Gandalf's Role with Gollum in 'The Hobbit' and Beyond

When discussing the interactions between Gandalf and Gollum, it is essential to distinguish between their respective roles in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In The Hobbit, Gandalf and Gollum have no significant encounters. The only time they meet is when Gandalf catches Gollum to extract information from him after Gollum's release from Mordor. This article delves into Gandalf's involvement with Gollum, particularly in the context of his actions after the events of The Hobbit and his interactions with Gollum throughout his journey in the later parts of Tolkien's saga.

Interactions and Actions in 'The Hobbit'

During The Hobbit, Gandalf does not have any direct dealings with Gollum. The story primarily involves Gollum acting as a riddle enthusiast and a key adversary to Bilbo Baggins and his party. Gandalf's role in these events is more on the backdrop, arranging meetings and providing guidance to the group but not directly interacting with Gollum. Their only formal encounter is when Gandalf uses Gollum to gather information, but this is a brief and episodic moment in the broader narrative.

Post-'The Hobbit' Interactions and Gandalf's Plans for Gollum

After the events of The Hobbit, Gandalf interacted with Gollum once more, during the period between the two major works of Tolkien. It is during this time that Gandalf attempts to track and contain Gollum. His plan was not to torture or permanently harm Gollum but to rehabilitate him and find a way to redeem him. Gandalf’s ultimate aim was to have Gollum sit in prison in Mirkwood. He believed that after the destruction of the One Ring, Gollum could possibly be rehabilitated and thus penned down his plan in a letter to Frodo Baggins.

According to records, after the confrontation with Gollum, Gandalf felt he had extracted all the necessary information and was ready to let him go, taking him to the elves of Mirkwood for humane custody. However, the elves of Mirkwood failed to fulfill this humane condition. Instead, Gollum was provided with a comfortable life within their custody. Fed well, kept safe, and allowed to roam freely under elven supervision, the overall sentiment towards Gollum seemed to be one of pity but also a recognition that he still posed an unpredictable and dangerous threat.

Final Stages and Continuing Involvement

As the events of The Lord of the Rings unfold, Gandalf's involvement with Gollum becomes more indirect. However, he remains vigilant concerning Gollum’s movements, particularly in his quest to find a way to bring the One Ring to Mordor. Gandalf's hope was that Gollum might be useful as a guide, and thus he instructed Aragorn to deliver Gollum to Thranduil. This handover to the elves was intended to ensure Gollum's continued confinement and containment, in line with Gandalf's original plan but also ensuring the safety of the region.

Overall, Gandalf's relationship with Gollum is marked by a complex mix of compassion and pragmatism. He did not wish to interfere directly with Gollum's life, preferring to let the elves of Mirkwood handle the situation in a way that would ensure both Gollum's destruction and the preservation of their region's tranquility.

Conclusion

Gandalf's role with Gollum is significant but also somewhat convoluted. His initial efforts to manage Gollum were part of a larger plan that encompassed the destruction of the One Ring. In the end, his wish to redeem Gollum, even if unsuccessful, is a testament to his character and the themes of redemption and hope that permeate Tolkien's world of Middle-earth.