The Significance of Gollum’s Role in Lord of the Rings
Gollum is one of the most iconic characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series, Lord of the Rings. He is a small, twisted creature with a split personality, torn between his desire for the One Ring and his love for his “precious” possession. In this article, we will explore the significance of Gollum’s role in Lord of the Rings.
Gollum’s Importance to the Plot
Gollum plays a crucial role in Lord of the Rings as he is the one who originally possessed the One Ring before it fell into Bilbo Baggins’ hands. His obsession with it led him to murder his best friend and become a slave to its power. As a result, he becomes a pawn in the larger war between good and evil that takes place throughout Middle-earth.
Gollum’s presence drives much of the action in Lord of the Rings, as both Sauron and Frodo Baggins seek him out for different reasons. Sauron wants to use him to retrieve the Ring while Frodo seeks his guidance on how to destroy it. Without Gollum’s involvement, it is unlikely that Frodo would have been able to complete his quest.
The Duality of Gollum’s Character
One fascinating aspect of Gollum’s character is his duality. He has two personalities – Smeagol and Gollum – which are constantly at odds with each other. Smeagol represents what little humanity remains in him while Gollum represents his darker side.
This inner conflict makes him unpredictable and dangerous, but also sympathetic at times. We see glimpses of Smeagol’s former self throughout Lord of the Rings, particularly when he interacts with Frodo and Samwise Gamgee. These moments serve as reminders that Gollum was not always the twisted creature we see on screen.
Gollum’s Tragic Story
Gollum’s story is a tragic one. He was once a Hobbit-like creature named Smeagol who lived a peaceful life until he stumbled upon the One Ring. The Ring’s influence slowly corrupted him, driving him to commit unspeakable acts in order to keep it for himself.
Despite his twisted nature, there are moments when we see a glimmer of hope for Gollum. He is tormented by his addiction to the Ring and knows that it has destroyed his life. His final act of redemption comes when he bites off Frodo’s finger to take the Ring for himself but then falls into Mount Doom, destroying both himself and the Ring.
Gollum’s Legacy
Gollum’s impact on Lord of the Rings extends beyond just his role in the plot. He has become one of the most iconic characters in popular culture and has inspired countless imitations and parodies over the years.
His legacy also extends to modern cinema, as motion capture technology used to bring him to life paved the way for future films such as Avatar and Planet of the Apes. Without Gollum, these movies may not have been possible or at least would not have been as visually stunning.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Gollum is an essential character in Lord of the Rings whose importance extends far beyond just his role in driving the plot forward. His duality, tragic story, and lasting legacy make him one of Tolkien’s most memorable creations.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
