Gollum and the Ring: Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding His Knowledge

In J.R.R. Tolkien's richly detailed universe, a character's knowledge often correlates with their experiences and interactions. Gollum, a central figure in his works, presents a fascinating case study in this regard. This article delves into what Gollum knew about the Ring when he found it, his journey and experiences in Mordor, and how he managed to remain a crucial player in Sauron's plans.

What Did Gollum Know About the Ring When He Found It?

One of the primary signs of weak storytelling is when every character, including the reader, is assumed to know all the facts instantly. Tolkien did not adhere to this conventional narrative technique. In his works, even the seemingly trivial details or everyday knowledge are often left to the characters' discoveries during their journeys. Gollum's knowledge about the Ring is particularly illuminating in this context.

Upon finding the Ring, Gollum knew it was beautiful and uniquely useful for sneaking up on prey, much like Bilbo's initial impression. However, he was completely oblivious to the Ring's origins and its significance. The only information Gollum gained was what he could observe directly or deduce through its powers. For instance, Gollum learned that the Ring could make him invisible, which he initially mistook for a gift from 'Sméagol.'

It was not until Gollum left his underwater cave in search of the Ring and encountered Mirkwood and other new territories that he began to learn more about his precious Ring. As he traveled, he gathered clues about who created the Ring and who desired it. Gollum's obsession with the Ring grew as he realized its importance.

Did Gollum Visit Mordor Deliberately After Losing the Ring?

Following the loss of the Ring, Gollum was in a frantic search, driven by his desire to recover it. During his adventures, he moved unconsciously toward Mordor, the center of dark power. This movement was not deliberate; rather, it was a natural consequence of his growing obsession and the Ring's malice, which drew him inexorably toward its source. The allure of Mordor's evil was undeniable, and Gollum found it difficult to resist.

Curiously, even in Mordor, Gollum still harbored the naive idea that he could return to the Shire. His ultimate journey to Mordor, therefore, was a tragic quest that ended in his capture. These events unfolded as a result of his unguarded curiosity and the Ring's corrupting influence, rather than a well-thought-out strategy.

How Did Gollum End Up in Mordor?

Gollum's capture in Mordor was a fortuitous event that arose from his unwise actions in Ithilien. While exploring the region, Gollum was noticed by Orcs, who recognized the unusual power emanating from him. Realizing that he possessed something of importance, the Orcs took him to Mordor for interrogation. This transfer was a stroke of bad fortune for Gollum, as it led to his exploitation by Sauron and his elite forces.

During his time as a slave in Mordor, Gollum's knowledge of the Ring and the Shire became valuable to Sauron. Unlike the other captives, Sauron found Gollum a unique subject of interest. The questioning sessions designed to extract information about the Ring proved fruitless, but they gave Sauron a potentially powerful puppet in Gollum. Sauron's experiments with Gollum were part of a broader plan to create a creature who would reveal the Ring's existence and vulnerability, even if it meant sacrificing Gollum in the process.

Conclusion

Through Gollum's experiences, we see a clear example of how knowledge in Tolkien's works is often a product of one's journey and discoveries. Gollum's innocence in the beginning and his growing knowledge over time paint a picture of a character influenced by the Ring's corrupting power. His journey from a simple creature living in the River to a captured prisoner in Mordor is a testament to the complex forces at play in Tolkien's universe.