Understanding Gandalf’s Knowledge of Tom Bombadil at the Council of Elrond

The enigmatic Tom Bombadil remains a character unique within the expansive world of Middle-earth. His mysterious nature and his power over the Ring are often the subject of intrigue among the inhabitants of Arda. In the tumultuous Council of Elrond, Gandalf discusses Tom Bombadil alongside the gathered elves, dwarves, and men. This article delves into why Gandalf does not invite Tom to the Council, exploring his knowledge of the character and the significant role he plays in Middle-earth.

Gandalf’s Mention of Tom Bombadil

Although Tom Bombadil is not an official member of the Council of Elrond, his name is mentioned among the hobbits during their discussions. The hobbits believed that Tom had the power to control the Ring, leading Elrond to wonder if he should invite Tom to the council. In response, Gandalf elucidates: “the Ring had no power over Tom, which meant that such things had no hold over his mind. That would have made him a most unsafe keeper because he would have been likely to eventually cast the ring aside.” This statement gives insight into Gandalf’s deep knowledge of Tom’s character and his unique properties.

Further Discussion at the Council

[Elrond:] ‘Iarwain Ben-adar we called him, oldest and fatherless. But many another names he has since been given by other folk: Forn by the Dwarves, Orald by Northern Men, and other names beside. He is a strange creature, but maybe I should have summoned him to our Council.’

Elrond questions whether inviting Tom could have added an element of power and control over the Ring to the council discussions. However, Gandalf refutes this idea:

‘No, I should not put it so. Say rather that the Ring has no power over him. He is his own master. But he cannot alter the Ring itself nor break its power over others. And now he is withdrawn into a little land within bounds that he has set, though none can see them, waiting perhaps for a change of days and he will not step beyond them.

Gandalf's explanation reveals that Tom Bombadil's influence is not one of direct power over the Ring's power, but rather an understanding that Tom is inherently resistant to its corruption. Tom cannot be tempted by the Ring or use it to manipulate or control others. This makes Tom an unsafe guardian for the Ring because he would be likely to discard it or forget about it.

Gandalf’s Personal Journey

On his journey back from the east, Gandalf makes a significant statement that further emphasizes his thoughts on Tom Bombadil: “I am not coming to the Shire. You must settle its affairs yourselves that is what you have been trained for. Do you not yet understand My time is over: it is no longer my task to set things to rights nor to help folk to do so. And as for you, my dear friends, you will need no help. You are grown up now. Grown indeed very high among the great you are and I have no longer any fear at all for any of you. But if you would know, I am turning aside soon. I am going to have a long talk with Bombadil: such a talk as I have not had in all my time. He is a moss-gatherer and I have been a stone doomed to rolling. But my rolling days are ending and now we shall have much to say to one another.

This passage indicates that Gandalf’s interaction with Tom Bombadil is a meaningful and profound experience for him, highlighting the importance of Tom's character in Middle-earth.

Conclusion

Gandalf’s knowledge of Tom Bombadil—both his power over the Ring and his detached mindset—remains crucial to the narrative of Middle-earth, influencing the decisions of key characters and the fate of the Ring. Understanding these aspects deepens one's appreciation of the complex interplay of characters and events in J.R.R. Tolkien's vast and intricate world.