The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s Tom Bombadil definitely isn’t the same character Tolkien wrote, but I love him all the same. Like many Tolkien enthusiasts, I was nervous to learn that the Prime Video series’ second season would feature Old Tom. This character is a beloved but deeply mysterious feature of The Lord of the Rings, and there are more ways that the adaptation could go wrong than right. However, after watching Rings of Power season 2, episode 4 I can’t help but enjoy the character that was put on the screen.

Back in Rings of Power season 1, the Stranger kept seeing a specific constellation in his dreams and visions and came to believe that finding this was key to understanding his role in Middle-earth. He and Nori ultimately learned that Rhûn would be their best bet, so they set off east toward this region at the end of Rings of Power season 1. Now, season 2, episode 4 has seen the Stranger and his Harfoot companions travel through this unforgiving desert. This is when, after being separated, the Stranger comes 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 that Rings of Power season 2 would include Tom Bombadil because of how Tolkien wrote this character. The legendary author didn’t provide many answers regarding who and what Old Tom was, and I was worried that Rings of Power would go too far in trying to solve a mystery that Tolkien purposely left ambiguous. In a way, my worries weren’t unfounded. Prime Video’s version of Tom Bombadil seems to have a far more definitive purpose in Middle-earth since it’s implied that his role is to train the Istari (Maiar) in magic.

This was, of course, never something that was mentioned in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Tom Bombadil was neutral through and through and gave little care for the events outside the Old Forest. Though powerful and wise, Bombadil was almost supremely simple—as if his understanding of the world was so far above that of even Gandalf and Elrond that Sauron and his One Ring were below his notice. This isn’t exactly the character Rings of Power season 2 introduced.

Rory Kinnear’s Tom Bombadil Is Actually Quite Brilliant

This New Angle On Bombadil (& Kinnear’s Performance) Is Spectacular

Rory Kinnear’s Tom Bombadil in The Rings of Power walks the walk and talks the talk. Many of his puzzling words come straight from The Lord of the Rings, and that intriguing heir of mystery is certainly there. However, it’s clear that this is a brand new character—not the neutral being from Tolkien’s works. While I am often critical of changes in book-to-screen adaptations, I can’t help but feel that this was a good one. Rings of Power‘s Tom Bombadil isn’t better than Tolkien’s by any means, but he is entirely brilliant all on his own.

Rings of Power’s Tom Bombadil isn’t better than Tolkien’s by any means, but he is entirely brilliant all on his own.

I have long been intrigued by the fact that, after the destruction of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf traveled alone to Withywindle in the Old Forest and spent some time communing with Tom Bombadil. It was clearly important to the wizard that he speak with this mysterious being at the conclusion of his big mission in Middle-earth, but it’s never entirely clear why. Rory Kinnear’s Bombadil provides a creative answer. I love the idea that Tom Bombadil served as a sort of mentor and guide to the Istari upon their arrival in Middle-earth. It’s likely not what Tolkien intended, but it’s of the same spirit.

I’m even more pleased with Kinnear’s performance as Tom Bombadil. The actor brings that perfect, jovial nature to the character. He’s mysterious, likable, and unlike any other figure typically seen in Middle-earth, just as Old Tom should be. However, the actor also brings a touch of anxiety to the character that isn’t there in Tolkien’s book. I wasn’t so sure about this at first. Bombadil’s general lack of concern is defining of his character, but it’s this fact that allows Kinnear’s subtle concern to inspire so much intensity in Rings of Power. It’s a supremely effective change.

Tom Bombadil Was A Big Risk, But The Rings Of Power Was Right To Take It

This All Could Have Gone Terribly Wrong

Custom Image by Lewis Glazebrook

Overall, Rings of Power took a considerable risk, bringing in Tom Bombadil. I’ve long suspected that Peter Jackson left the character out because he was just far too difficult to bring to the screen. Old Tom is classic folklore through and through, and his general nature almost doesn’t fit with Middle-earth or the rest of The Lord of the Rings. This makes him a fascinating addition in the literary sense. However, it seems this just doesn’t translate to the screen. Still, the fact that Tom Bombadil was missing from Jackson’s movie trilogy made it all the more important for Rings of Power to add him.

I find that Rings of Powe r’s version of the character works because he’s different from Tolkien’s Old Tom.

To make this work, Prime Video had to make a change. Taking Tom Bombadil out of the Old Forest and giving him a slightly more involved role in Midde-earth’s struggles was a tricky choice, but I find that Rings of Power‘s version of the character works because he’s different from Tolkien’s Old Tom. He doesn’t step on the iconic original character’s toes but instead establishes something new for audiences to enjoy. He pays homage to Tokien’s work without trying to outdo it. The real Tom Bombadil exists between the pages, but this on-screen version in Rings of Power gives me something new to love.