Gollum: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
mNo edit summary
(137 intermediate revisions by 35 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{hobbit
{{Countdown}}
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Gollum.jpg|''Gollum'' by [[John Howe]].]]
{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[File:John Howe - Gollum.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gollum
| name=Gollum
| othernames=Sméagol
| pronun=
| birth=Approximately [[Third Age 2430|T.A. 2430]]
| othernames=Sméagol<br/>Stinker<br/>Slinker
| death=March 25, [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| titles=
| position=
| location=
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=c. {{TA|2430}}<ref name=guide>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 167, entry "Gollum"</ref>
| birthlocation=Near [[Gladden Fields]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Mount Doom]]
| age=c. 589
| notablefor=
| family=
| parentage=
| parentage=
| location=[[Misty Mountains]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| hair=
| height=
|}}
| hair=Thin, lank<ref name="Taming">{{TT|Taming}}</ref>
Originally known as '''Sméagol''', he was later named '''Gollum''' after the disgusting gurgling noise he made in his throat. His birth can be estimated to have happened c. the year 2430 of the [[Third Age]]. His death date is given as March 25, 3019 of the [[Third Age]]. His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing the [[One Ring]]. At the time of his death, Gollum was about 589 years old, a remarkable age for a creature who was once a [[Hobbit]], but he had been deformed and twisted in both body and mind by the corruption of the Ring. One of his chief desires was to possess the Ring which had enslaved him, and he pursued it for many years after he lost it.
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Gollum''', also known as '''Sméagol''', was a creature (originally a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]) who bore the [[One Ring]]. He lived in the [[Misty Mountains]] for most of his life. In {{TA|2941}} he lost the Ring to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious" "birthday present". In {{TA|3019}} he followed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and met [[Frodo Baggins]]. After leading Frodo into [[Mordor]] and betraying him to [[Shelob]] he finally seized the Ring in [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]]. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of [[Mount Doom]].


'''Also see:''' [[Timeline]].


== Story ==
==History==
===Early life===
Sméagol was a member of the [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbits who migrated to the [[Gladden Fields]] and became a riverland people under a Matriarch. Sméagol was the Matriarch's grandson and spent the early years of his life living with his extended family during the [[Watchful Peace]], when [[Sauron]] was in the [[East]].


===Early Life===
Around the year {{TA|2463}}, on his birthday, with his close relative [[Déagol]] they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol became the fourth [[Ring-bearer]] after Sauron, [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]].


Once a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] [[Hobbit]], Sméagol spent the early years of his life living with his extended family under a Matriarch, his grandmother. Around the year 2463 T.A. Sméagol became the fourth Bearer of the One Ring, after [[Sauron]], [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]]. Déagol was his cousin, and on Sméagol's birthday they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]] north of [[Lothlórien]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish.  Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a cave in the [[Misty Mountains]].  The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.
After this event, he started to make a gurgling sound from his throat; for this his family called him "Gollum". Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a [[Gollum's Lake|cave]] in the [[Misty Mountains]].  The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.


He lived in the Misty Mountains for over four hundred years, living on raw [[fish]], (which he caught from his small raft), and [[Goblins]], and in later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive.
Gollum lived longer than any other Hobbit could, and for over four hundred years he managed to live on raw [[fish]], which he caught from his small raft, and [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|Goblins]] from the nearby [[Goblin-town]]. In later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive.


During his centuries under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality disorder: Sméagol, his "good" personality, still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love, while Gollum, his "bad" personality, was a slave to the Ring and would kill anyone who tried to take it. Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker". The two personalities often quarrelled when he talked to himself (as Tolkien put it, "through not having anyone else to speak to") and had a love/hate relationship, mirroring Gollum's love and hatred for the Ring and for himself.
===Departure of the Ring===
[[File:Michael Hague - Riddles in the Dark.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Riddles in the Dark'' by [[Michael Hague]].]]
In July {{TA|2941}}, during the [[Quest of Erebor]], the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron. After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - ''"What have I got in my pocket?"'' - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertantly stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"
 
His addiction to the Ring was so great that he overcame his hatred and fear of the [[Sun]], the [[Moon]] and other creatures. He left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured by the Nazgûl's and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Thus Sauron's spies learned from him the names "[[Shire]]" and "[[Baggins]]". By {{TA|3017}} Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who turned him over to [[Gandalf]].
 
