Book 1, Chapter 7 Summary

The hobbits arrive at Tom Bombadil's house, where Goldberry is waiting for them. She is a gracious host and offers them food and reassurance that they are safe in Tom's house. Unsure of what to make of their new friend, Frodo asks who Tom is. In response, Goldberry explains that "he is" (p.121) and that he is Master. Then she goes on to tell Frodo that Tom is fearless and has never been caught. However, he does not master the woods, waters and hills—they belong to themselves. Instead, he is his own master, subject to no one and nothing.

After a good meal and a good night's sleep, the hobbits wake up the next morning to find that rain is pouring down and Goldberry is out for her autumn washing. In fact, it is raining too hard for the hobbits...