Tolkien Dropped a Hint, and Fans Have Been Speculating for 20 Years: What Did Gandalf and Tom Bombadil Discuss After Sauron’s Defeat?

The Lord of the Rings has always been full of hidden gems, but one mystery still fascinates me: what did Gandalf actually say to Tom Bombadil at the end?

In Peter Jackson’s films, Bombadil was completely cut, which I always found a shame — his presence in the books adds so much depth. Now, with Amazon’s series finally giving him a proper storyline, fans like me are diving into this enigma all over again.

The Ancient Beings of Middle-earth

Gandalf is already extraordinary — one of the Maiar, a messenger of the Valar — but Tom is on a whole other level. He existed before Morgoth, before Elves and Men, even before Arda took shape.

To me, that makes their encounter profoundly meaningful. I can’t stop imagining what they might have discussed: the nature of the world, the role of the Valar, the Ring, even the essence of Darkness itself. Honestly, it’s the kind of conversation I would kill to witness.

Seeking Solace

After Sauron’s defeat, Gandalf finally had a moment to breathe. Everyone else was busy rebuilding — Aragorn forging a kingdom, Frodo and Sam returning home, Elves leaving Middle-earth — but Gandalf sought the Old Forest, and Tom.

I like to think he went not just for counsel, but for a rare sense of peace. Tom is untouchable by the Ring, a being in harmony with everything — it feels like the ultimate mentor for someone like Gandalf, who’s carried the weight of the world for centuries.

Farewell or Counsel?

Maybe Gandalf came to say goodbye before sailing West to Valinor. Or maybe he spoke of the future, the Age of Men, and what it would mean for beings like Tom.

Personally, I love that Tolkien left it ambiguous — it forces you to fill in the blanks. I often imagine their chat myself, and honestly, I’d give anything to hear it. This conversation is one of the saga’s most hauntingly beautiful mysteries, and it’s exactly why I keep coming back to Middle-earth.