[Viv]

[NeumeIndil]

Oops. See what too much research can do to an otherwise impeccable memory?

[Haleth]

I heard a theory somewhere that Tom Bombadil was the embodiment of the spirit of the countryside. The theory went that Tom was inspired by Tolkien's deep love for the English countryside where the author grew up and which he watched being destroyed as the cities expanded outwards.
Whether this makes him a maia or a vala or something entirely new that doesn't appear anywhere else is beyond me.
This idea appeals to me because different non-urban places have their own individual 'feel'. Tolkien simply personified this 'feel' in Tom Bombadil.

[Sulriel]

[Sirannon]

I saw it suggested somewhere, that he was an embodiment of Eru, which sorta makes sense, I guess. Primarily since much of Christianity in his work. In that sense Tom could be Eru made flesh, like Jesus was. How the whole Trinity thing fits in, I can't explain.

Secondly I doubt even the Valar could or would deal with the ring in such a effortless and careless manner. I can't remember who said it in the council of Elrond, but the argument is like this: that not even the earth is impervious to Saurons abuse. I think he expresses it like the earth groanes under his dominion, which is a counter argument to the whole earth spirit idea, I guess.