Gollum's Fate

Gollum's tragic journey from a hobbit-like creature to a slave of the Ring, and his final role in its destruction.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Corruption of Sméagol

The Corruption of Sméagol The Murder of Déagol Sméagol kills his friend Déagol for the Ring and is driven out by his people. He hides in the Misty Mountains. The Transformation into Gollum The Ring's influence twists his body and mind. He becomes a wretched creature, calling the Ring 'my precious'. The Long Years in the Dark Gollum lives in the caves for centuries, losing all memory of his former life. He is consumed by his desire for the Ring.

The Hunt for the Ring

The Hunt for the Ring The Loss of the Ring Bilbo finds the Ring, and Gollum begins a desperate search. He is captured by Aragorn and brought to Mirkwood. The Escape and Service to Sauron Gollum escapes from the Elves and goes to Mordor, where he is captured and tortured. He is forced to serve Sauron but remains obsessed with the Ring. The Guidance of Frodo Gollum encounters Frodo and Sam and agrees to lead them into Mordor. He struggles between his promise and his addiction.

Betrayal and Redemption

Betrayal and Redemption The Betrayal at Shelob's Lair Gollum leads Frodo to Shelob, intending to let the spider kill him. He hopes to recover the Ring from the corpse. The Attack on Frodo After Frodo is captured by Orcs, Gollum follows them. He attacks Sam but is driven off. He continues to shadow them. The Final Struggle At Mount Doom, Gollum attacks Frodo, biting off his finger. He falls into the fire, destroying the Ring and himself. His actions complete the quest despite his intentions.

Long before the story, c. T.A. 2463

T.A. 2941–3018

March 13–25, T.A. 3019