The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 7: IN THE HOUSE OF TOM BOMBADIL
Overview
The hobbits find refuge with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, gaining rest and reassurance after the Old Forest. During a rainbound day, Tom tells of the Forest’s malice and the Barrow-downs, calls himself Eldest, and shows the Ring has no hold on him. He maps a safer northward path and teaches a summoning rhyme.
Summary
The hobbits enter Tom Bombadil’s house and meet Goldberry, whose welcome calms their fear. Tom returns, refreshes them, and they share a long, merry meal before Goldberry bids them peaceful sleep under Tom’s protection.
That night they experience vivid dreams: Frodo sees a distant figure rescued by an eagle and hears galloping hoofs; Pippin and Merry dream of willow-creaking and rising water but are reassured by remembered words; Sam sleeps soundly.
Morning brings steady rain, keeping them indoors. Tom declares it a day for tales and describes the Old Forest’s ancient will and Old Man Willow’s malice and power. His stories range to the Downs and the awakening of Barrow-wights, unsettling the hobbits.
As evening falls and the rain ends, Tom reveals his nature, calling himself Eldest, predating river, trees, Kings, and Wights. At supper, Goldberry sings, and later Tom questions them, showing wide knowledge of the Shire and their journey. At his sudden request, Frodo yields the Ring; Tom does not vanish while wearing it and returns it after making it disappear and reappear. When Frodo secretly puts it on, Tom still perceives him and calls him back.
Tom advises an early start under expected sun, to go nearly due north along the Downs’ western slopes, avoiding barrows and minding their own business. He teaches them a rhyme to summon him in danger, then sees them to bed.
Who Appears
- Tom BombadilMaster of wood, water, and hill; hosts the hobbits, tells ancient lore, resists the Ring, gives directions and a summoning rhyme.
- GoldberryRiver-daughter and gracious hostess; welcomes the hobbits, sings of rain and rivers, and embodies the house’s safety.
- Frodo BagginsGuest of Tom; awed by Goldberry, dreams vividly, yields the Ring to Tom, tests it himself, and receives guidance.
- Pippin TookRecovers from Old Man Willow; disturbed by night sounds, then rests; shares meals and listens to Tom’s tales.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckRelieved guest; dreams of rising water; uneasy at barrow tales; prepares to follow Tom’s route.
- Samwise GamgeeSleeps soundly; breakfasts heartily; listens to lore and joins in learning Tom’s rescue rhyme.