Sméagol

TV-5078

2024

Lord of the Rings

Sméagol, later known as Gollum, is a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, most prominently featured in *The Lord of the Rings*. He first appeared in *The Hobbit*, though more fully developed in *The Lord of the Rings*.

Originally a Stoor Hobbit, Sméagol murdered his cousin Déagol to obtain the One Ring. The Ring's corrupting influence twisted him both physically and mentally. He was driven from his community and retreated to the Misty Mountains.

Over centuries, the Ring prolonged his life far beyond that of a normal Hobbit, while simultaneously deforming him. He became the wretched creature Gollum, named for the gurgling sound he constantly made. Gollum's existence was dominated by a desire to reclaim the Ring, referred to as "my precious." His internal conflict between his former self, Sméagol, and the Ring-obsessed Gollum is a recurring theme in his portrayal.