Gollum's Self-Referencing: Names and Personalities in Tolkien’s Works

JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are rich with intricate character development, particularly in the case of Gollum. Gollum, whose real name is Smeagol, uses different names and self-references to signify the two conflicting personalities within him. This article explores the significance of these references and how they evolve throughout Tolkien’s works.

Introduction to Gollum's Names and Personalities

Originally, Gollum’s name was Smeagol, and he had a brother named Deagol. There was also a grandmother mentioned, whose name remains unknown. In The Lord of the Rings, Gollum’s plural first-person reference point to his two selves is a distinctive feature, reflecting the two personalities within him:

“He usually referred to himself in plural first person to signify the two personalities he has inside of him. His ‘stinker’ side is called Precious since the Ring controls that side and his original ‘slinker’ side is still called Sméagol.”

Key References to Gollum's Names

Gollum, also known as Smeagol, often refers to both himself and the Ring as “precious.” In The Hobbit and later in The Lord of the Rings, he uses the term “Precious” to signify his bond with the Ring:

“‘Precious.’ Sometimes he would call himself by his real name Smeagol. In his mind, they were inseparable.”

His use of "Precious" shows the deep intertwining of his identity with the Ring. However, after Frodo shows him mercy in the Emyn Muil, Gollum starts using his real name, Smeagol, but only for a short time:

“After Frodo shows him mercy in the Emyn Muil, he starts using his real name Smeagol, but only for a time.”

His complex use of names reflects his internal struggle and the evolving dynamics between his two personalities. Gollum is a character driven by the desire to possess the Ring, yet he retains a small vestige of his original self:

“Sméagol, of course. His given name. In The Hobbit, Bilbo called him ‘Gollum’ because Sméagol never gave his name and kept making that sound. So to any hobbits who knew Bilbo’s story, the creature was Gollum.”

Others referred to Sméagol as Gollum for clarity when speaking to the hobbits. However, Frodo, understanding the potential for redemption, always used his proper name:

“Frodo refers to him as Smeagol after Frodo uses his given name in his presence. Sam, on the other hand, did not.”

Implications for SEO and Understanding Characters

Understanding the use of different names and self-references is crucial in analyzing character development and relationships within Tolkien’s works. For SEO purposes, recognizing and optimizing these key terms can enhance the visibility and relevance of content:

These names and self-references can be used as keywords to enhance the structural integrity and readability of the content. Proper usage of these keywords can help improve search engine visibility and provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Gollum’s complex character.

In conclusion, the varied use of names and self-references by Gollum in Tolkien’s works is a testament to the depth and complexity of his character. Understanding these references not only enriches the reading experience but also enhances the SEO value of content related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.