I wonder what Adam and Eve were like before the Fall. The Bible tells us many things about what they were like after, but gives only the briefest details about their state of innocence. I wonder how they spoke, what they looked like, and how they related to each other. Did they talk in song? Did they walk with contentment? Did the animals look upon them with reverence?

J R Tolkien in his famous Lord of the Rings, tries, I think, to give us a glimpse, in his lovely characters Tom Bombadil and Lady Goldberry. Merry Tom and his beautiful wife are not gods, but are persons ancient, majestic, unspoilt, and full of joy. In fact, sometimes I think, too full of joy. And because they are, they seem a bit quirky and hard to relate to. Perhaps that’s why the film version left them out. But perhaps for that exact reason, they should be left in. For they show us what might have been had there not been a fall; and our embarrassment with their quirkiness shows us just how far we’ve fallen.

One day I shall be like old Tom. Untempted by personal power and the desire to dominate others. Content with the simple and beautiful things of life, and in harmony with lesser creatures. Pleased with company and delighting to make others happy. Hospitable and thoughtful and generous with my time. And happy to sing: “Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!”