Who Is Smeagol in The Lord of the Rings?
Smeagol is a hobbit-like creature and one of the most tragic characters in The Lord of the Rings. Originally a Stoor Hobbit from the Gladden Fields, he was corrupted by the One Ring millennia before the main story begins. His obsession with the Ring transformed him into the wretched, split-personality creature known as Gollum.
The Origin of Gollum's Name and Split Personality
The name "Gollum" comes from the choking, gurgling sound he makes when he speaks. Smeagol represents his original, more innocent self, while Gollum embodies the Ring's corrupting influence. This internal conflict drives much of his behavior, as he refers to the Ring as "my precious" and struggles between his lingering loyalty to Frodo and his desire to reclaim it.
Smeagol's Role and Fate in the Story
Smeagol serves as Frodo and Sam’s reluctant guide through Mordor, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the land. His dual nature creates tension, as he secretly schemes to betray the hobbits to Shelob. Ultimately, his fate is sealed when he falls into the fires of Mount Doom while clutching the Ring, destroying both himself and the One Ring.
For a deeper look at the character's origins, see the Tolkien Gateway entry for Smeagol.
