The Evolution of Gollum's Relationship with the Ring in The Lord of the Rings

The character of Gollum, originally known as Sméagol, plays a pivotal role in The Lord of the Rings. His complex relationship with the One Ring, a symbol of dark power and corruption, has intrigued readers and scholars for decades. This article delves into the evolution of Gollum's relationship with the Ring from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings, addressing both the textual evidence and the author's intent.

The Invisibility Aspect: Why Gollum Needed to Carry the Ring

The simplest explanation for why Gollum needed to wear the Ring for invisibility lies in the practicalities of its use. Gollum required the Ring to remain invisible, making it an essential accessory rather than a burden to carry. This aspect of the Ring is crucial to Gollum's survival and secrecy.

Gollum's invisibility was a critical tool for his survival. Invisibility allowed him to stealthily gather food, avoid detection, and maintain his secretive lifestyle. Without the Ring, Gollum would be vulnerable to other creatures in Middle-earth, reducing his chances of survival significantly.

The Origins and Development of Gollum

In the original publication of The Hobbit, Gollum and the Ring were notably different. When Tolkien first wrote the chapter "Riddles in the Dark," Gollum was a mysterious creature with no backstory. The Ring was simply an item that made the wearer invisible, without the profound dark magic and corrupting influence portrayed later in The Lord of the Rings.

The Ring was not yet the One Ring of power; it was a simple enchanted ring that made its wearer invisible. Gollum was not obsessed with it, nor was he addicted to it. His character was not yet fully developed, and the Ring served a utilitarian purpose: Gollum could use it to slip around unseen, ensuring his survival.

When Tolkien began writing the sequel, The Hobbit became The Lord of the Rings, the Ring's nature and Gollum's obsession with it evolved. The Ring's influence grew, and its dark powers became more significant. In this new context, Gollum's relationship with the Ring changed dramatically, leading to his increased fixations and eventual obsession with finding it.

Tolkien's Intent and the Development of the Story

Tolkien's rewriting and reimagining of The Hobbit to fit within the broader narrative of The Lord of the Rings necessitated changes to Gollum's character and the Ring's role. Bilbo's finding of the Ring on the floor of a cave and his subsequent acquisition of it remained a critical plot point. Therefore, the story had to be adjusted to explain this event.

Tolkien decided that Gollum dropped the Ring without knowing it, creating a gap in his possession. This allowed Bilbo to come into possession of the Ring without further complications in the original The Hobbit. The story's consistency was maintained, and readers were kept engaged with the developing narrative of the Ring's ultimate destruction.

Conclusion

The evolution of Gollum's relationship with the Ring in The Lord of the Rings is a testament to Tolkien's skill in weaving character development and thematic depth into his narrative. Gollum's relationship with the Ring not only drives the plot but also illustrates the corrupting influence of power and the struggle between good and evil. Understanding the origins and development of this relationship provides valuable insights into the rich tapestry of The Lord of the Rings.