Neither Gandalf, nor Radagast, this is the true most powerful wizard in the entire Lord of the Rings universe.

In The Lord of the Rings films, Gandalf turns from gray to white

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When we think about the most powerful characters in The Lord of the Ringsthe first thing that comes to mind are wizards, elves, kings or even Sauron himself. However, there is one being who surpasses them all in power and mystery, but he is little known and appreciated by fans of the saga. In fact, he is a character who was not considered for the Lord of the Rings films.

This is Tom Bombadil, the cheerful and unique inhabitant of the Old Forest which in the books shows how impressive his powers can be. Even if he doesn't appear in the film adaptation or video games of The Lord of the Rings, he's someone you should know if you are a true fan of the franchise. Below, we explain who he is and why he is even more powerful than Gandalf or Sauron himself.

Tom Bombadil is the most powerful being in the Lord of the Rings due to his abilities

Tom Bombadil was removed from The Lord of the Rings films

Tom Bombadil is a mysterious and very particular being, who does not fit into any of the categories of the inhabitants of Middle Earth. Its origin is unknown, but it is attributes immense antiquity to it, since he himself claims to be “the oldest living under the sun.” In fact, there are those who see it as a personification of natureothers as an original spirit or even as an expression of Eru Ilúvatar, the maker of everything.

There is no doubt that Tom Bombadil has some amazing skills that make you master and dialogue with natural phenomena, such as trees, animals, water or wind. Also can alter its shape and size to create illusions and magical songs. Likewise, he is immune to the power of the One Ring, which does not influence or attract him at all.

Tom Bombadil knows how to control all his powers very well and that makes him dangerous

Tom Bombadil appears in the Lord of the Rings books

Tom Bombadil is a character who lives in the Old Forest, where he meets Frodo and his friends. during his journey to Rivendell. He saves them from two threats: the living trees that try to trap them and the Barrow, an ancient king. corrupted by a ring specter. In his house, Tom Bombadil welcomes them generously and tells them ancient legends of Middle Earth. He also shows them that the One Ring has no effect on himsince he considers it “a simple ornament” and does not become invisible nor is he attracted to its power.

After giving them back their swords and teaching them a spell to call upon him in a pinch, Tom Bombadil says goodbye to the hobbits and wishes them the best on their adventure. He does not intervene again in the main plot, but is mentioned at the Council of Elrond, where he debates if I could guard the One Ring. Gandalf rejects this idea, as he believes that Tom Bombadil is not interested in the fate of the world and that the ring could be lost or stolen if I had it. Furthermore, he states that Tom Bombadil could not face Sauron, since his power depends on Middle-earth and if it were destroyed he would also be destroyed.

Why was Tom Bombadil removed from The Lord of the Rings?

Tom Bombadil was not taken into account for the live action adaptation

Something interesting about this character is that does not appear in the film adaptations from The Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson and that it has a relevant role in the book. The omission of him is mainly due to the fact that was not essential for development of the story since it would have meant an excessive increase in the length of the films. Likewise, his character and his abilities would have posed difficulties to transfer them to the screen without distorting the main characters or making them seem absurd.

Despite this, the absence of Tom Bombadil in the films is lamented by many fanswho see him as an attractive character who gives him a touch of comedy, mystery and lyricism to the story. Many fans of the franchise also believe that it embodies a perspective different from good and evil.

Tom Bombadil is one of the most enigmatic characters and powerful from The Lord of the Rings, but also one of the most admired and controversial. His role in the saga may be questionable, but his appeal as a character is indisputable.

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