolkien’s writings will recognize many characters, even before they appear on screen.
In Season 2, The Rings of Power introduces Tom Bombadil, played by Rory Kinnear. This character brings one of Middle-earth’s biggest mysteries to life.
Tom Bombadil: A Character Shrouded in Mystery
Tom Bombadil’s live-action debut in Rings of Power brings a long-discussed character into the spotlight. Tom Bombadil is a figure from Tolkien’s world whose origins and nature have been subjects of much debate. He is described as an ancient being whose powers are not entirely understood.
One of his most unique abilities is resisting the power of the One Ring. With so little known about him, some fans have speculated that he could be evil. However, his portrayal in the series challenges this notion. His inclusion in the show allows viewers to show a longstanding mystery and gain some insights into how he fits into Middle-earth.
Tom Bombadil’s Debut in The Rings of Power
In Season 2, Episode 4, titled “Eldest,” Tom Bombadil makes his first appearance. The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) stumbles upon his home during his travels. The Stranger, along with his Harfoot friends Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards), has been showing the Lands of Rhûn.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
The series ties Bombadil to this region, adding another layer of intrigue. After being separated by the Stranger’s uncontrollable use of magic, Nori and Poppy go on their own adventure, while the Stranger encounters Bombadil.
Bombadil lives under the constellation the Stranger has been searching for since arriving in Middle-earth. Though he initially appears to be an ordinary man, Bombadil soon reveals he is much more. Despite his simple appearance, he performs remarkable acts.
When the Stranger is trapped by the trunk of Old Man Ironwood, Bombadil helps him by speaking to the tree and calming it down. This act shows Bombadil’s respect for all living things and his abilities with nature.
Understanding Tom Bombadil’s Nature
Tom Bombadil’s introduction does not fully explain his nature or origins. He lives a cozy life in a hut and denies having any other company despite speaking with a woman named Goldberry, who joins him in song. Bombadil is known for his songs and rhymes, often mumbling them under his breath.
He claims to remember times before the stars, rivers, and trees, yet he does not categorize himself as an Elf, Man, or Wizard. Instead, he refers to himself as “Eldest.”
The series reveals little about Bombadil’s past or his connection to Rhûn. He mentions that his name comes from the people of Withywindle, a river located far from Rhûn. This adds to his mysterious nature. His statements provide hints about his character but leave many questions unanswered.
Tom Bombadil’s Knowledge and Predictions
Even from his brief role in the series, it is clear that Tom Bombadil has a deep understanding of Middle-earth. He mentions knowing the Dark Wizard, another of the five Istar.
This Dark Wizard had a journey similar to the Stranger’s and later took over Rhûn. Bombadil suggests that this Dark Wizard might seek an alliance with Sauron, which could pose a threat to all of Middle-earth. This hint reveals that Bombadil is aware of significant events beyond his immediate surroundings.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Despite his knowledge and abilities, Bombadil does not intervene in the Dark Wizard’s plans. He describes himself as a wanderer rather than a warrior. However, he hints that the Stranger will face both the Dark Wizard and Sauron. This suggestion implies that Bombadil may have the ability to foresee future events.
Comparing The Rings of Power’s Tom Bombadil to Tolkien’s Original
Tom Bombadil’s portrayal in Rings of Power differs from his depiction in Tolkien’s works. In the books, Bombadil is known for his distinctive way of speaking in rhymes, such as calling himself “a merry fellow! Bright Blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow!”
He often speaks in the third person and has a whimsical nature. The series incorporates some of these traits but with modifications.
Bombadil wears a blue coat and yellow boots, but the colors are toned down compared to the books. He sings rhymes and speaks in the third person, though these moments are less pronounced than in Tolkien’s descriptions.
The character’s whimsical nature in Tolkien’s writings is inspired by a toy that belonged to his son. Bombadil stands out in Middle-earth for his unique characteristics and his role as an outlier in the epic story.
In both versions, Bombadil refers to himself as “Eldest” and claims to have witnessed the earliest events in Middle-earth, making him one of the oldest beings in the world.
Tom Bombadil’s Role in Tolkien’s Universe
Tom Bombadil’s role in Tolkien’s universe has been the subject of much discussion. In The Fellowship of the Ring, he helps Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin when they are trapped by Old Man Willow in the Old Forest. Bombadil rescues them with his voice and teaches Frodo a magic song to defeat the Barrow-wights.
His resistance to the One Ring is particularly intriguing. Unlike others, he is not affected by the Ring’s power. He can see Frodo even when he wears the Ring and does not disappear when he tries it on. This unique ability makes him one of the most powerful beings in Middle-earth.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Tom Bombadil’s presence in the story prompts discussions about the One Ring and its potential bearers. Gandalf, who knows Bombadil, dismisses the idea of giving him the Ring, believing Bombadil might forget its significance. Despite his resistance to the Ring, Gandalf thinks it would not be a practical choice for its safekeeping.
Tom Bombadil also appears in The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, a collection of verses and poems featuring hobbits. These stories include adventures with his wife, Goldberry, and various encounters.
While these tales are entertaining, they do not provide much additional insight into Bombadil’s character. They are considered legends told by hobbits and do not fit into the main timeline of Middle-earth.
Future Possibilities for Tom Bombadil in The Rings of Power
Tom Bombadil’s role in The Rings of Power is far from finished. His appearance in Season 2 sets the stage for him to assist the Stranger in mastering his magical abilities. There is much potential for showing Bombadil’s character further, including his connection to the One Ring.
