February 7, 2004

The Strength of Gollum
Jevic of Highgate

Ok Jevic has another question.
Alright, Smeagol is somewhere around the age of 560, give or take a few years. He had the Ring for around 500 years.
Bilbo came along and took the Ring. He had it in his possesion for around 60 years. Now after the quest, when Bilbo traveled to the Grey Havens, the poor hobbit could just barely keep his eyes opened. And he was only without the Ring for a few years (please forgive me for not knowing the exact time).
But Gollum was without the Ring for more than 60 years, and yet he's pretty awake and still strong enough to pose a threat.
Just thinking about it I've thought up of two possible reasons for this.
One- The Ring's effect still hasn't worn off him.
Two- He's just so crazy over the Ring that he doesnt allow himself to be weak.
Oh well thanks again for listening to my simple questions. And again, please forgive me if I've overlooked something obvious. It has honestly, and regretfully, been a while since I've been able to read through the Lord of the Rings again.
Thanks
Jevic
PS- Just wondering again, what would Sauron, being a Maiar need with a magic ring that would make his already immortal life longer?