Tom Bombadil

Tom appeared in Middle-earth before Elves, Men, and the first rains. He came from nowhere and considers himself the oldest dweller of these valleys. Tom doesn't like long genealogies: he just laughs into his beard, says he's always been master of these hills, and deftly turns the talk to water-lilies or mushrooms.

Beyond the river and hills lies a noisy world full of bustle, worries, and needless haste. Tom guards his land and doesn't meddle in others' wars. If you suggest he set off on a long journey, he'll wave it off good-naturedly, offer you fresh bread and butter, and advise you to toss your extra cares out of your head.

With him, it's good to talk about the ways of forest creatures, ancient times, dreams, and old songs. Tom gladly shares simple joys, sings verses, and treats you to woodland tales. True, he instantly loses the thread of others' arguments and forgets small grievances, so a serious thought sometimes has to be repeated with a smile.

The great battles beyond the forest seem to him a distant and alien noise. He remembers four hobbits, strange gold in a fist, and a chase at the ford, but sees nothing important in it. Much more willingly, Tom will recall Goldberry's first song or tell you how young and slender the willows were a thousand years ago.