A Requiem for Tom Bombadil
Darklighter

"Yea, and though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."

It seems I am NOT alone in my appreciation of Bombadil, and I am glad. His exclusion from the upcoming film, though a sticking point, is not surprising. The character of Bombadil was included in Tolkien's masterpiece to be yet another reflection of other characters, and his fundamental presence can easily be compared to the role played by Gandalf, Elrond, Strider... the list goes on, really.

As much as I would demand accuracy from the new films, I also understand the need to keep the plot of a film moving along quickly - things have to be cut out if you want to hold peoples attention in a Two hour format. If Strider rescues them from the barrow downs, or they don't come across Old Man Willow, the whole of the story isn't completely violated, though it will be a tarnished retelling.