Gollum

Gollum, originally known as Sméagol, is a fictional character created by J. R. R. Tolkien and a key figure in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He is a Stoor Hobbit who lived near the Gladden Fields.

History:

Sméagol was corrupted by the One Ring after murdering his relative, Déagol, to obtain it. The Ring extended his life far beyond natural limits, but it also twisted his mind and body. Over centuries, he became the creature known as Gollum, named for the choking sound he made in his throat.

He lived in the Misty Mountains for almost five hundred years, obsessed with the Ring and hating all who might take it from him. He referred to the Ring as "my precious."

Role in The Hobbit:

In The Hobbit, Gollum encounters Bilbo Baggins in the depths of the Misty Mountains after Bilbo discovers the Ring. They engage in a riddle game, the stakes being Bilbo's freedom and Gollum's promise to show him the way out. Bilbo ultimately escapes, aided by the Ring's power of invisibility.

Role in The Lord of the Rings:

Gollum plays a significant role in The Lord of the Rings. He tracks Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, hoping to reclaim the Ring. He eventually becomes their guide, though his loyalty is constantly in question. He is driven by his desire for the Ring and his hatred of those who possess it.

His divided personality, with Sméagol occasionally struggling against the influence of Gollum, is a recurring theme. He ultimately plays a crucial, albeit unintentional, role in the Ring's destruction. In a final struggle with Frodo on Mount Doom, Gollum bites off Frodo's finger and falls into the Crack of Doom, destroying himself and the Ring.

Characteristics:

Gollum is depicted as a thin, emaciated creature with large, luminous eyes. He is agile and stealthy, capable of moving quickly and silently. His speech is characterized by hissing and repetitive phrases, particularly his obsession with "precious." His character serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the destructive nature of obsession.