Gollum is a pivotal character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, known primarily for his split personality and obsession with the One Ring. Once a creature named Sméagol, he was corrupted by the Ring, which granted him unnaturally long life but also twisted his mind. His journey reveals themes of addiction, loss, and the struggle between good and evil.
Ally
Gollum acts as both guide and servant to Frodo, exhibiting a complicated bond marked by mutual dependency, conflict, and a shared understanding of the Ring's burden.
Antagonist / Rival
Sam distrusts Gollum deeply, often viewing him as a menace to Frodo and their mission, leading to numerous confrontations fueled by Sam's protective nature.
Victim
Deagol's murder at Gollum's hands is the inciting incident of Gollum's transformation, showcasing how ambition for the Ring leads to betrayal and loss.
None, often described as naked
Gollum's character was based on a cross-section of human traits and the conflict of addiction.
The design for Gollum in Peter Jackson's film adaptation was revolutionary in the use of motion capture technology and CGI.
Gollum remains one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in fantasy literature, often symbolizing the struggle between good and evil.
He has his own form of riddles, which he uses to engage in a deadly game with Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit'.
Gollum's internal struggle is symbolized by his split between the personalities of Sméagol and Gollum.