Exploring the Mysteries of Bilbo and Gollum: Why Gollum Outlived Bilbo
In J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins experiences a significant aging effect after discarding the One Ring. This phenomenon is often misunderstood and can create confusion when comparing Gollum's prolonged lifespan. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Bilbo's rapid aging and Gollum's unique longevity, along with the implications for their fates.
Why Did Bilbo Age So Quickly?
Bilbo Baggins, originally a hobbit with a naturally longer lifespan, experienced an unnatural extension of his life due to the Ring's corrupting influence. The Ring conferred an extended lifespan to whoever possessed it, but at the cost of their mental and physical well-being. When Bilbo finally gave up the Ring, the corrupting influence began to reverse, causing him to age rapidly.
Bilbo's youth was restored after the Ring was destroyed, but even then, he managed to maintain an impressive level of vigor and vitality, riding a pony from Rivendell to the Havens. This suggests that his aging process was not entirely complete even after the Ring's corruption dissipated.
Gollum: Longevity through Loyalty to the Ring
On the other hand, Gollum had an immensely longer relationship with the Ring, possessing it for over 500 years. The Ring's power extended his life and twisted his mind and body. Gollum's longevity was a direct result of his unyielding obsession with the Ring. Even after losing the Ring, Gollum continued to live, though in a deteriorated state, driven by his relentless desire to reclaim it.
The Preservation of the Movie Adaptations
It is worth noting that while the novel portrays Bilbo experiencing an aging process after giving up the Ring, the movie adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings" depict Bilbo's aging as a more gradual process. This disparity arises because the actors portraying these characters are living and hence must physically age over time. Therefore, to preserve the actors' appearances for the film's duration, they had to complete their parts in a hurry as the actor portraying Bilbo was physically aging.
Additionally, it is important to clarify several misunderstandings about the interaction between Bilbo and Gollum, and the effects of the Ring on their behavior:
`Gollum didn’t give up the Ring, which is why he could never die until the Ring did.`
`In the book, Bilbo did NOT grab for the Ring and turn into a goblin when Frodo showed it to him. This was a hallucination created by the Ring in Frodo's mind, not a reality experienced by Bilbo.`
`Bilbo only aged 17 years after he left the Shire, which is how long he was away. It was only after the Ring was destroyed that Bilbo began to show his real age of 128, and even three years later, he was able to ride a pony all the way from Rivendell to the Havens.`
`Seeing the scene where Bilbo lashes out at Frodo when he puts on the mithril shirt does not suggest that Bilbo would have aged more like Gollum if he had continued to possess the Ring for another 400 years. This scene is a result of Frodo's paranoia and not a reflection of Bilbo's true fate.`
Aging as a Reflection of Corruption
Both Bilbo and Gollum's relationships with the Ring serve as powerful metaphors for the corrupting influence of greed, obsession, and power. Their journeys illustrate the dark consequences that can arise from prolonged possession and obsession with a single artifact.
Understanding the differences in their aging patterns helps us appreciate the complexity of Tolkien's narrative, where the Ring is both a source of prolonged life and a path to corruption. By examining these characters, we can gain deeper insights into the themes of power, corruption, and the human (or hobbit) condition.
Conclusion
While Bilbo ages rapidly after giving up the Ring, Gollum's longevity is a result of his long-term possession and devotion to it. Both characters serve as allegories for the destructive power of greed and the corrupting influence of the One Ring. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating the intricate themes and narrative developments in Tolkien's world.