Gollum's Loss of the Ring

Gollum's tragic arc from a creature who cherished the Ring to its loss, marking the beginning of his obsession and the Ring's journey to Bilbo.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Creature in the Dark

Gollum's Life The Origin Gollum was once a hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, but the Ring corrupted him. He has lived for centuries in the dark, obsessed with his "precious." The Ring's Power Gollum uses the Ring to catch fish and hunt goblins. He is lonely and miserable, but the Ring is his only comfort. The Encounter with Bilbo When Bilbo stumbles into his cave, Gollum sees him as a potential meal. He challenges Bilbo to the riddle game.

The Riddle Game

The Competition Gollum's Confidence Gollum is confident he will win the riddle game and eat Bilbo. He enjoys the challenge, but his mind is clouded by the Ring's influence. The Unexpected Question When Bilbo asks "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum is unable to guess. He realizes Bilbo has found the Ring. The Loss Gollum discovers the Ring is missing. He becomes frantic and desperate. He pursues Bilbo, but the Ring makes Bilbo invisible, and Gollum fails to catch him.

The Pursuit

Gollum's Desperation Searching for the Ring Gollum searches frantically for the Ring. He is overcome with grief and rage. He curses the "Baggins" and vows hatred. The Escape Bilbo escapes through the back door, leaving Gollum alone. Gollum's cries of "Thief, thief, thief!" echo in the tunnels. The Enduring Hatred Gollum's hatred for Bilbo and the loss of the Ring define his future. He will continue to hunt for the Ring, which will lead to his eventual doom.

Long before the story, in the depths of the Misty Mountains

During the encounter with Bilbo

Immediately after the riddle game, in the tunnels