The [[Wizard]] managed to interrogate him and learned parts of the history of the Ring which he had not previously known. He placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. In June of {{TA|3018}}, Orcs raided the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] (in an obviously coordinated attack) allowing Gollum to escape. He resumed his search of the Ring and he was brought into [[Moria]] but could not open the [[Doors of Durin]].
 
===The War of the Ring===
Gollum picked up the trail of the new [[Ring-bearer]], [[Frodo Baggins]], as he and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] traveled through Moria. On [[15 January|January 15]], {{TA|3019}} the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]]. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lothlórien]] without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down [[Anduin]] to [[Rauros]].
 
He pursued [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gollum's Debate.jpg|thumb|left|"Gollum's Debate" by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself. Gollum also feared Frodo, and also thought that helping him would deprive Sauron from the Ring.
 
When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.
 
Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.
 
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into [[Shelob's lair]]. For this service to Shelob, the Orcs of Cirith Ungol knew Gollum as "Her Sneak".
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol.jpg|right|thumb|185px|"The Stairs of Cirith Ungol" by [[Peter Xavier Price]].]]
Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.
 
Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.


===Departure of the Ring===
Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.
 
==Appearance==
Sméagol was a Hobbit, but he spent long centuries (thanks to the Ring) in darkness and damp, influenced by its evil power. It is possible that thanks to his hardy Hobbitish nature that he was not reduced to a [[wraith]].<ref>
{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|website=FAQ of the Rings|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-GollumWraith|articlename=Why hadn’t Gollum turned into a wraith long ago?}}</ref> However, he was reduced to a small, extremely thin and wiry person, with scrawny neck, pale skin, flat feet, long thin hands with clammy fingers, and large pale eyes that seemed to glow. His sense of sight, as well as his hearing and smelling, were very good, due to the time he spent underground.
 
He could move and climb silently like a spider, and although he had only six teeth left,<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> he could give deep bites, even able to bite off Frodo's finger.
==Personality==
Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed [[#Etymology|his name]] to his interest in roots and deep pools; he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.
 
During his centuries of loneliness and under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality: his evil personality was a slave to the Ring and would kill for it, overwhelming his former self, who still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love. Not having anyone else to speak to, he often quarrelled with himself. Gollum both loved and hated the Ring and himself. He often referred both to the Ring and himself as "my Preciiouss", perhaps confusing the two entities.<ref name=guide/>
 
Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker".
 
Other aspects of the Ring's corruption was the aversion to all living creatures, especially the [[Elves]] and all things Elven. The [[Elven rope]] burnt his skin, and [[lembas]] tasted like dust to him.


In July, 2941 T.A, during the [[Quest of Erebor]], the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which he lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] says later, it looks after itself, trying to get back to Sauron. After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle&mdash;''"What have I got in my pocket?"''&mdash; and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertantly stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"
Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was perhaps good at heart, and his killing was entirely the Ring's doing. But it's also likely that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...
# The sight of the Ring at the [[Council of Elrond]] or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
# It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]].
#Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>


(In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].)
==Etymology==
Sméagol's name is [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''". This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.


Gollum left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo a few years later, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Gollum was then freed, but caught by [[Aragorn]] who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s kingdom in [[Mirkwood]]. He escaped into [[Moria]].
Sméagol's "real" name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both [[Westron]] and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true [[Dalish]]" was ''[[Trāgu]]'', and the ''Trah-'' stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus an analogue of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.


===Doings in the War of the Ring===
===Pronunciation===
In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s recordings of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''.


