Understanding Smeagol's Knowledge of His Rescued by Orcs

One of the most intriguing moments in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' is Smeagol's knowledge of his rescue by Orcs following the loss of The One Ring. Numerous readers and even scholars often grapple with the question of how Smeagol could know about this event, given that Smeagol and Gollum are effectively the same character. In this article, we will explore the mythos and storyline to provide a comprehensive understanding of this mysterious piece of information.

The Nature of Smeagol and Gollum

Perhaps the key to understanding this conundrum lies in the very nature of Smeagol and Gollum. Smeagol and Gollum are different aspects of the same individual, shaped by the corruption of power and the loss of The One Ring. Smeagol, the more gentle and rational part of his personality, disappears with the Ring, leaving behind Gollum, the twisted and dark shadow of his former self.

When Smeagol appears again, it is as Gollum, driven by a need for continued survival and the preservation of the Ring. Therefore, when Smeagol loses the Ring and is rescued by Orcs, Gollum, in his off-screen moments, retains that knowledge due to his lifelong connection to Smeagol.

Events and Timeline

To better understand how Smeagol could have acquired this knowledge, we need to re-examine the timeline of the story and the known events:

Smeagol's Loss of the One Ring: Smeagol encounters Gollum (or a darker version of himself) and engages in a fight over the Ring. Smeagol manages to take the Ring, leading to a final struggle where both fall into the river. Rescue by Orcs: The Dark Lord Sauron's Orcs are searching for the Ring. Upon discovering Smeagol, they take him and use him, effectively turning him into a slave, hoping to force information out of him about the Ring's location. Escape and Transformation: Smeagol manages to escape, but his behaviour changes, as he becomes fully consumed by the corrupting influence of the Ring. This change manifests as Gollum, who is now deeply connected to both his past self and the Ring.

Forging the Narrative

But what if someone other than Smeagol or Gollum (as individuals) was responsible for conveying this knowledge back to Smeagol (Gollum)? Considering the vast network of beings involved in The Lord of the Rings, several possibilities arise:

1. The Shadow of Melkor: The ancient evil Lord Melkor, who is often invoked in times of need, could have manipulated events behind the scene to ensure Smeagol's survival. Melkor’s shadowy influence might have guided his path to the Orcs or even played a role in his eventual escape, thereby ensuring his knowledge of the events remained with him.

2. The Istari or Wizards: The wizards, particularly Saruman, might have had their spies on Smeagol. If Smeagol was in captivity, it’s possible that Saruman’s agents could have secretly kept him informed of his surroundings, thus ensuring that crucial information was not lost to the Ring's delve.

3. The Stewards of Gondor: Given the broader implications of the story and the role of Smeagol in the eventual events, the Stewards of Gondor or representatives of the White Council might have taken steps to ensure that Smeagol was monitored for any potentially valuable information, accurate or misleading.

Fantastic Interplay and The Nature of Power

Exploring theories and interpretations of Smeagol's knowledge brings us to the fundamental theme of power and its corrupting influence. The journey of Smeagol encapsulates the transformation of a once-humane creature into a twisted, power-driven being. His knowledge of his rescue, however improbable, underscores the all-consuming nature of the Ring's corruption.

In essence, the knowledge of Smeagol's rescue by Orcs is a product of the intricate web of power, corruption, and control. Gollum inherits this knowledge, as his identity is solely defined by the Ring and its power.

Conclusion

The story of Smeagol's knowledge of his rescue by Orcs adds layers of depth to the narrative of 'The Lord of the Rings.' The question revolves not just around the literal and logical aspects but also the deeper themes of power and corruption, making it a fascinating subject for scholarly and literary analysis.

Understanding the intertwining of Smeagol and Gollum, the strategic possibilities of external manipulation, and the broader implications of the Ring's influence on its bearer provides a richer interpretation of both the character and the story as a whole.