LitLuminaries

Location:HOME > Literature > content

Literature

Gandalf and Frodo’s Discoveries About Gollums Hobbit Origin and His Potential Return

January 31, 2025Literature2758
Did Gandalf or Frodo Ever Know That Gollum Was a Stoor Hobbit? And How

Did Gandalf or Frodo Ever Know That Gollum Was a Stoor Hobbit? And How Might Gollum React if Offered the Chance to Live in The Shire?

Woven through the fabric of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is a tale of complex characters, each with a unique backstory that unfolds in the shadows. One such character is Gollum, also known as Sméagol, a creature whose past is interwoven with both Hobbitdom and the alluring power of the One Ring. This article delves into the revelations Gandalf and Frodo discovered about Gollum's hobbit origins and examines the potential of his return to a life resembling that of a Hobbit, specifically to the comforts of The Shire.

Discovery of Gollum's Hobbit Origins

It is well-documented that Gandalf, with his profound insight and understanding of Middle-earth’s inhabitants, recognized Gollum as something akin to a hobbit. This realization was not just a surface-level observation but an in-depth understanding of Gollum’s Hobbit-like nature, particularly his Stoor origins. However, it is less clear whether Gandalf identified Gollum as a Stoor specifically. Stoor hobbits, known for their extra size and strength, were one of the three main kinds of hobbits, alongside the Harfoots and Fallohides.

It was during their journey through Moria that Gandalf chose to reveal this information to Frodo, adding a touch of complexity to their mission. ‘Don’t look now but your distant cousin, many times removed, is coming after you for the Ring,’ Gandalf whispered, perhaps implying a connection that went beyond Gollum’s sinister personality. This moment of revelation served to heighten the stakes of their quest and provided Frodo with a sense of historical connection, albeit a morbid one.

The Unthinkable Return to the Shire

The idea of Gollum returning to The Shire, living a peaceful life as a Hobbit, is a fascinating yet improbable concept. Considering the profound and enduring impact of the One Ring, it is nearly impossible to envision Gollum willingly abandoning his corrupted existence and embracing a life of simplicity and goodness. Even before the Ring’s influence, Sméagol was characterized as a solitary, mean, and antisocial creature, traits that may never have completely faded.

The Ring’s detrimental effects on Gollum are manifold. Physically, it led to a warped and twisted form, while mentally, it instilled a relentless obsession that dominated every aspect of his being. This obsession, coupled with his betrayal of his friend Deagol, his subsequent thefts and crimes, and the subsequent exile from his family, all point to a personality that, having been corrupted by the Ring, is too far gone to return to a civilized life.

Two Personalities in One Mind: Smeagol vs Gollum

Within Gollum’s duality, there exists a struggle between two personalities: Smeagol, the corrupted but inherently good nature hidden beneath the surface, and Gollum, the dark and cunning aspect that has been fully twisted by the Ring. The key question remains: could Smeagol, should it be given a chance, reassert itself and lead a life of happiness and contentment, akin to the Hobbits of The Shire?

Gandalf’s theory suggests that while Smeagol’s essence might have remained, his ability to dominate Gollum’s actions was hindered by the Ring’s dominance. The long years of wild existence, devoid of the simple life of The Shire, likely further reinforced Gollum’s malevolent side. Even the brief moments of tenderness may have been fleeting, as they were disrupted by Sam’s intervention. This episode, while displaying the potential for a softer, more human-like side, ultimately failed to bring about a lasting change.

Thus, despite the lingering memory of his Hobbit past, Gollum’s return to The Shire and a life as a Hobbit seems improbable. The Ring’s influence and Gollum’s deep-seated addiction to its power would likely prevent him from fully embracing a life teeming with peace and simplicity. The warping of his nature, prolonged by the Ring’s influence, makes a true and lasting transformation highly unlikely under the circumstances.