The Dark Secrets of Gollum

The personalities and distinct characteristics of each character in this work are clearly portrayed. Each race has a unique culture, allowing the principal characters to showcase their individuality across both the written books and movie adaptations. Gollum is one of the most memorable roles because he stands out so remarkably from any other figure or entity within the storyline.

He played a crucial part in shaping the plot, for if he hadn’t lost the One Ring, it wouldn’t have found its way to the Shire. His journey started among the Stoor Hobbits, but numerous transformations ensued, resulting in a being unlike any other. Consistently, the most peculiar aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters captivate us, and Gollum was no exception to this rule.

Sméagol Killed His Close Relative

One day while fishing, cousins Gollum (formerly Sméagol) and Doll (Deagol) discovered a golden ring submerged in the river. The moment they laid eyes on it, they were captivated. It was Doll who initially retrieved the ring from the water after his fish catch pulled him in. As depicted in “The Return of the King,” Gollum’s greed overpowered him as soon as he saw the ring and desired it for himself.

In their struggle, Deagol refused to let go of the object, leading to a fierce fight until Sméagol, his cousin, took Deagol’s life. The reason the One Ring exerted such a swift influence over Sméagol was because he was inherently flawed. This imperfection in him made it easier for dark forces to manipulate his unappealing traits, thereby tempting him towards the Ring. Sméagol concealed Deagol’s remains to ensure no one would ever discover the truth about what happened.

Sméagol Was Exiled by His Grandmother

After being rejected by his Hobbit family, the former Stoor Hobbit resorted to seeking refuge elsewhere in life, adopting once more the identity of Gollum. Upon obtaining the One Ring, he exploited its power, employing invisibility to act against his community and neighbors, resorting to espionage and theft for personal gain.

In time, Sméagol, now known as Gollum, was banished by his grandmother, who held a significant role within their family as the matriarch. Even before the events leading up to the War of the Ring, he had been on his own, yet still managed to profit from his ability to become invisible, making it simpler to catch fish. He eventually found refuge in the Misty Mountains, living in the shadows of its caves.

Gollum Was in Possession of the One Ring for Centuries

After taking the One Ring from Deagol, Gollum held onto it for many centuries. Fans of the films may be familiar with his referring to the Ring as “My precious”, but little-known is that he also referred to it as his birthday present, a kind of justification for what transpired with Deagal. In the Misty Mountains, Gollum became completely consumed by the Ring’s existence.

Before a scuffle with a Goblin, he unintentionally let go of it. Furthermore, the Ring yearned for independence from Gollum, desiring to return to its rightful master, Sauron. Once Bilbo Baggins came into possession of the Ring, Gollum embarked on another dismal journey in his life, continually pursuing it with the hope of regaining control over it once more.

A Very Famous Singer Wanted to Play Gollum

Andy Serkis brought Gollum to life on screen as if he had stepped straight out of Tolkien’s books, making audiences feel every ounce of emotion from envy to fear and anger. Interestingly enough, it was nearly Paul McCartney who portrayed this iconic character instead.

It’s clear that this wasn’t part of Peter Jackson’s version, but the band was nearly set to produce a take where they all participated. Having acted in ‘Help!’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, they felt prepared for more challenges. As reported, John Lennon expressed interest in portraying Gollum, while the others were eyeing roles like Frodo. However, Stanley Kubrick declined the offer to direct the movie, and it ultimately didn’t happen.

Gollum Was Created With Advanced CGI

Of course, it wasn’t Gollum himself who contributed to the CGI revolution during the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but rather Weta Digital, Jackson’s visual effects company, that embraced innovative techniques. The unique physicality and mannerisms of Gollum set him apart from other characters in the series, making it crucial to accurately portray his essence.

Initially, Serkis was only intended to voice the character, but Jackson decided to incorporate his physical performance after witnessing his talents. Consequently, they aimed to maximize his on-screen presence in the films, pushing for increased realism to make Gollum as convincing as possible. This decision proved successful, and Gollum emerged as one of the most memorable characters in the trilogy.

Gollum Lived Way Beyond His Years

In the film, it’s challenging to guess his age for Gollum since his look is unlike any other character, even among the imaginative creatures in The Lord of the Rings. This is because he lived much longer than a Stoor Hobbit typically would, as his life was prolonged significantly by possessing the One Ring, which had a lifespan exceeding the usual 100 years for a Stoor Hobbit.

The incident where he tumbled into Mount Doom marked a turning point, as it’s challenging to predict how much further he might have gone on without it. The peculiarity of the One Ring lies in its ability to extend the life of its bearer beyond natural limits, and Gollum served as a living testament to this quality.

Gollum No Longer Looked Like a Stoor Hobbit

Beyond his advanced years, Gollum was no longer reminiscent of a typical Stoor Hobbit or easily identifiable as Sméagol. He had grown thin and, due to spending much of his life in the Misty Mountains’ shadows, was unaccustomed to sunlight. Along with a change in his name came a transformation in his physical form.

In a distinct manner unlike a typical Stoor Hobbit, his mode of traversing the terrain changed; instead, he began to move about on all fours. This peculiar behavior, particularly in the movies, intensified the eerie atmosphere that pervaded each scene he graced, contributing significantly to the unsettling vibe. The transformation in him served as a striking visual cue for viewers, helping them grasp the corrupting influence of the One Ring and its potential effects on an individual.

Some Scholars Have Found a Link to Beowulf

J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration for “The Lord of the Rings” novels from numerous sources. His expertise in languages helped him develop unique dialects for the fictional races he created, while his experiences during World War I may have shaped the storylines. Some scholars posit that there might be links between Gollum and characters found in the epic tale of “Beowulf,” which Tolkien translated.

It appears that the characteristics of Grendel and Gollum share some striking similarities. As a significant adversary in the epic poem, Grendel bears a likeness reminiscent of the enigmatic character from “The Lord of the Rings,” as suggested by scholar Verlyn Flieger. Despite Tolkien possibly drawing inspiration from Grendel, he skillfully crafted Gollum to be a distinctive element within his story that leaves an indelible impression.

Gollum Enjoyed Partaking in Riddles With Someone Else

In spite of everything Gollum represents, it may seem surprising that he would take pleasure in riddles, but as demonstrated in “The Hobbit,” this was indeed the case. When I encountered Bilbo, these enigmatic exchanges became a means of escape for him. We struck a deal: if I couldn’t answer one of his riddles, he would be shown the way out.

In the films, it was captivating to observe Gollum’s response, as well as his intellect, revealing glimmers of humanity. For a brief instant, he appeared thoughtful and contemplative, which added depth to his character. Despite the ominous danger looming over Bilbo, hinting at possible doom, this scene unexpectedly showcased a playful aspect in Gollum that contrasted sharply with his usual demeanor.

Read More

2025-05-26 05:36