Summary
Gollum is perhaps one of the most sympathetic characters inThe Lord of the Rings, for his body and mind had been twisted through years of possessing the One Ring. When audiences meet Gollum inThe Lord of the Rings, they find themselves staring downa sneaky and selfish shadowof Smeagol’s former self, played brilliantly by Andy Serkis.
Despite the corruption that Gollum faces, his importance inThe Lord of the Ringsand the fate of Middle-earth cannot be understated. With and without his precious, Gollum plays a vital role, and provides an array of memorable quotes, whether they be sad, funny, or sinister.
5“You Don’t Have Any Friends. Nobody Likes You!”
Gollum Mocks Smeagol
Smeagol receives a sense of identity once Frodo expresses kindness to him. Yet, this is something that Gollum is completely against, and he reeks with jealousy and mistrust for befriending Hobbits. As such, Gollum tries to put Smeagol back down by berating him and seems to exclaim with joy thathe doesn’t have any friends.
Gollum and Smeagol’s relationship is always interesting, as it seems like doubt, fear, and hate all manifest into the smarter and more dominant Gollum personality, which exists todrag Smeagol downuntil he is but a cowering inside voice in their shared mind.
4“Stupid, Fat Hobbit.”
Gollum Expresses Horror And Hate For Rabbit Stew
Gollum is Sam’s biggest hater, and constantly uses insults to try and get under his skin and cause a divide between Sam and Frodo. Gollum’s favorite insult is not only just to call Sam a Hobbit, but a stupid fat one, showing some pretty harsh words from a creature who lurks in caves and eats raw fish straight from the river.
This line is even more comedic in context, when Gollum screams in agony seeing that his freshly caught rabbit is being turned into a healthy stew. The scorn and anguish in Gollum’s voice make it a rather funny addition but showcase the darker side of his desires for raw flesh.
3“My Precious.”
The Cackling Dark Words For The One Ring
The common name that Gollum usesfor the One Ring. Gollum is often heard ranting and raving about his precious, and it shows a darker meaning behind his character. Gollum is seduced by the ring, undone by it, until the metal has forged with his very personality, blurring his reality into servitude for the precious ring that he has grown addicted to.
Gollum can be heard muttering and even screaming about his preciousness throughoutThe Lord of the Rings. Even if Gollum loves the ring or hates the ring, it will always be his precious, and his devotion to it can be seen even as his skin melts from bone to the end.
Gollum Narrates His Tragic Origins
The opening ofThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingdetails Smeagol’s tragedy. Showcasing the moment of his demise that would obscure him into a monster out of myth, audiences are given a lens to watch Gollum’s transformation, along with narration from Gollum himself to document this change.
Gollum has a rather poetic way with words in this narration, but it’salso deeply tragic. The fact that Smeagol was once a man, driven to this sorry state as Gollum, left to rot as his memories escape him, showcases a dark sadness that no one should have to endure.
1“If Baggins Loses, Then We Eats It Whole.”
A Game Of Riddles With Bilbo Baggins Could Result In A Hearty Dinner
Playing riddles with Gollum is not a simple task, and Bilbo Baggins decides that such a game is his only escape from this foul and hungry creature thatlurks within a goblin cave. Gollum agrees to the game, but on the condition that he gets to eat Bilbo from head to toe if Gollum wins.
The way that Gollum says his conditions so confidently as if it’s a completely fair deal to make, adds some humor to the scene. Yet, with Gollum’s nine teeth, it also begs the question of what else he has eaten, and how many fools have found themselves trapped in a game of riddles against him.
