Here’s another question: Why were both Tom Bombadil and Treebeard referred to as being The First?
Well, as far as I can figure it…which isn’t very far, Bombadil and Treebeard were the ‘first’ of their respective races. Although I don’t think that Treebeard was a maia or anything…I do believe that Treebeard was sort of a ‘saint’ in the books.
…Bombadil…I think he was just a wayward spirit. He must’ve been incredibly powerful because he held the ring…and just shook it off, Gandalf was scared to death of the thing…that’s what bothers me. It’s like the Pope having to ride around in the ‘pope-mobile’…
Look! If that summmnabitch is scared to die…I have approximately 0% chance.
Tom Bombadil, who in the words of Gandalf “Has been a moss-gatherer” is never referred to as one of the children, As a Miar, or even an Ainu not serving the Valar, he has a presence in the circle of the world which is not a part of it. As such he predates the world itself, eldest, and fatherless. A spirit, which wears the body of Bombadil like a garment.
Treebeard was one of the shepherds of trees, granted life and intelligence by Illuvatar at the prayer of Yavanna as the world was created, before the first age. He lived and walked the world before the Elves, although the Elves taught him to speak.
Tris
Okay, but if Tom flaps his jowls at me one single time…
That’s funny, I have a friend (and yes, it really is a friend, not me – the one time I tried to read Lord of the Rings I gave up before they even met Tom!) who is convinced that Tom Bombadil is the most evil character in all of Tolkein, and possibly in all of Western literature.
Paraphrased rant (you must imagine this accompanied by much banging of fists on the table): “He’s supposed to be all powerful, but will he lift a finger to help save the freaking world? No! He’s like, ‘I’m Switzerland on this one, baby! I’ll just chill here in the woods with my sexy lady!’ And he NEVER STOPS SINGING! There’s PAGES AND PAGES of his GODDAMNED SINGING!”