Gollum vs. Smeagol

Attribute	Gollum	Smeagol
Appearance	Emaciated, pale, with large eyes	Similar to Gollum, but with a more gentle expression
Personality	Greedy, deceitful, obsessed with the Ring	Kind-hearted, conflicted by the influence of the Ring
Relationship with the Ring	Obsessed with possessing it, willing to kill for it	Initially repulsed by it, but later becomes attached
Speech	Often speaks in third person, with a raspy voice	Speaks in a more normal tone, with occasional outbursts

Introduction

Gollum and Smeagol are two distinct personalities inhabiting the same body in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings. While they share the same physical form, their personalities and behaviors are vastly different. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Gollum and Smeagol, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Physical Appearance

Both Gollum and Smeagol are depicted as small, wiry creatures with large, bulging eyes and sharp teeth. However, Gollum's appearance is more sinister and twisted, with a hunched posture and a gaunt, emaciated frame. His skin is pale and clammy, and his eyes gleam with a malevolent light. In contrast, Smeagol's appearance is more pitiful and pathetic, with a softer, more rounded face and a less menacing demeanor. His eyes are wide and innocent, reflecting his more gentle nature.

Personality

Gollum is consumed by his obsession with the One Ring, which has driven him to madness and corruption. He is deceitful, cunning, and treacherous, willing to betray anyone in order to possess the Ring. Gollum's personality is characterized by his inner conflict between his desire for the Ring and his lingering sense of guilt and remorse. In contrast, Smeagol is a more sympathetic character, driven by his desire for redemption and a longing for connection with others. He is capable of kindness and loyalty, despite the influence of the Ring.

Behavior

Gollum's behavior is erratic and unpredictable, marked by sudden mood swings and violent outbursts. He is prone to fits of rage and paranoia, often lashing out at those around him. Gollum's obsession with the Ring drives him to extreme measures, leading him to commit acts of betrayal and violence. Smeagol, on the other hand, is more reserved and timid, avoiding conflict whenever possible. He is gentle and affectionate towards Frodo, whom he sees as a friend and ally in his quest for redemption.

Speech

Gollum's speech is characterized by a distinctive, hissing quality, with a tendency to refer to himself in the third person as "precious." He often speaks in a fragmented, disjointed manner, reflecting his fractured psyche. Gollum's speech is filled with malice and deceit, as he manipulates those around him to further his own ends. In contrast, Smeagol's speech is more coherent and articulate, with a softer, more melodic tone. He speaks with a sense of longing and vulnerability, revealing his inner turmoil and conflicted emotions.

Relationship with the Ring

Gollum's relationship with the Ring is one of possession and control, as he sees it as his precious and will do anything to keep it. The Ring exerts a powerful influence over Gollum, driving him to madness and obsession. Gollum's desire for the Ring consumes him, leading him to forsake all other loyalties and values in its pursuit. Smeagol, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with the Ring, torn between his desire for its power and his guilt over its corrupting influence. He struggles to resist the Ring's pull, seeking redemption and freedom from its hold.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gollum and Smeagol are two sides of the same coin, representing the duality of human nature and the struggle between good and evil. While Gollum is consumed by his obsession and driven to madness, Smeagol retains a glimmer of hope and humanity, despite his inner turmoil. Their contrasting attributes and behaviors make them compelling and complex characters in Tolkien's richly imagined world. Ultimately, the tale of Gollum and Smeagol serves as a cautionary reminder of the destructive power of greed and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.