Analysis Of An Enigma

Stayce Baptista
English 4990
Dr. Carroll
30 March 2004
An Analysis of an Enigma
      As one of the defining elements of fiction, characters make stories come alive, possibly even more so in Fantasy literature because we are entering the realm of the subcreator.   Tom Bombadil, arguably one of the most intriguing characters of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, exhibits the most awesome and mysterious nature.   As the eldest and numerously named, Iarwain Ben-adar (oldest and fatherless), Forn (given by the dwarves), and Orald (given by the northern men), Tom has much knowledge to instill in the four hobbits as they set out on their adventure through Middle- Earth (FOTR 297).   His wisdom sets him apart from the other elder’s of Middle-Earth, except perhaps the Ents.   Tom’s character has another role; a role that Tolkien himself acknowledges: “And even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are.   Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)” (Carpenter 174).   The One ring and Frodo’s journey to destroy it illustrate ultimately the basis The Lord of the Rings; however, without the introduction of Tom Bombadil, Frodo, Samwise, Meriadoc, and Peregrin would not have necessarily become aware of the many unexpected enigmas lurking in Middle-Earth.
      Roland Barthes in S/Z postulates the five codes that incorporated within any text.   In particular, the hermeneutic code is relevant to Tom Bombadil.   In order to understand Tom, we need to come to terms with his role in the text as a universal statement (Introduction to Roland Barthes, Module on the Five Codes).   Stated simply, “The hermeneutic code refers to any element in a story that is not explained and, therefore exists as an enigma for the reader, raising questions that demand explication” (Introduction to Roland Barthes).   Tolkien ultimately placed the enigmatic Tom in The Lord of the Rings because he has already “invented him ‘independently’ wanted an ‘adventure’ on the way” (Carpenter 192)....