Gollum’s Journey and Entry into Moria: Unraveling the Mystery

Gollum’s entry into Moria and his subsequent role in the Fellowship of the Ring story have sparked numerous debates among fans. The text in the original question seems to raise a few key points: where exactly Gollum starts following the Fellowship, and whether the trashing of the door would have prevented his entrance. To fully understand his movements, it's important to delve into the facts presented in The Tale of Years.

Where Does Gollum Start Following the Fellowship?

The original text suggests that Gollum might have entered Moria from the East, even before the Fellowship arrived. However, there seems to be a misconception that follows—which is not always about following from behind. For an experienced stalker like Gollum, following ahead can offer many advantages.

The Fellowship's journey and its goal would become plainly obvious for days before they reached the gates. Gollum, being the seasoned tracker and cave dweller he is, could have picked up their trail well before he reached the East gate of Moria. He would have known the movements of the Fellowship from the outset and could have started following them as soon as he recognized their presence.

Couldn’t the Trashed Door Prevent Gollum’s Entry?

The notion that the trashed door would prevent Gollum's access is a common misconception. Given Gollum's extensive experience with caves and holes, he would likely find the destroyed gate less daunting than the members of the Fellowship. For Gollum, squeezing between the stones or finding other water-courses and cracks that were unaffected by the destruction could have been a far more viable option.

For Gollum, what would take days of digging for the Fellowship could be a minor delay. This is particularly true when considering his diminutive size and considerable agility, which allowed him to navigate and maneuver through tight spaces more easily than the members of the Fellowship.

Why Was Gollum in Moria in the First Place?

It is also important to understand the reason behind Gollum's presence in Moria at first. According to The Tale of Years, Gollum was actively seeking Baggins and the Shire. He knew that he needed to find a way over or under the Misty Mountains to achieve his goal. Back in Moria, he could have hoped to find clues or information that might lead him to his quarry.

The tale reveals that Gollum entered Moria from the East, where there was no door but an open gateway. He made his way to the Western door but was unable to leave. From there, he picked up the Fellowship's trail shortly after they entered and followed them, continuing this pursuit into Lorien, and even through the Emyn Muil, as far as the Rauros-falls. It was only after he saw the Fellowship leave that he followed them on their journey downriver.

This sequence of events highlights Gollum's persistence and resourcefulness, showing how he remained clear on the Fellowship's whereabouts and continued to follow them, even when it seemed the passage between gates was blocked.

Conclusion

Gollum's journey into and through Moria is a testament to his cunning and endurance. He would have been aware of the Fellowship long before they reached the gate, and his entrance into Moria would not have been hindered by the destruction of the doors. His actions in pursuing Baggins and the Shire demonstrate his commitment and skill as a tracker, making his eventual encounter with the Fellowship a fitting segue into their quest.

Understanding the nuances of Gollum’s movements and motivations deepens our appreciation of the rich and intricate world crafted by J.R.R. Tolkien, bringing the story to life in all its complexity.