J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ explores Gollum’s tragic journey, highlighting his potential redemption and the profound impact it could have had on Middle-earth. As Frodo and Sam navigate their quest, Gollum’s inner conflict between his dark obsession with the One Ring and a longing for kindness creates a poignant narrative. The contemplation of how early compassion might have altered his fate enhances discussions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of good and evil within the story.
The Tragic Journey of Gollum in ‘The Lord of the Rings’
J.R.R. Tolkien’s monumental tale, ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ is filled with profound losses and challenges that Frodo and his allies face throughout their perilous quest. Readers are sure to recall some of the most heart-wrenching moments, from Boromir’s sorrowful demise to Gandalf’s seemingly final moments in the shadowy depths of Moria. Yet, despite these tragedies, the narrative ultimately conveys a message of hope and the victory of good over evil in the realm of Middle-earth.
Gollum’s Redemption and its Impact on Middle-earth
Tolkien himself infused the story with both joy and sorrow, and in one of his letters compiled in ‘The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien,’ he revealed which moment he found to be the most tragic. It revolves around Gollum’s potential redemption, a twist that could have significantly altered the fate of the world.
The narrative’s first half, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,’ follows the exploits of Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, Merry, and Pippin, while Frodo and Sam’s grueling trek to Mordor is unveiled in the latter part, referred to as “Book Four.” Gollum, a deeply tragic and multifaceted character first introduced in ‘The Hobbit,’ joins Frodo and Sam on their journey, driven solely by his obsession with the One Ring but offering to guide them with ulterior motives.
A pivotal moment occurs later in the story, specifically in the chapter titled ‘The Stairs of Cirith Ungol,’ where Gollum’s demeanor shifts dramatically. As he softly addresses Frodo, claiming, ‘Nice master!’, his prior mercy fades, leading to an inevitable tragedy as Frodo’s pity proves futile. This sets the stage for Gollum to betray the Hobbits, luring them into Shelob’s lair.
Tolkien mused that had Gollum’s kinder side, Sméagol, been met with compassion earlier, the events could have unfolded differently. The entrance into Mordor and the struggle for Mount Doom may have taken another direction, with Gollum’s internal battle between his remorse and the allure of the Ring becoming central to the narrative.
Although love might have grown within him, it ultimately would not have been enough to overpower the Ring’s grip. Gollum, caught in a tragic conflict, might still have resorted to stealing the Ring at a critical moment, similar to the original storyline. Yet, had he been shown kindness sooner, it’s possible he would have chosen to sacrifice himself for Frodo, plunging into the fiery chasm in a moment of selfless clarity.
The compassion Gollum receives later in the tale comes too late to alter his fate. Had he been treated with understanding earlier on, it might have shifted his outlook and influenced the trajectory of the story, though the overall outcome would likely remain consistent.
Imagining a different narrative where Sam shows Gollum greater kindness, allowing him to consciously sacrifice himself in the end, sparks intriguing discussions among fans. Regardless of the hypothetical outcomes, Gollum’s inner turmoil undeniably enriches ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ making Tolkien’s epic a captivating subject for ongoing exploration and debate.