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GollumFictional character
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Gollum: A Complex and Tragic Figure
- From Hobbit to Grotesque Monster
- A Slave to the Ring
- Encounter with Bilbo Baggins
- Caught between Mordor and the Fellowship
- A Reluctant Guide
- Betrayal and Redemption
Gollum: A Complex and Tragic Figure
In J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel, "The Hobbit," the enigmatic creature Gollum makes a chilling appearance during the riddle game in the darkness. However, it is in "The Lord of the Rings" that Gollum's true origins and the horrors inflicted upon him by the One Ring become fully revealed.
From Hobbit to Grotesque Monster
Originally, Gollum was known as Sméagol, a simple hobbit living among a clan ruled by his domineering grandmother. On his birthday, while fishing with his cousin Déagol, Déagol was dragged into the water by a monstrous fish and discovered the One Ring. Sméagol, instantly corrupted by its insidious influence, demanded the Ring as a "birthday present." Déagol's refusal led to a horrific act of violence, as Sméagol strangled his cousin and took possession of the Ring.
The Ring's malevolent power transformed Sméagol's appearance, warping him into a grotesque, toad-like creature. The sounds he uttered, resembling a guttural "gol-lum," became his new name. Banished from his home due to his sinister behavior, Gollum sought refuge in a squalid cave beneath the Misty Mountains.
A Slave to the Ring
In his secluded cave, Gollum established his domain on an island in an underground lake. He sustained himself on fish and the occasional cave-dwelling goblins, his existence prolonged unnaturally by the Ring. The Ring granted him invisibility and an extended lifespan, becoming both his master and his tormentor.
Encounter with Bilbo Baggins
Gollum first crossed paths with Bilbo Baggins when Bilbo became lost in the goblin tunnels. Having previously lost the One Ring, Gollum remained unaware of its true nature. Tricked by Bilbo's riddles, Gollum agreed to guide him out of the darkness. Bilbo's victory was sealed when he posed the riddle: "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum failed to answer, realizing too late its significance.
Despite the opportunity, Bilbo chose to spare Gollum's life, leaping over him as he made his escape. Undeterred, Gollum abandoned his cave in pursuit of Bilbo, his insatiable desire for the Ring driving him.
Caught between Mordor and the Fellowship
Gollum's wanderings led him to the realm of Mordor, where he became a servant to the monstrous spider Shelob. Captured by Sauron's agents, Gollum was tortured into revealing the names "Baggins" and "Shire." This information prompted Mordor's forces to launch an attack on the Shire, while Gollum escaped captivity.
He was apprehended once more by Gandalf and Aragorn, whose concern for the Fellowship of the Ring led them to imprison Gollum with the Elves of Mirkwood. Escaping again, Gollum made his way to the Mines of Moria, where he secretly observed the Fellowship's progress.
A Reluctant Guide
Gollum trailed Frodo and Samwise Gamgee when they fell behind the rest of the group. Despite Gollum's initial hostile intentions, he was captured and spared by the hobbits after his failed attempt to kill Sam. Bound by a reluctant oath, Gollum agreed to serve as their guide.
Frodo's compassion gradually rekindled memories of Sméagol's former self, although Sam remained highly suspicious. Gollum's original plan to guide the hobbits to Mordor through a heavily guarded pass was thwarted, leading him to propose an alternative route.
Betrayal and Redemption
Gollum's true intentions became evident when he attempted to lead the hobbits to Shelob's lair, hoping to seize the Ring for himself. While he hesitated at the last moment, Sam's harsh words pushed him too far. Gollum's plan succeeded, as Frodo was stung by Shelob and captured by orcs.
Sam rescued Frodo and struggled to reach Mount Doom, where the Ring could be destroyed. At the crucial moment, Gollum attacked, biting off Frodo's finger and seizing the Ring. However, his triumph was short-lived, as he fell with the Ring into the volcanic abyss, redeeming himself in a tragic and unexpected end.
