The Dark Origin of Gollum and How He Found the One Ring | Tolkien Scholar & Film Critic

The Dark Origin of Gollum and How He Found the One Ring

An image illustrating The Dark Origin of Gollum — A glimpse into the dark world of Gollum, a creature once known as Smeagol.

From Smeagol to Gollum: A Long and Twisted Journey

In the vast and enigmatic realm of Middle-earth, the story of Gollum is a tale as old and complex as time itself. The hobbit-like creature we first encounter in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” was once known as Smeagol, living peacefully under the Misty Mountains.

However, after a fateful encounter with Bilbo Baggins and the One Ring, Smeagol would become forever entwined with its dark power. His transformation into Gollum was a slow, painful process, spanning half a millennium as he lurked in darkness, feeding on goblins and fish.

An image showing the dark caves where Smeagol resided — The dark caves beneath the Misty Mountains served as Gollum’s home for centuries.

A Dichotomy of Personality

As the Ring corrupted and stretched Smeagol’s lifespan, it also twisted his mind. He clung to the Ring as both a treasured possession and a reminder of the terrible act he had committed – the murder of his cousin Deglf for the One Ring.

An image illustrating Gollum's tormented state — Gollum, forever torn between the Ring and his own humanity.

Bilbo’s Unwitting Role in the Saga

When Bilbo stumbled upon the One Ring during “The Hobbit,” he unwittingly set into motion a chain of events that would forever change Middle-earth. After taking the Ring from Gollum, Bilbo’s escape sent the twisted creature into a frenzy, chasing after him in an attempt to reclaim his precious treasure.

An image of Bilbo and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings: The Hobbit — Bilbo’s encounter with Gollum sets in motion a dark and twisted tale.

The Ring’s Torture and Transformation

As the years passed, the Ring continued to torture Gollum, both physically and mentally. Its power kept him alive in the harsh sunlight and moonlight that once burned him. Yet, despite this torment, the Ring also served as a reminder of his past – a bitter sweetness that he could never quite forget.

An image showing Gollum's vulnerability to sunlight and moonlight — The Ring’s power sustained Gollum, but the light of day continued to burn him.

The Forgotten Taste of Bread

As the years turned into centuries, Gollum all but forgot his former life. The taste of bread, the sound of trees, and the softness of the wind were distant memories. He even lost track of his own name, reduced to a mere echo of his past self.

An image depicting Gollum's forgotten past — Gollum’s past was but a distant memory, as the Ring consumed him completely.

Conclusion

The story of Gollum serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of forgetting one’s past. As we delve deeper into Middle-earth lore, we can only imagine what other secrets and tales await discovery.