In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Gollum met and started following the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in Moria, and was spotted and heard by Frodo on several occasions. On January 15, 3019 T.A. the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] (though he later returned). Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lórien]] without their knowing. Gollum followed their boats down [[Anduin]] (floating on a log) to [[Rauros]] and pursued Frodo and Sam across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation (in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam) Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Christensen">[[Bonniejean Christensen]], [[Jared Lobdell]] (ed.), "Gollum's Character Transformation in ''The Hobbit''", published in ''[[A Tolkien Compass]]'', pages 7-26</ref>


Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself.
In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', it is mentioned that the [[One Ring]] was found "ere the Kings failed in Gondor". This can mean that originally, Gollum's age was intended to be considerably more than six hundred years (further reinforced by certain places in ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' like Gollum referring to tales about an uncorrupted [[Minas Ithil]] or Gandalf comparing his people to "fathers of the fathers of the [[Stoors]]"). In fact it seems likely that Sauron leaving the Mirkwood in 2063 T.A. and some Hobbits settling there after that are details added for the purpose of making the smaller age possible; perhaps in order to make it possible for Gollum and the other characters to have the same language.


When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.
==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gollum
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gollum.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Gollum.jpg|[[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book), 1989]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:Lotr-rotk gollum poster.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Peter Jackson's The Return of the King - 0006.jpg|As Sméagol in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Gollum1 viv lotr.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gollum.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Gollum poster.png|Gollum as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gollum.png|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by [[Brother Theodore]]. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.


Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir son of Denethor II|Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take him prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by [[Peter Woodthorpe]].  


Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel D&uacute;ath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], child of [[Ungoliant]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into Shelob's lair.
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier [[Rankin/Bass]] production. Some footage from ''The Hobbit'' was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.  


Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten (but still wily) creature.
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]]. He is barely glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]''  and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.


Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.
:In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.


Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.
'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Andy Serkis]] reprised his role as Gollum.<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>


==Description==
===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gollum is provided by [[Gerik Schjelderup]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[16 November|November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>


He is described as being small, with large eyes that seemed to glow, as well as a scrawny neck and soft clammy fingers. He moved like a spider, and several references suggest that he was black in color, though it could be said that it only looked like he was black, as most if not all of the descriptions were in the dark. In [[the Hobbit]] it is mentioned that he has six teeth, but this statement probably changed in the [[the Lord of the Rings]] as he had the ability to give deep bites, and was able to bite off Frodo’s finger.
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by [[Wolfe Morris]]) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of ''The Hobbit''.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "[[Riddles in the Dark (episode)|Riddles in the Dark]]"
</ref>


===Personality===
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Gail Chugg]] provided the voice of Gollum.


There is some debate about the nature of his impulse to kill Déagol.  Some maintain that Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was good at heart, and it was entirely the Ring's doing.  But the more popular and perhaps more likely opinion is that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with.  Their argument bases on several points, including (1) The sight of the Ring at the council or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murdur someone else.  (2) It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]]. (3) In the chapter ''[[The Shadow of the Past]]'', Gandalf mentions that Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Gollum, again performed by [[Peter Woodthorpe]], has the first lines of the play (save [[Gerard Murphy|the narrator]]). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref>


== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
===Games===
[[Image:Gollum behind bars 02.jpg|250px|right|Gollum in Jackson's ''The Fellowship of the Ring'']]
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
In both [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s animated film of ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'' and the BBC's [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|1981 radio serial]], the voice of Gollum is supplied by [[Peter Woodthorpe]]. In the former, he is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, and in the latter, he is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".
:Gollum, voiced by [[Quinton Flynn]], is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in [[Moria]], but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], "3 Passages"</ref> His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of [[Nen Hithoel]]. He throws a [[fish]], the "Xiphiidae", at "[[Aragorn|Ranger]]". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces [[Andúril]] in the weapon slots.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Amon Hen"</ref>


In the animated versions of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Gollum is voiced by comedian [[Brother Theodore]].
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gollum is accompanying Sam and Frodo during [[Osgiliath]] mission and the is the final boss of the game at the Crack of Doom. Unlike all other enemies of the game, he takes no damage from any attacks - instead the players must perform combinations to push him into lava below.


