Gollum vs Smeagol: What Sets Them Apart?
While Gollum plays a significant role in the Lord of the Rings, Smeagol may have something to add to the story.
LOTR Gollum vs. Smeagol – What Sets Them Apart?
Gollum, the tragic and fascinating character from The Lord of the Rings, has captured the hearts of fans everywhere. He is a villainous presence throughout the trilogy, constantly driven by his desire to possess the One Ring once again. Traveling alongside Sam and Frodo, he patiently waits for the perfect opportunity to reclaim it. But when he finally does, the reunion is short-lived.
Throughout the series, Gollum finds himself in conflict with his other half, Smeagol, resulting in some of the most intriguing conversations. It’s almost like a verbal battle between good and evil, with Gollum and Smeagol appearing as two distinct beings trapped in the same mind. However, there are key differences that set them apart.
What Is The Difference Between Gollum And Smeagol?
| The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy |
|---|
| Director: Peter Jackson |
| Screenplay: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Stephen Sinclair |
| Based On: The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien |
| Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Sean Bean |
| Release Date: 2001–2003 |
| Trilogy Runtime: 558 minutes (theatrical), 683 minutes (extended) |
| Trilogy Budget: $281 million |
| Trilogy Box Office: $3.004 billion |
Gollum and Smeagol represent the two conflicting personalities vying for control within Gollum’s damaged mind. While both names can be used to refer to the character, it is more appropriate to call him Gollum during the main story of The Lord of the Rings. Gollum represents what Smeagol has become after being corrupted by the One Ring for far too long. However, when there is an internal conflict, Smeagol’s personality tends to shine through, if only for a brief period.
Smeagol embodies the positive and good aspects of Gollum’s personality. As the simple Hobbit part of the creature, Smeagol tried to see the good in the world despite constantly contending with Gollum’s greedy nature. Smeagol’s ability to influence Gollum’s actions is limited, but when Frodo shows kindness, Smeagol gains some control.
On the other hand, Gollum is the complete opposite of Smeagol. He is conniving, vile, and willing to commit unspeakable acts to be reunited with the One Ring. Gollum has become so detached from his Hobbit past that he is practically unrecognizable compared to his people. The pull of the ring, coupled with the darkness in Smeagol’s heart, has twisted and broken Gollum beyond recognition.
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Who Was Smeagol?
Smeagol was originally a simple Hobbit, likely a Stoor (a specific type of Hobbit). His destiny seemed to be one of a quiet life, similar to other Hobbits. However, he had a mischievous streak that often went beyond the usual Hobbit troublemaking. It was this darker side of Smeagol that came to the forefront after he stumbled upon the One Ring.
In a tragic turn of events, Smeagol killed his cousin, Deagol, to claim the One Ring for himself. Smeagol’s descent into darkness was swift and brutal, corrupting him in ways unimaginable. This darker nature ultimately led to his banishment from his people. Left alone with his one prized possession, Smeagol sought refuge in the depths of the Misty Mountains, spending hundreds of years in solitude. The One Ring magically extended his lifespan, transforming him into the creature we know as Gollum.
Why Does Gollum Talk To Himself?
The answer to why Gollum engages in self-dialogue is incredibly sad. He speaks to himself because he has no one else to speak to after living for hundreds of years without companionship. As a Hobbit, Gollum craved social interaction, but the only company he had was the ring. His shattered mind and the fragments of Smeagol within him longed for companionship, which he found in his own voice. The more his mind deteriorated, the more Gollum spoke to his kinder self.
In a poignant line from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Gollum reveals his loneliness:
“They cursed us. Murderer they called us. They cursed us, and drove us away. And we wept, Precious, we wept to be so alone. And we only wish to catch fish so juicy sweet. And we forgot the taste of bread… the sound of trees… the softness of the wind. We even forgot our own name. My Precious.”
Gollum’s only desire is to be with the One Ring. He sees no value in anything else, from clothes to food. His meager intake of sustenance is solely to prolong his time with his precious, even though the ring itself has the potential to eventually escape. While he does speak to himself, Gollum is also unafraid to address the ring directly, illustrating the ring’s importance to him. Whenever Gollum faces conflicts involving the ring, Smeagol engages in dialogue with his darker self in an attempt to make sense of his options. Sadly, things never go well for him.
Q&A
Q: Will Gollum ever be free from the influence of the One Ring?
A: Unfortunately, Gollum’s addiction to the One Ring makes it highly unlikely that he will ever be free from its influence. The ring has consumed him to the point where separating Gollum from the ring seems almost impossible.
Q: Can Smeagol ever fully regain control over Gollum?
A: While Smeagol occasionally gains some control over Gollum, it is unlikely that he can fully regain control permanently. The corruption and darkness that consume Gollum are deeply ingrained, making it difficult for Smeagol to maintain control for long periods.
Q: How did Gollum’s obsession with the One Ring affect his physical appearance?
A: Gollum’s obsession with the One Ring led to extreme physical degradation. His body twisted and deformed over time, becoming frail and emaciated. Gollum’s obsession consumed him, leaving behind a shell of his former self.
Reference List
- What Is The Difference Between Gollum And Smeagol?
- Understanding Lord of the Rings: Morgoth’s Warhammer
- LOTR: Durin’s Folk, Explained
- 18 Powerful Bosses in Resident Evil Games
- LOTR: The Galadhrim, Explained
Now that you know more about the complex and intriguing characters of Gollum and Smeagol, why not share this article with your friends? And if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
