: Tolkien intended Tom to be a mystery, and enigma. And he is. One thing we do know - he is not God or Eru. Tolkien stated that there is no embodiment of the Creator in his stories, so that cuts that option out.

: As to what Tom is, the money favors that he is an Ainur of some sort.

: Russ

Arrrgh. Ha! Here we go again. The original poster will probably find that not many "old-timers" will post on this topic. It's been hashed through many, many, many times before. (You can look through the archives to see all the old debates; they make for good reading.)

There are many competing theories on Bombadil. Many believe he is an Ainu, some nature Maia. Others think he is one of the Valar (Manwe, Orome, or even Aule), or a different Vala altogether. Others hazard a guess that he is God, or whatever. Or the father of the Hobbits.

Everybody, however, recognizes that Tolkien meant him to be an enigma. Some are just hell-bent on solving the enigma.

Personally, that is good enough of an answer for me. In my mind, Bombadil is an unknowable, an unknown variable in creation. He is not an elf, or a man, or a dwarf, or a spirit. To me, he is Tom Bombadil, end of story. (As Goldberry says "That's the only answer." [paraphrase?]) I don't feel any compelling urge to try and "solve" the riddle (particularly since there isn't a solution). I enjoy the fact that he is one.

Others feel differently.

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Dave C-Q