In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]], who also provided the voices of some of the [[Nazgûl]] and various [[Orcs]]. He is barely glimpsed in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.
'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit'']]:'''
:Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Riddles in the Dark"</ref>


In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" unit for the Servants of the Enemy, used primarily for scout missions.


== Name & Pronunciation ==
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a "Hero" for the Mordor factions. His health is extremely low and his attacks extremely weak, but has value for the scout missions.


Sméagol's name is actually another [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''".  This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In non-storyline battles, stealthed Gollum is roaming the map. If detected and killed, he drops The One Ring, which can give huge advantage to the side that gets it.


In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in the Peter Jackson movies ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in Tolkien's recordings of ''The Lord of the Rings'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''. It should also be noted that "Sméagol" bears strong resemblance to Old English ''sm&#275;a&#289;an'', a verb meaning "to ponder". If this was Tolkien's intention, then the acute may have been meant to substitute for the macron. In any case, when trying to pronounce ''Sméagol'', it should be kept in mind that the pronunciation rules given in the Appendices for ''The Lord of the Rings'' are for the [[Elvish]], and not for (old) English representing [[Westron]] and related languages.
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gollum is encountered thrice, though the player has yet to know his name. The first time he is met in southern [[Trollshaws]], where the player prevents him from attacking the baby of two Fishermen; the second time he is seen in southern Mirkwood, where the player must defeat the Orcs who attempts to capture him, the third time is on the Shores of Anduin, where the player has to make sure he does not fall prey to the spiders.


Sméagol's "real" Westron name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both Westron and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true Dalish" was ''Trâgu'', and the Trah- stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus a cognate of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug (with a meaning of squeezing through a hole.)
'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gollum is a striker-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Throttle'', ''My Precious'', ''Coward'' and ''We are starved''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gollum|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gollum|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Sméagol]]
*[[:Category:Images of Gollum|Images of Gollum]]


== External links ==
==External links==


*[http://www.serkis.com Andy Serkis's website]
*[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2012/12/smeagol-whats-in-name.html Sméagol — what’s in a name?] by [[Jason Fisher]]
*[http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/329/7480/1435?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=gollum&searchid=1103349387213_18575&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=329&issue=7480 Medical Students Profile of Gollum]


{{References}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| born=c. {{TA|2430}}
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Déagol]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{TA|2463}} - {{TA|2941|n}}
| next=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=briefly, [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| nvac=None
| next=Ring destroyed
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[de:Gollum]]
[[de:Gollum]]
[[fi:Klonkku]]
[[fi:Klonkku]]
[[fa:گالوم]]

Revision as of 02:18, 8 April 2014

Template:Countdown

Gollum
Hobbit
John Howe - Gollum.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesSméagol
Stinker
Slinker
Birthc. T.A. 2430[1]
Near Gladden Fields
Death25 March T.A. 3019 (aged c. 589)
Mount Doom
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorThin, lank[2]
GalleryImages of Gollum

Gollum, also known as Sméagol, was a creature (originally a Stoorish Hobbit) who bore the One Ring. He lived in the Misty Mountains for most of his life. In T.A. 2941 he lost the Ring to Bilbo Baggins. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious" "birthday present". In T.A. 3019 he followed the Fellowship of the Ring and met Frodo Baggins. After leading Frodo into Mordor and betraying him to Shelob he finally seized the Ring in Sammath Naur. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of Mount Doom.


History

Early life

Sméagol was a member of the Stoorish Hobbits who migrated to the Gladden Fields and became a riverland people under a Matriarch. Sméagol was the Matriarch's grandson and spent the early years of his life living with his extended family during the Watchful Peace, when Sauron was in the East.

