Warning ! Spoilers for Rings of Power season 2 , episode 4 beforehand !
The Lord of the Rings : The Rings of Power ’s Tom Bombadil definitely is n’t the same character Tolkien wrote , but I have a go at it him all the same . Like many Tolkien enthusiasts , I was nervous to learn that the Prime Video serial ' second time of year would have Old Tom . This character is a beloved but deeply occult feature ofThe Lord of the Rings , and there are more ways that the adaptation could go wrong than right-hand . However , after watchingRings of Powerseason 2 , instalment 4 I ca n’t help but enjoy the character that was put on the screen .
Back inRings of Powerseason 1,the Stranger kept seeing a specific constellation in his dream and visionsand came to believe that finding this was primal to understanding his theatrical role in Middle - land . He and Nori ultimately learned that Rhûn would be their best bet , so they put off east toward this region at theend ofRings of Powerseason 1 . Now , time of year 2 , episode 4 has seen the Stranger and his Harfoot comrade travel through this unforgiving desert . This is when , after being divide , the Stranger come up upon Tom Bombadil and learns more truths about his destiny .
The Rings Of Power’s Tom Bombadil Is Very Different From The Character Tolkien Wrote
Prime Video Has Made Some Major Changes
I was so concerned thatRings of Powerseason 2 would let in Tom Bombadilbecause of how Tolkien wrote this character . The legendary generator did n’t provide many answer regarding who and what Old Tom was , andI was worried thatRings of Powerwould go too far in trying to figure out a secret that Tolkien purposely left ambiguous . In a mode , my worries were n’t idle . Prime Video ’s version of Tom Bombadil seems to have a far more definitive intent in Middle - world since it ’s implied that his role is to develop the Istari ( Maiar ) in magic .
Tom Bombadil reveals inRings of Powerseason 2 that he condition the Dark Wizard , an active function that contradicts his canon part .
This was , of course of action , never something that was cite in Tolkien’sLord of the Rings . Tom Bombadil was indifferent through and through and gave petty care for the events outside the Old Forest . Though powerful and wise to , Bombadil was almost supremely simple — as if his understanding of the world was so far above that of even Gandalf and Elrond thatSauron and his One Ring were below his notice . This is n’t exactly the characterRings of Powerseason 2 usher in .
Custom Image by Lewis Glazebrook
Rory Kinnear’s Tom Bombadil Is Actually Quite Brilliant
This New Angle On Bombadil (& Kinnear’s Performance) Is Spectacular
Rory Kinnear ’s Tom Bombadil inThe Rings of Powerwalks the walk of life and peach the public lecture . Many of his puzzling speech come straight fromThe Lord of the Rings , and that intriguing heir of mystery is certainly there . However , it ’s clear that this is a steel fresh fictitious character — not the neutral being from Tolkien ’s works . While I am often critical of changes in book of account - to - screen adaptations , I ca n’t aid but feel that this was a good one . Rings of Power ’s Tom Bombadil is n’t right than Tolkien ’s by any means , but he is entirely brilliant all on his own .
Rings of Power ’s Tom Bombadil is n’t better than Tolkien ’s by any means , but he is only brilliant all on his own .
I have long been fascinate by the fact that , after the destruction of theOne Ring inThe Lord of the Rings , Gandalf traveled alone to Withywindle in the Old Forest and spent some time communing with Tom Bombadil . It was intelligibly important to the wizard that he talk with this mysterious being at the conclusion of his boastful foreign mission in Middle - earth , but it ’s never entirely clean-cut why . Rory Kinnear ’s Bombadil provide a originative reply . I love the idea that Tom Bombadil served as a sort of mentor and guide to the Istari upon their arrival in halfway - globe . It ’s likely not what Tolkien intend , but it ’s of the same spirit .
Custom Image by Lewis Glazebrook
I ’m even more pleased with Kinnear ’s performance as Tom Bombadil . The doer brings that stark , jolly nature to the theatrical role . He ’s mysterious , likable , and unlike any other anatomy typically seen in center - ground , just as Old Tom should be . However , the actor also brings a cutaneous senses of anxiousness to the fibre that is n’t there in Tolkien ’s book . I was n’t so sure about this at first . Bombadil ’s ecumenical lack of business organisation is defining of his character , but it ’s this fact that allows Kinnear ’s subtle business to inspire so much intensity inRings of Power . It ’s a supremely efficient change .
Tom Bombadil Was A Big Risk, But The Rings Of Power Was Right To Take It
This All Could Have Gone Terribly Wrong
Overall , Rings of Powertook a considerable risk of exposure , bring in Tom Bombadil . I’ve long suspected that Peter Jackson left the character out because he was just far too hard to make for to the screen . Old Tom is classic folklore through and through , and his general nature almost does n’t go with Middle - earth or the quietus ofThe Lord of the Rings . This make him a enchanting plus in the literary sensation . However , it seems this just does n’t interpret to the screen . Still , the fact that Tom Bombadil was miss from Jackson ’s movie trilogy made it all the more important forRings of Powerto add together him .
I get thatRings of Power ’s version of the fictional character process because he ’s different from Tolkien ’s Old Tom .
To make this work , Prime Video had to make a variety . fill Tom Bombadil out of the Old Forest and give him a slightly more involved role in Midde - earth ’s struggles was a tricky pick , but I find thatRings of Power ’s version of the characterworksbecausehe ’s different from Tolkien ’s Old Tom . He does n’t ill-use on the iconic original character ’s toesbut instead establishes something new for audiences to enjoy . He pay off court to Tokien ’s study without seek to outdo it . The tangible Tom Bombadil live between the varlet , but this on - screen variant inRings of Powergives me something Modern to love .
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
Your Rating
Your comment has not been saved
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle - land , The Lord of the Rings : The Rings of Power explore the forging of the iconic ring , the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron , and the epic event go up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien ’s classic novels . The series chronicles the creation of fabled fictional character and the historical alliance and rivalry that work the lot of Middle - world .
