Sméagol

TV-5079

2024

Lord of the Rings

Sméagol, better known as Gollum, is a central character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth legendarium, most famously featured in "The Lord of the Rings". He first appears under his former name of Smeagol in "The Hobbit" - when the Hobbit character Bilbo finds the ring.

Originally a Hobbit-like Stoor from a prosperous family, Sméagol murdered his cousin Déagol for possession of the One Ring, which Déagol had discovered in the River Anduin. The Ring corrupted Sméagol, twisting him both physically and mentally. He was exiled from his community and retreated to the Misty Mountains.

Over centuries, the Ring prolonged his life far beyond that of a normal Hobbit. However, the Ring's power also warped his body, turning him into the wretched creature known as Gollum. His name comes from the gurgling sounds he made in his throat. He is motivated by a desire to regain "his Precious", the One Ring, which he lost to Bilbo Baggins.