"Old and Valuable" Whomping Willow - Info

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 109943

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Brenda M." 
<Agent_Maxine_is at h...> wrote:
> >>> "lrcxrvo" wrote:
> > I've always thought that was a bit of a nod to Tolkien? Old man 
> > willow?
> 
> Brenda:
> 
> Hahha, that's quite hilarious!  I first thought you were referring 
> to a tree in LOTR or something, as I have yet to read the novels... 
> After re-reading OoP I will, this time for real! (my friends 
> going 'yeah right')

Geoff:
Ircxrvo was indeed referring to a tree in LOTR:FOTR. One of the 
characters who invariably disappears from any adaptation is Tom 
Bombadil, who is admittedly rather peripheral to the story. He 
rescues Frodo and Sam from Old Man Willow who/which is a malevolent 
tree in the Old Forest between the Shire and Bree. 

I must admit the same thought had occurred to me in regard to the 
Whomping Willow which also appears to be rather malevolent.....