August 3, 2002

Poor Little Smeagol!?
Brett C.

I have a new point that might merit discussion. Over at a friends house the other night we were discussing the upcoming release fo FOTR on DVD and TTT trailer. Suddenly one of the guys came out with a statement that Gollum is a tragic figure.

I nearly choked on my drink.

I admit that there are points in the story where Tolkien mangaes to evoke real empathy for the wretchedness of Gollum's state, most notably in the TT when he comes across Sam and Frodo asleep in the pass of Cirith Ungol. But personally I think this a credit to Tolkien's writing more than Gollum's character. No matter how I try I just can't get past the fact that he is a vile little murderer, even before he ever put on the Ring. This is a creature who used to sneak through windows in Mirkwood and steal babies from cradles! Uggghhhh!

Anyway, is there any other person out there who feels Gollum is indeed a tragic fugure? Considering the fact that he will play such a large role in the new movie, it might be an interesting debate.