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.” />