With the Ring yet to be forged in the series, there is an opportunity to explain why Bombadil can resist its power. The series could also goes into his relationship with Elrond, who is familiar with him by the Third Age, though they are not shown to be near each other in the current storyline.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
The Rings of Power has the freedom to expand on Tom Bombadil’s character since this is his first live-action portrayal. The series could reveal more about his mysterious nature while incorporating some of his memorable rhymes. Fans can look forward to more insights into this excellent character as the show progresses.
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power streams exclusively on Prime Video, with new episodes available every Thursday.
In this week’s episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, we journey to the East once again. After the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) becomes separated from Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards), the story shifts to the distant and enigmatic lands of Rhûn in Episode 4, “Eldest.”
This episode introduces us to Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) and the Stoors, giving viewers a fresh look at a region that remains largely unexplored in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings.
Rhûn is located at the far eastern edge of Middle-earth. It is a vast area stretching from the Iron Hills and Mirkwood to the lands east of Mordor. Although the story in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings reaches as far east as Erebor and Lake Town, Rhûn extends even further.
In Season 1, the Stranger and Nori travel from Rhovanion to Rhûn. They were likely south of Greenwood, known as Mirkwood during the Second Age, when they began their journey. They follow the Hermit’s Hat constellation to uncover more about their mission.
The Geography and Importance of Rhûn
Rhûn’s geography is largely unknown. The main route into Rhûn is through the Sea of Rhûn, a large inland sea formed by rivers flowing from Mirkwood and the Iron Hills.
In The Rings of Power, Rhûn is portrayed as a sprawling desert with sparse vegetation and rocky formations. This depiction highlights how little is known about Rhûn’s views since Tolkien’s stories primarily focus on the western parts of Middle-earth.
Despite the lack of detailed information, Rhûn holds historical significance. When Erú Ilúvatar created the Elves and Men, they awoke in Middle-earth in regions called Cuviénen and Hildórien.
Tolkien did not provide exact locations for these lands, but they are said to be in the far east, near the Sea of Helcar. It is believed that the Sea of Rhûn might be what remains of the Sea of Helcar.
In The Lord of the Rings, the only known inhabitants of Rhûn are the Easterlings. These are the people Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) see entering Mordor through the Black Gate in The Two Towers. Though they do not ride oliphaunts, the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds) mentions “mûmakil thieves,” hinting at a connection.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
The Easterlings are known as fierce warriors who allied with Morgoth in the First Age and later with Sauron (Charlie Vickers). Khamul the Easterling, a powerful ruler from Rhûn, is the only Nazgûl with a known identity.
Uncovering New Lore in Rhûn
Season 2 of The Rings of Power goes deeper into the lore left by Tolkien. Rhûn is one of the largest gaps in the lore, and the show fills it with new details. The Harfoots refer to Rhûn as “where the stars are different” due to the Stranger’s quest related to the Hermit’s Hat constellation.
To everyone’s surprise, the Stranger discovers Tom Bombadil’s dwelling. Tom is a well-loved and mysterious character in Tolkien’s lore, and in the series, he is depicted as a hermit with a hat.
Tom Bombadil reveals that he has existed for a very long time. He has witnessed many events and mentions that Rhûn was once green. Tom also notes that another Istar, the Dark Wizard, came to him before.
This Dark Wizard, who now has a fortress in Caras Gaer, seeks the Stranger and the Harfoots and has a pact with local warriors known as the Gaudrim. This alliance suggests his intentions are not good.
The Dark Wizard and the Stoors
The Dark Wizard is also searching for Nori and Poppy, who are on a strange journey through Rhûn. In their quest for water, they encounter Merrimac (Gavi Singh Chera), who has been pursued by the Gaudrim.
In the Season 2 premiere, “Elven Kings Under the Sky,” Poppy mentions that the Harfoots’ Wandering Song contained clues about showing Rhûn and that their tribe probably traveled there in the past.
Merrimac, though not a Harfoot, takes Nori and Poppy to his village, where the chief, Gundabale (Tanya Moodie), explains that they are Stoors.
Stoors are a branch of Hobbits, with Sméagol (Andy Serkis), who later becomes Gollum, being the most famous. The Stoors were likely nomadic like the Harfoots but have settled in Rhûn. They live in holes carved into rocks, similar to how Hobbits will later live in the Shire.
Rhûn’s Role in the Second and Third Ages
The Second Age, the setting for The Rings of Power, is not well-documented in terms of Rhûn’s history. This era is mostly known for the rise and fall of Númenor. As Rhûn is far from the western shores, it is not significantly influenced by Númenor. However, as Númenor rises in the West, Sauron’s influence grows in the East, with the Men of Rhûn being among his strongest allies.
In the Third Age, the Istari arrive in Middle-earth. Saruman (Christopher Lee), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), and Radagast (Sebastian McCoy) come together, while the two Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando, arrive a few centuries earlier.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
The Blue Wizards’ mission is to travel to Rhûn to spread resistance against Sauron, but their success is uncertain. Later, Saruman visits Rhûn before settling in Isengard. His extensive knowledge of Rhûn and its people, including the Easterlings, suggests he spent significant time there. Some theories propose that Saruman’s travels to Rhûn contributed to his eventual corruption.
These details are important to consider as Season 2 of The Rings of Power progresses. The show introduces two Istari in Rhûn, raising questions about whether the Stranger and the Dark Wizard are the Blue Wizards known to have journeyed there. Alternatively, the Dark Wizard might be Saruman in his early travels to the East.
Season 2 of The Rings of Power is streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on Thursdays.
