Gollum, originally known as Sméagol or Trahald, is a creature of Hobbit origin and a major antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth legendarium. Gollum is one of the two secondary antagonists in the novel The Lord of the Rings.
What makes him sympathetic?[]
- He was originally a good and normal Hobbit before the Ring corrupted him.
- When Déagol finds the Ring, it starts twisting Sméagol's mind to the point where he kills his friend.
- He is expelled from the Shire and is forced to live in caves, far from the light.
- The Ring corrupts and twists his mind, mutates his body and turns him into an ugly looking creature and drives him insane over the course of 500 years.
- At some point he is captured by Sauron is tortured for the location of the Ring.
- After Frodo spares his life, Gollum shows signs that he could become a better person. However, at this point his mind is so corrupted by the Ring and so addicted to it that he reverts to his old ways.
- Gollum is conflicted about Frodo. He starts to like him, wants to serve him and prove himself to him. However, after he thinks that his master has betrayed him, Gollum reverts back to hating Frodo.
- In the end, despite his evil acts, Gollum has suffered far more than he deserves. He is a victim to the Ring's power and Frodo and even Sam feel bad for him.