Around the year T.A. 2463, on his birthday, with his close relative Déagol they went fishing in the Gladden Fields. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol became the fourth Ring-bearer after Sauron, Isildur, and Déagol.

After this event, he started to make a gurgling sound from his throat; for this his family called him "Gollum". Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a cave in the Misty Mountains. The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "Precious" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.

Gollum lived longer than any other Hobbit could, and for over four hundred years he managed to live on raw fish, which he caught from his small raft, and Goblins from the nearby Goblin-town. In later years he found Hobbit and Elven food repulsive.

Departure of the Ring

Riddles in the Dark by Michael Hague.

In July T.A. 2941, during the Quest of Erebor, the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As Gandalf said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron. After the famous Riddle Game, during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertantly stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"

His addiction to the Ring was so great that he overcame his hatred and fear of the Sun, the Moon and other creatures. He left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo, but the trail was cold. He made his way into Mordor, where he was captured by the Nazgûl's and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Thus Sauron's spies learned from him the names "Shire" and "Baggins". By T.A. 3017 Gollum was then set free, but caught by Aragorn, who turned him over to Gandalf.

The Wizard managed to interrogate him and learned parts of the history of the Ring which he had not previously known. He placed him in the care of the Silvan Elves living in Thranduil's Woodland Realm of Mirkwood. In June of T.A. 3018, Orcs raided the Elves of Mirkwood (in an obviously coordinated attack) allowing Gollum to escape. He resumed his search of the Ring and he was brought into Moria but could not open the Doors of Durin.

The War of the Ring

Gollum picked up the trail of the new Ring-bearer, Frodo Baggins, as he and the Fellowship of the Ring traveled through Moria. On January 15, T.A. 3019 the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a Balrog. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, but he came with them to Lothlórien without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down Anduin to Rauros.

He pursued Frodo and Sam across the Emyn Muil when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an Elvish rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the Black Gate, the entrance to Mordor.

"Gollum's Debate" by Ted Nasmith.

Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself. Gollum also feared Frodo, and also thought that helping him would deprive Sauron from the Ring.

When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.

Frodo and Sam were caught by Faramir, and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called Cirith Ungol. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the Ephel Dúath. Gollum visited the great spider Shelob, because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into Shelob's lair. For this service to Shelob, the Orcs of Cirith Ungol knew Gollum as "Her Sneak".

"The Stairs of Cirith Ungol" by Peter Xavier Price.

Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano Orodruin, or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.

Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the Crack of Doom, but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.

Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.

Appearance

Sméagol was a Hobbit, but he spent long centuries (thanks to the Ring) in darkness and damp, influenced by its evil power. It is possible that thanks to his hardy Hobbitish nature that he was not reduced to a wraith.[3] However, he was reduced to a small, extremely thin and wiry person, with scrawny neck, pale skin, flat feet, long thin hands with clammy fingers, and large pale eyes that seemed to glow. His sense of sight, as well as his hearing and smelling, were very good, due to the time he spent underground.

He could move and climb silently like a spider, and although he had only six teeth left,[4] he could give deep bites, even able to bite off Frodo's finger.

Personality

Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed his name to his interest in roots and deep pools; he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.

During his centuries of loneliness and under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality: his evil personality was a slave to the Ring and would kill for it, overwhelming his former self, who still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love. Not having anyone else to speak to, he often quarrelled with himself. Gollum both loved and hated the Ring and himself. He often referred both to the Ring and himself as "my Preciiouss", perhaps confusing the two entities.[1]

Years later, Samwise Gamgee would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker".

Other aspects of the Ring's corruption was the aversion to all living creatures, especially the Elves and all things Elven. The Elven rope burnt his skin, and lembas tasted like dust to him.

Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was perhaps good at heart, and his killing was entirely the Ring's doing. But it's also likely that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...

