Gollum, originally a Hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, was born into a community of [[Stoors]] near the [[Gladden Fields]]. His life was irrevocably altered in the year 2463 Third Age when his friend [[Déagol]] found a gold ring in the river. Driven by an immediate and unnatural lust for the object, Sméagol murdered his friend and claimed the "Precious" for his own.
The Corruption of Sméagol
The Ring’s power extended Sméagol’s life far beyond its natural span, but at a terrible cost. He was cast out by his people for his thieving and "gurgling" speech, eventually retreating into the roots of the [[Misty Mountains]]. In the deep silence and damp dark, he withered into a pale, spindly creature with luminous eyes and a split personality:
- Sméagol: The faint memory of his former self—fawning, fearful, and capable of brief moments of loyalty.
- Gollum: The cruel, calculating persona dominated entirely by the Ring’s will.
For nearly five hundred years, he survived on raw fish and the occasional [[Orc]] fledgling, becoming a master of stealth and a creature of pure shadow.
The Riddle Game and the Great Loss
In 2941 Third Age, the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] stumbled into Gollum’s cavern and found the Ring. Gollum challenged Bilbo to a [[Riddle Game]], intending to eat the "thief" regardless of the outcome. When Bilbo escaped with the Ring, Gollum’s despair turned into a singular, burning hatred for "Baggins" and the [[The Shire]].
Eventually leaving the mountains to hunt for his prize, Gollum was captured by the forces of [[Sauron]] and tortured in [[Barad-dûr]]. It was from his lips that the Dark Lord heard the two words that set the War of the Ring in motion: "Shire... Baggins."
Guide to the Nameless Land
After being released by Sauron and later captured by [[Aragorn]], Gollum was placed in the care of the Elves of [[Mirkwood]], only to escape during an Orc raid. He began tracking [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] through [[Moria]], eventually being cornered by [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] in the [[Emyn Muil]].
Bound by a promise made on the Precious, Gollum served as their guide through the [[Dead Marshes]] and to the gates of [[Mordor]]. During this time, the "Sméagol" persona briefly resurfaced due to Frodo’s kindness. However, after a perceived betrayal at [[Henneth Annûn]], the Gollum persona took full control, leading the Hobbits into the trap of [[Shelob]] at [[Cirith Ungol]].
The Final Sacrifice
Gollum followed the Hobbits to the very Cracks of Doom. When Frodo finally claimed the Ring for himself at the edge of the fire, Gollum attacked, biting the finger from Frodo's hand. In his manic triumph, dancing with his regained treasure, he stepped too far and fell into the abyss. In the end, it was not the strength of a hero, but the obsession and "pity" of a wretched creature that caused [[The One Ring]] to be unmade.