Gollum: The Original Hobbit and His Transformation

From J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, Gollum has captivated readers for decades with his dual personality and intricate backstory. Originally known as Sméagol, he was a Stoor Hobbit who became Gollum due to his deep obsession with the One Ring.

Origins: Sméagol and Stoors

Sméagol, or Smeagol as he was originally named, belonged to a river community of Stoor Hobbits, one of the essence-preserving strains of Hobbit-kind. These early river people were known for their height, as they typically stood taller than Harfoots and stockier than Fallohides. Their unique physical attributes and similarities to Men made them somewhat distinct among Hobbits.

Unfortunately, Smeagol was not well-liked in his community, often known as a troublemaker and a ne'er-do-well. He was disliked by most, even his friend Déagol, another troublemaker who shared his mischievous and rebellious nature. Sméagol's life took a dark turn when he murdered Déagol for the One Ring found in the sediment of the Great River Anduin.

The Ring and Transformation

The discovery of the One Ring marked the beginning of Sméagol's transformation. He lived for hundreds of years in the dark, obsessed with possessing the Ring. Over time, the corruption of the Ring subtly changed his appearance and behavior, turning him into Gollum. This shift was not just a physical one, as his guttural gurgling noises became a clear sign of his inner turmoil and obsession.

Gollum: Guide and Threat to Frodo

In The Lord of the Rings, particularly in The Fellowship of the Ring, Sméagol transformed into Gollum, serving as both a guide and a threat to Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee on their journey to destroy the Ring. His dual nature, representing addiction and the corrupting influence of power, provides a complex character that illustrates themes of redemption and the fragility of the soul.

Background and History

In The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf provides a detailed background on the origin of the Ring, which was lost and found at the banks of the Great River Anduin. He explains that around 2463 of the Third Age, Sméagol was a local troublemaker but had close ties to his grandmother and friend Déagol. Their discovery and loss of the Ring marked the start of Sméagol's transformation.

Sméagol possessed the Ring for about 478 years, a period long enough for the Ring's dark influence to deeply embed itself within him. By the time of his introduction in the storyline, Gollum had forsaken almost all remnants of his original Hobbit traits, showing little resemblance to the Halflings he once was. This transformation highlights the power of the One Ring and its ability to warp and corrupt its bearer.

In conclusion, Gollum, originally Sméagol, is a fascinating character from the depths of Middle-earth, a cautionary tale of the corrupting influence of power and the resilience of the human (or in this case, Hobbit) spirit. His dual personality and complex backstory make him an enduring figure in literature and popular culture.