Flammifer
Well-Known Member
Hi amysrevenge. Would that really be a lie? If I were a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and predicted them to win the Super Bowl, while secretly fearing that the Kansas City Chiefs had a better chance, would that really be a lie? I don't think so.
Besides, one hypothesis that I have outlined is that Gandalf's reading of Bombadil might have characterized him as feckless, un-committed, insufficiently dedicated to the war against Sauron (two more different Ainur, at least amongst those who never sided with Morgoth or Sauron, than Gandalf and Bombadil would be hard to find). In this case, Gandalf really would doubt Bombadil's character as a fit guardian for the Ring. Thus his assertions that Tom would soon forget the Ring, or throw it away, might be hyperbolic exaggeration, but not entirely out of line with his convictions.
Besides, one hypothesis that I have outlined is that Gandalf's reading of Bombadil might have characterized him as feckless, un-committed, insufficiently dedicated to the war against Sauron (two more different Ainur, at least amongst those who never sided with Morgoth or Sauron, than Gandalf and Bombadil would be hard to find). In this case, Gandalf really would doubt Bombadil's character as a fit guardian for the Ring. Thus his assertions that Tom would soon forget the Ring, or throw it away, might be hyperbolic exaggeration, but not entirely out of line with his convictions.