Why Does Gollum Believe He is Better than Smeagol in The Lord of the Rings

In the renowned literary masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien intricately explores the internal battles of Gollum, a complex and tormented character. When examining the psychological and symbolic reasons behind Gollum's belief that he is better than Smeagol, an in-depth look at the narrative and character development is necessary. This article delves into the reasons for this internal conflict, the impact of the One Ring, and the tragic journey of Smeagol to Gollum.

Background and Transformation

Originally a Stoor Hobbit of the River-folk known as Sméagol, Gollum's transformation is pivotal in understanding the answer to this question. In the early days of recounting events in the prologue of "The Lord of the Rings", Tolkien writes, "Once he had been a Stoor of the River-folk, known as Sméagol to his friends, and Smeagol to himself; but after he had been touched by the One Ring he changed, and became Gollum. The change was so great, and it so gradually ate away the remnant of his original character that in the end he lost all the ordinary human feeling and memories, and the weight of time did not matter to him." (The Lord of the Rings, Prologue). This corruption by the One Ring was a powerful influence that profoundly reshaped his personality, leading to an identity crisis.

Symbols and Identity

The transformation from Sméagol to Gollum is also symbolized in the name change. Over time, Gollum began to refer to his darker self as "Smeagol". This name change is significant, as it represents his fragmented identity. The constant struggle between Gollum and Smeagol is a reflection of the internal conflict that stems from the duality of good and evil, light and darkness. Gollum often speaks two different voices: the greedy desire for power and the loathing for the Ring which binds him. This internal struggle results in Gollum's belief that he is better than Smeagol, as Smeagol represents the innocence and goodness he once had, while Gollum symbolizes the corruption and malice he has become.

Mental and Emotional Duality

Much of Gollum's belief in himself as better than Smeagol can be attributed to the split personality he has developed. This inner turmoil can be seen in his constant dialogue with himself, where Gollum criticizes Smeagol. This inner dialogue can be seen as a manifestation of his dual identity. The voice of Gollum represents the corrupt aspect of Sméagol's psyche, while the voice of Smeagol represents the remnants of his former self. Gollum, influenced by the One Ring, often refers to the "Smeagol voice" as being inferior, suggesting that he considers the corrupted aspects of himself to be the "real" or "better" self.

Impact of the One Ring

The One Ring, a powerful and corrupting artifact, plays a crucial role in Gollum's psychological and moral transformation. Its influence can be directly linked to Gollum's belief that he is better than Smeagol. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, "The power of the Ring began to seep into Sméagol, and in the end it killed the last of him, except for the want of power and knowledge it had infused into him" (The Lord of the Rings, Prologue). The Ring's influence transformed Sméagol from a docile creature into a being consumed by greed and malice. Gollum, as a result, views himself as superior due to the perceived advancement his corruption represents.

Conclusion

The belief that Gollum is better than Smeagol is a reflection of the complex psychological and symbolic journey of the character in "The Lord of the Rings". This belief is born from the transformation caused by the corruption of the One Ring, the development of a dual identity, and the internal struggle of good and evil within. Gollum's internal dialogue and his constant reference to Smeagol as inferior are clear manifestations of the incomplete corruption process. Despite the overwhelming influence of the Ring, remnants of Sméagol persist, and in Gollum's eyes, they are a sign of inferiority rather than a potential path to redemption.