Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Rings of Power season 2, episode 4, “Eldest.”
The Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 4 introduces Tom Bombadil, andviewers may recognize the actor who brings this iconic figure fromJ.R.R. Tolkien’s booksto life. The Hobbits have a run-in with Tom Bombadil inThe Fellowship of the Ring,but the character doesn’t appear inPeter Jackson’s adaptation of the book. Tolkien also writes about Bombadil inThe Adventures of Tom Bombadil, which sheds light on this mysterious and powerful figure — though it also leaves plenty up to interpretation. This is precisely why bringing him to the screen can be so risky.
Thankfully,The Rings of Poweris doing a decent job of it so far.The Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 4introduces Tom Bombadil after the Stranger is separated from Nori and Poppy, and he helps Daniel Weyman’s character out of a pinch. Once he rescues him from a tree threatening to consume him, Tom Bombadil takes the Stranger back to his home.He exhibits the Tolkien character’s eccentric qualities the entire time, and the actor playing him does a convincing job of capturing the character Tolkien describes.
The Rings Of Power’s Tom Bombadil Is Played By Rory Kinnear
Viewers May Recognize Him From Projects Like Penny Dreadful & The Imitation Game
Like many characters in Middle-earth, Tom Bombadil is depicted with a large beard and long hair inThe Rings of Power— so viewers may not immediately recognize the actor behind the costume.Rory Kinnear is the person stepping into the role for the Amazon series, and he makes a solid addition toThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s cast. Kinnear’s talent is unsurprising given his previous roles, which have seen him playing a range of characters. Movie buffs may recognize him fromThe Imitation Game, where he plays Detective Robert Nock, or theJames Bond movies, which see him portraying Tanner.
These projects have no doubt prepared him forThe Rings of Power,though Tom Bombadil may be Kinnear’s most iconic role to date.
Those are some of the actor’s biggest roles, butKinnear has also appeared in several popular television series. He had a two-year stint onPenny Dreadful,where he tackled the role of The Creature, and he’s also shown up inOur Flag Means Death, The Diplomat,andBlack Mirror.These projects have no doubt prepared him forThe Rings of Power,though Tom Bombadil may be Kinnear’s most iconic role to date. After all, the character already had a massive reputation prior to hisRings of Powerdebut.
Tom Bombadil’s Role In The Rings Of Power Season 2 Explained
His Story Is Connected To The Stranger’s
Tom Bombadil has only appeared in one episode ofThe Rings of Powerso far, so it’s difficult to say exactly what his role in the Amazon series will be. Given that the character made an effort to stay out of Middle-earth’s biggest conflicts in Tolkien’s lore, he shouldn’t play too big of a part when it comes toThe Rings of Power’s main story. However,he may form a bond with the Stranger— and this makes sense if the Stranger actually is Gandalf. According to Tolkien’s writings, the two know one another, so this may be setting up their backstory.
The Stranger may also offer an explanation for why Tom Bombadil is in theLord of the Ringsseries.Weyman’s wizard asks Bombadil about magic during “Eldest,“and it’s obvious he’s having trouble controlling his own powers. Tom Bombadil could help Weyman’s character get a grip on his own abilities. As the Stranger isn’t currently aware of what’s going on with Sauron, this wouldn’t even go against the character’s pacifist beliefs. Only time will tell if this is the directionThe Rings of Powertakes, but it does make a compelling case for Tom Bombadil’s inclusion in the series.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
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.
