Part 2/9:
At this council, the rich history of the Ring is recounted by Elrond, Gandalf, and others, leading to the discussion of one particularly enigmatic figure—Tom Bombadil. Elrond recalls his last encounter with Tom, a being even older than the oldest beings of the forest, known for his unique relationship with the natural world. This leads to the suggestion that perhaps Tom should have been invited to the council as a possible protector of the Ring.