  1. The sight of the Ring at the Council of Elrond or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
  2. It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, Ted Sandyman and Lotho Sackville-Baggins.
  3. Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.[5]

Etymology

Sméagol's name is Old English one, from sméah, and adjective meaning "creeping in, penetrating". This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.

Sméagol's "real" name was Trahald, of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both Westron and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to Smaug's: Smaug's name in "true Dalish" was Trāgu, and the Trah- stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus an analogue of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.

Pronunciation

In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films Sméagol is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in Tolkien's recordings of The Lord of the Rings he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that éa should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ea, and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name Eärendil, which also occurs spelt Ëarendil.

Other versions of the Legendarium

In the first edition of The Hobbit, Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the Dwarves and Gandalf.[6]

In The Silmarillion, it is mentioned that the One Ring was found "ere the Kings failed in Gondor". This can mean that originally, Gollum's age was intended to be considerably more than six hundred years (further reinforced by certain places in Lord of the Rings like Gollum referring to tales about an uncorrupted Minas Ithil or Gandalf comparing his people to "fathers of the fathers of the Stoors"). In fact it seems likely that Sauron leaving the Mirkwood in 2063 T.A. and some Hobbits settling there after that are details added for the purpose of making the smaller age possible; perhaps in order to make it possible for Gollum and the other characters to have the same language.

Portrayal in adaptations

Pictures of adaptations of Gollum
Gollum as a Lego mini figure  

Films

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by Brother Theodore. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by Peter Woodthorpe.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier Rankin/Bass production. Some footage from The Hobbit was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.

2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor Andy Serkis. He is barely glimpsed in The Fellowship of the Ring, where he is voiced by Dominic Monaghan in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in The Two Towers and The Return of the King. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in The Two Towers, Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.
In The Return of the King Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for The Two Towers but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series):

Andy Serkis reprised his role as Gollum.[7]

Radio series

1955: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

The voice of Gollum is provided by Gerik Schjelderup.[8]

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by Wolfe Morris) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of The Hobbit.[9]

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

Gail Chugg provided the voice of Gollum.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Gollum, again performed by Peter Woodthorpe, has the first lines of the play (save the narrator). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".[10]

Games

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Gollum, voiced by Quinton Flynn, is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in Moria, but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.[11] His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of Nen Hithoel. He throws a fish, the "Xiphiidae", at "Ranger". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces Andúril in the weapon slots.[12]

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game):

Gollum is accompanying Sam and Frodo during Osgiliath mission and the is the final boss of the game at the Crack of Doom. Unlike all other enemies of the game, he takes no damage from any attacks - instead the players must perform combinations to push him into lava below.

2003: Sierra's The Hobbit:

Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by Daran Norris.[13]

2004: The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring:

Gollum is a "Hero" unit for the Servants of the Enemy, used primarily for scout missions.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

Gollum is a "Hero" for the Mordor factions. His health is extremely low and his attacks extremely weak, but has value for the scout missions.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

In non-storyline battles, stealthed Gollum is roaming the map. If detected and killed, he drops The One Ring, which can give huge advantage to the side that gets it.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Gollum is encountered thrice, though the player has yet to know his name. The first time he is met in southern Trollshaws, where the player prevents him from attacking the baby of two Fishermen; the second time he is seen in southern Mirkwood, where the player must defeat the Orcs who attempts to capture him, the third time is on the Shores of Anduin, where the player has to make sure he does not fall prey to the spiders.

2012: Guardians of Middle-earth:

Gollum is a striker-type "guardian" with four abilities: Throttle, My Precious, Coward and We are starved.[14]

See also

External links

References

Gollum
Born: c. T.A. 2430 Died: 25 March, T.A. 3019
Preceded by:
Déagol
Ring-bearer
c. T.A. 2463 - 2941
Followed by:
Bilbo Baggins
Preceded by:
Frodo Baggins
Ring-bearer
briefly, 25 March, T.A. 3019
None
Ring destroyed


fa:گالوم