Old Tom bombadil is a...?!?!

[the guy who be short]

For Ages, the debate has raged across the continent of The Downs. Alliances have arisen and crumbled, new ideas swilling around like mouthwash in the caverns of a Giant's mouth. Brother and Sister have betrayed one another and-

Enough theatrics. I was bored.

This thread is to discuss the question of Tom Bombadil. What, actually, was he? A representation of Arda? A Maia? A weird bloke? Somebody irrelevant but dear to Tolkien?

All these ideas have been presented at some point, and discredited as ridiculous by advocates of all the others.

Here, in this thread, we will hold a showdown. The Truth shall be unfurled. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Greatest thing in Barrow Downs history...


So what was Tom Bombadil? Please post your ideas. For myself, I have come to a logical conclusion which (I hope) none can deny.

Tom Bombadil was a modern-day master sprinter transported back in time to the Third Age by some weird warp in time-space. And I have evidence!

Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow

Why so Merry? Plainly, he has just got back from winning a race.

Bright blue his jacket is

This refers to those vest-thingies athletes have to wear. You know, the ones with weird numbers on.

And his boots are yellow

Trademark footwear for a master sprinter.

None has ever caught him yet

He's just that fast!

His songs are stronger songs

This is symbolic. His songs, here, represent his urge to win; a much stronger will than any other sprinters could hope to achieve. Could also be a reference to singing after winning.

And his feet are faster

Duh.

There is extensive further evidence, but I doubt any will require it. The Truth is plain!


Please post your own theories about Old Bombadillo.