How Bilbo Baggins Slowly Changed Physically by the Ring

Introduction

Delve into the captivating tale of Bilbo Baggins, a humble Hobbit from the Shire, who finds himself irrevocably transformed by the sinister power of the One Ring. As we journey through Middle-earth’s rich lore and the production history of the films, unravel the enigma that is the physical metamorphosis of our beloved Bilbo.

The Unique Trait: The One Ring

In the land of Middle Earth, among its many wonders and myriad beings, the Hobbits stand out as one of the few who possessed the One Ring. It was this common thread that brought Bilbo and Gollum into a peculiar bond, as they shared an uncanny similarity in their reaction to the Ring’s influence.

The Effect on Bilbo

Over the course of 60 years, from the age of 50 to 111, Bilbo barely appeared to age while he was in possession of the Ring. However, as Gandalf wisely observed, this apparent youthfulness came at a price; Bilbo felt thin and stretched, like butter spread over too much bread.

The Extreme Effect on Gollum

Gollum came to possess the Ring on his 33rd birthday in 2463 of the Third Age, and he held onto it for a staggering 478 years. This prolonged exposure to the Ring’s malevolent influence stretched Gollum far beyond the lifespan of a Hobbit.

The Question: Why Didn’t Gollum Age?

After Gollum lost the One Ring in 2941, one would expect him to begin aging rapidly. However, despite being without the Ring for nearly 78 years, there was no perceivable difference in his appearance and mobility between his description in The Hobbit and that of The Lord of the Rings.

The Importance of Intentions

The manner in which a ringbearer’s possession of the One Ring begins and ends plays a crucial role in understanding why Gollum did not age after losing the Ring. As Gandalf pointed out, Bilbo began his possession of the Ring with an act of pity, sparing Gollum’s life. This compassionate intention allowed Bilbo to ultimately give up the Ring voluntarily.

The Fateful Separation

Contrast this with Gollum, who murdered Degal in order to take possession of the Ring by force. The Ring was not given up by him but had indeed abandoned him.

Conclusion

As we delve deeper into Middle Earth’s rich lore, we uncover the intricate tapestry of the One Ring’s influence on its bearers. The physical transformations experienced by Bilbo and Gollum serve as a stark reminder of the perilous power that lay within the golden band. May we learn from their experiences and remember that not all that glitters is gold.