The Fate of Gollum After Losing the Ring in The Fellowship of the Ring
What happened to Gollum after he lost his precious Ring in The Hobbit? This article explores the journey and fate of Gollum from his loss of the Ring until his final moments.
Introduction to Gollum’s Journey
In the magical realms of Middle-earth, the pursuits of individual characters often intertwine with vast implications for the intricate narrative of The Lord of the Rings. One such pivotal figure is Gollum, whose life is intrinsically linked to the fate of the One Ring. His story begins with The Hobbit, where Gollum loses the Ring and is left to struggle with his newfound freedom and its consequences.
From Loss to Regainment
Loss and Regainment of the Ring: Gollum's obsession with the Ring is so profound that even after losing it, his thoughts continually revolve around it. Decades after the events of The Hobbit, Gollum ventures out of his home, driven by the desire to recover his lost treasure. His quest takes him to the dark paths of Mordor, where he encounters the Black Riders and is captured by the forces of Sauron. Through torture, Gollum reveals the whereabouts of the Ring, leading to the arrival of the Black Riders in the Shire.
Sauron’s Torment and Escape
Sauron’s Torture and Gollum’s Capture: Sauron’s interrogation tortures Gollum, extracting from him crucial information about the Ring. While in captivity, Gollum manages to escape and resumes his pursuit of the Ring. However, his journey is fraught with peril, and he eventually makes his way to Moria, where he hides from the sunlight and continues his search.
Encounters with the Fellowship of the Ring
Search for Knowledge and Hostage: The quest for the Ring drives Gollum to Moria, where he encounters the Fellowship of the Ring. Initially, Gollum attempts to remain hidden, following Frodo and his companions from a distance. Despite his efforts at secrecy, the keen eyes of the Fellowship notice his presence. When Frodo and his companions are captured by the Uruk-hai, Gollum follows them, hoping to take the Ring. However, he is again captured and taken to Lothlórien.
Gandalf’s Questioning: In Lothlórien, Gandalf and the other wise members of the Fellowship question Gollum, seeking to understand the Ring’s history and its effect on his life. Gollum, in a labyrinth of deception and truth, reveals his tragic history, leading to his mysterious acquisition of the Ring.
Gollum’s Alliance and Betrayal
Joining the Fellowship and Treachery: Reluctantly, Gollum is permitted to join the Fellowship as a guide, guided by his frenzied desire for the Ring. His promise to serve as a guide is soon undermined by his true nature. In an eerie blend of servitude and betrayal, Gollum first seeks to ensure his survival, then plots to kill Frodo to claim the Ring for himself. This treachery comes to a head when Gollum, obsessed with what he considers his "precious," acts against the Fellowship, leading to a fierce confrontation at Amon Hen.
The Final Confrontation and Gollum’s End
Final Encounter and Mortal End: When Frodo steps into the fires of Mount Doom, declaring himself the master of the Ring, Gollum sees his opportunity to claim ultimate power. However, his triumph is short-lived. Sam’s fierce protection of Frodo leads to a brutal confrontation. Gollum, overjoyed at the prospect of obtaining his Ring, mistakenly falls into the fiery furnace, destroying the One Ring and ending his own existence.
Conclusion
The complex journey of Gollum from the loss of his Ring in The Hobbit to his final moments in The Fellowship of the Ring is a narrative of obsession, betrayal, and ultimate self-destruction. Gollum’s story is one of the most enduring and tragic in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic.