How Did Sauron Come to Know Gollum Had the One Ring?

From the lore of Middle-earth, the fall of Gollum into Sauron's grasp raises an interesting question: How did the Dark Lord come to know that Gollum once possessed the One Ring?

Understanding the Unique Nature of Gollum

At the time of Gollum's capture, the prisoners of Mordor were varied, but Gollum stood out as an anomaly. Unlike the men, elves, and dwarves his captors had seen before, Gollum was a strange and singular being. His age and the peculiar touch of power that clung to him made him particularly curious, prompting Sauron's interest.

Discovering the New

The passage of time and the isolation of Mordor for millennia meant Sauron had likely never come across a creature like Gollum. In a land ruled by ancient and unyielding evils, the curiosity of discovering a new and potentially dangerous entity drove Sauron's interest. Given the nature of Sauron, his curiosity would have been piqued by a being who seemed to have been touched by an even greater and darker power.

Holding onto the Past

Sauron, a being of great knowledge and ancient wisdom, would not have been unaware of the One Ring's existence. His black tower of Barad-d?r, his watchful eyes, and the darkness of his power would have kept him informed of all that moved within his domain, especially a Ring-possessor.

Monitoring Entrance to Mordor

While it is not explicitly stated, various remarks by Orcs suggest that any person captured attempting to enter Mordor was indeed brought before Sauron. However, few dared to enter, and fewer still managed to make it to Mordor before being caught. Among those who did, Gollum stood out not only due to his unique nature but also because of his association with the One Ring.

The Claws of Sauron

When Gollum was captured, he was brought to Sauron's notice, and the interrogations were harsh, as would be expected. Gollum, however, was a master of evasiveness, discussing only his precious and the fact that it had been taken away from him. This was enough to alert Sauron to the significance of Gollum's connection to the Ring. The Ring's lingering power would have made itself known within Gollum, influencing his behavior and thoughts.

The Significance of the Ring

The One Ring, a source of great power and corruption, would have been an object of fascination and suspicion for Sauron. Its residual influence and the fact that Gollum had once possessed it were enough to draw Sauron's attention. The Ringwraiths, under the command of the Witch King, would have been quick to provide Sauron with information on Gollum and the Ring's history, further cementing Sauron's knowledge of Gollum's past relationship with the One Ring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gollum's capture near the borders of Mordor would have been a reason for Sauron to take note, especially since he had heard stories of the One Ring's legacy. The unique and corrupted nature of Gollum, combined with his direct association with the Ring, made it impossible for the Dark Lord to ignore the information. This is a testament to the dark but intriguing plot twists that make Middle-earth so compelling.