This will show what a nerd I am. Many Tolkien experts think that Tom Bombadil is Aule, one of the most powerful Valar (think angel-beings). Gandalf is one of the lesser of the Valar (called Maiar), so think of all the power Tom would have. Surprising that Frodo and the hobbits came into contact with him and did not even know how powerful a figure they had met.
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This will show what a nerd I am. Many Tolkien experts think that Tom Bombadil is Aule, one of the most powerful Valar (think angel-beings). Gandalf is one of the lesser of the Valar (called Maiar), so think of all the power Tom would have. Surprising that Frodo and the hobbits came into contact with him and did not even know how powerful a figure they had met.