Among Tolkien scholars, there is a lot of speculation about Tom Bombadil. He and Goldberry are the "odd characters out." They only appear at one point in the story and take no part other than to save the travelers from a couple of bad situations and help them on their way. Yet they are such delightful characters and so finely-drawn that they seem to leave a profound effect on most readers. Ask people to "name your favorite characters in Lord of the Rings," and early in many people's lists, the name of Tom Bombadil appears. Many literary critics analysing LotR say that Tom Bombadil represents Nature. Kind, helpful, happy, aloof, he is essentially immune to what hobbits, wizards, humans, and evil forces do.

Judging from looking at the website and the cast list, apparently Tom Bombadil didn't make it into the movie. He doesn't actually further the narrative, and since they undoubtedly had to cut a lot, I guess they figured he wasn't really essential to the plot. I can understand their reasoning, but it is unfortunate. Tom Bombadil and Goldberry are fascinating characters and a sort of oasis of calm and safety in the Fellowship's dangerous quest.

One can find symbolism in practically anything, and I'd be surprised if Tolkien didn't have a lot of symbolism in mind, but I personally take LotR as what it appears to be: a marvelous epic adventure story. Gandalf? Yeah, I can see that. But to me, since Frodo agrees to take the burden of the Ring on himself, he is the most obvious Christ figure.

Don Firth