The Duality of Gollum: Smeagol vs. Gollum and the Struggle for Identity in Lord of the Rings

Gollum’s Inner Battle 

Gollum stands as one of The Lord of the Rings‘ most fascinating and tragic characters, embodying a profound inner conflict that extends beyond the physical journey of Middle-earth. Once a hobbit-like creature named Smeagol, his discovery of the One Ring marked the beginning of a devastating split in his personality, with the Ring’s corrupting influence creating a dual identity: the tormented Gollum and the fragile remnants of Smeagol.

This internal battle is not only a defining characteristic of Gollum’s persona but also serves as a symbol of the corrosive power of the Ring itself. It illustrates how power can twist the soul, turning innocence into obsession and trust into treachery. As we explore Gollum’s story, his constant tug-of-war between these two personas—Smeagol, the innocent, and Gollum, the corrupted—provides a deeper understanding of the Ring’s devastating influence on identity and morality.

The Birth of Gollum: Smeagol’s Transformation

Smeagol was once a simple, curious creature, living a peaceful life among his people. However, everything changed when he stumbled upon the One Ring. On that fateful day, the Ring immediately began to exert its dark influence over him, warping his mind and twisting his desires. It wasn’t long before Smeagol committed murder to possess the Ring, an act that sealed his tragic transformation into Gollum.

The power of the Ring quickly became an obsession for Smeagol, corrupting not only his actions but his very soul. His identity slowly splintered into two personas: Smeagol, who represents the remnant of his former self, and Gollum, the darker, greedier manifestation of his desire for the Ring. Over time, Gollum became dominant, embodying the worst parts of Smeagol’s nature. This duality within Gollum is a powerful metaphor for the devastating effects of unchecked power and greed. The once-innocent Smeagol is now a broken creature, torn between his better instincts and the overwhelming force of the Ring’s corruptive influence, highlighting the battle between innocence and malevolence.

“Leave Now, and Never Come Back!”: Gollum’s Struggle for Control 

One of the most memorable moments in The Two Towers is Gollum’s internal struggle as he confronts his dual identity in a heated argument with himself. In this scene, Smeagol and Gollum engage in a powerful back-and-forth conversation, with Smeagol determined to rid himself of Gollum’s influence. The scene climaxes with Smeagol triumphantly declaring, “Leave now, and never come back!” temporarily banishing Gollum and reclaiming control over his fractured mind.

This scene is pivotal because it captures the emotional and psychological war Gollum constantly wages within himself. On one side, Smeagol yearns for redemption and acceptance, while on the other, Gollum embodies the darker impulses that have dominated for so long. The argument between the two sides is not just a battle for dominance, but a reflection of Gollum’s deep insecurity, fear, and desire to return to his once-innocent state.

The emotional depth of this internal dialogue allows the audience to feel empathy for Gollum, despite his treacherous nature. It is a moment of hope, where we glimpse the possibility of Smeagol overcoming the Ring’s corrupting influence. However, the scene also foreshadows the inevitable return of Gollum, reminding us of the destructive power of the Ring, which will not let go easily. This struggle for control highlights the complexity of Gollum’s character, making him one of the most tragic and compelling figures in Tolkien’s world.

Smeagol’s Brief Redemption: Moments of Light 

Throughout The Lord of the Rings trilogy, there are moments where Smeagol briefly resurfaces, offering glimpses of the person he once was before the Ring’s corruption took hold. One of the most poignant examples of this is Smeagol’s bond with Frodo in The Two Towers. Frodo’s trust in Smeagol, despite his dark past, serves as a catalyst for these fleeting moments of redemption. Frodo sees the potential for goodness in Smeagol and believes that, with the right guidance, he can overcome Gollum’s influence. This trust allows Smeagol to gain temporary control, and we see moments where he is almost childlike in his gratitude, craving the acceptance and kindness that Frodo offers.

These scenes represent Smeagol’s deep yearning for redemption and a return to the innocence he once knew. His brief alliance with Frodo reflects his desire for a fresh start, free from the clutches of the Ring. However, these moments are always fleeting, as the darker persona of Gollum lurks beneath the surface, ready to reclaim control. Still, they highlight the internal struggle for identity and the sliver of hope that remains within Smeagol, making his character all the more tragic as he fights against the overwhelming corruption of the Ring.

The Ring’s Grip Tightens: Gollum’s Re-emergence

As the story progresses, particularly in The Return of the King, the Ring’s influence on Gollum intensifies, and the darker side of his persona begins to regain control. The Ring manipulates Gollum’s weaker side, amplifying his fears and insecurities, which leads him to distrust Frodo and Sam. This is most evident in the scenes where Gollum begins to perceive Sam as a threat, fostering a rift between Frodo and his loyal companion. The Ring plays on Gollum’s jealousy and paranoia, convincing him that Sam will take the Ring for himself, and ultimately drives Gollum to betrayal.

Gollum’s descent back into his darker self culminates in his plot to lead Frodo and Sam into the trap of Shelob’s lair. His manipulation of Frodo, convincing him that Sam is against him, showcases the full extent of the Ring’s power over him. By this point, Gollum’s identity is almost entirely consumed by his obsession with the Ring, and the Smeagol persona is pushed aside. The Ring’s ability to erode Smeagol’s identity illustrates the devastating effect power has on the individual, transforming even the most innocent into something monstrous. Gollum’s tragic re-emergence as the dominant persona serves as a chilling reminder of the Ring’s corruptive grip, which tightens until there is no hope left for redemption.

Symbolism of the Duality: Innocence vs. Corruption

Gollum’s split identity is one of the most striking symbols in The Lord of the Rings, representing the broader themes of innocence lost to the corrupting nature of power. His internal conflict between Smeagol and Gollum mirrors the battle between good and evil, innocence and corruption, that plays out across the trilogy. Smeagol represents the purity and goodness that once existed within him, while Gollum symbolizes the darker side consumed by greed and obsession with the Ring. This duality is a reflection of how the Ring’s power erodes the soul, stripping away one’s identity and replacing it with an insatiable desire for control.

The parallels between Gollum’s internal struggle and Frodo’s own battle against the Ring’s influence are clear. Both characters are deeply affected by the Ring, but while Frodo fights to retain his humanity, Gollum has already succumbed. Gollum’s tragic fate serves as a warning of what could happen to Frodo if he allows the Ring to take over. Tolkien uses Gollum as a vessel to explore the fragility of the soul when exposed to immense power, emphasizing that even the most innocent can be corrupted. The duality of Smeagol and Gollum serves as a poignant reminder of the thin line between redemption and damnation.

The Tragedy of Gollum’s Identity

Gollum’s internal conflict is central to The Lord of the Rings, encapsulating the devastating consequences of the Ring’s corrupting influence. His struggle between the personas of Smeagol and Gollum highlights the tragic loss of innocence and the overwhelming power of greed. Despite moments of hope, the relentless grip of the Ring ultimately consumes him, leaving Gollum as a cautionary tale about the fragility of identity when faced with unchecked power.

Gollum’s tragic end—falling into Mount Doom with the Ring—illustrates the irreversible damage done to his soul. His journey is a testament to the long-lasting impact of corruption, and his duality remains one of the most haunting and memorable aspects of Tolkien’s epic. Through Gollum, we witness the eternal struggle between good and evil, innocence and corruption, and the heavy toll that power can exact on even the most vulnerable.