<em>The Rings of Power</em> Is Finally Showing Tolkien’s Most Controversial Character. It’s a Mess. Laura Miller<em>The Rings of Power</em> Is Finally Showing Tolkien’s Most Controversial Character. It’s a Mess. Laura Miller The most polarizing thing about Tom Bombadil is exactly what makes him so crucial. <img src="https://compote.slate.com/images/c7b060e2-0f42-4800-bd72-68191605c5a7.jpeg?crop=1560,1040,x0,y0" title="<em>The Rings of Power</em> Is Finally Showing Tolkien’s Most Controversial Character. It’s a Mess." /> 

The most polarizing thing about Tom Bombadil is exactly what makes him so crucial.

<img src="https://compote.slate.com/images/c7b060e2-0f42-4800-bd72-68191605c5a7.jpeg?crop=1560,1040,x0,y0" title="The Rings of Power Is Finally Showing Tolkien’s Most Controversial Character. It’s a Mess.” /> 

By