Very interesting read. Tolkien in his letters has some really interesting commentary about Gollum, particularly his almost conversion at the moment you described: “Frodo awakes his long buried better self: he begins to love Frodo as a good and kind master. This regeneration is constantly hindered by the suspicion and dislike of the faithful Sam. It is finally frustrated by an impatient and impulsive rebuke of Sam’s at a critical moment, when Gollum was poised on the brink of repentance.” (Letter 131) Tolkien speculates on what could have happened if Gollum repented in another letter. There would have been a “battle that would have gone on between his repentance and new love on one side and the Ring.” And so “in some queer twisted and pitiable way Gollum would have tried (not maybe with conscious design) to satisfy both. Certainly at some point no long before the end he would have stolen the Ring or taken it by violence…But ‘possession’ satisfied I think think he would then have sacrificed himself for Frodo’s sake and have voluntarily case himself into the fiery abyss.” (Letter 246). It’s incredible to think about-this might have been with Gollum. And pity for him is the side Tolkien’s story absolutely falls upon. But I think we can also veer too much into the ‘redeeming or brushing aside the villain’ side of things. Tolkien points out that Gollum was susceptible to corruption by the Ring because he was already a selfish, grasping, and somewhat nasty person as a plain old hobbit (conversely, Bilbo and Frodo don’t get corrupted as quickly/in the same way because they have a better moral center prior to their possession of the Ring). Again though, interesting read and interesting seeing your perspective as a neurodivergent person-it’s not something I have close/personal experience with so it’s really helpful and eye opening to learn!
Honestly, I'm not very conversant with the details of either The Hobbit nor The Lord of the Rings. Just heard about them but never really took much interest in exploring what they have. But I love how you've analysed Gollums character and a few parts it reflects your personality. My highlight was on the part where you disagree with opinion that someone/something can be messed up beyond saving. I'm so delighted to share a similar opinion with you. This was an incredible post Rachel ❤️
Very interesting read. Tolkien in his letters has some really interesting commentary about Gollum, particularly his almost conversion at the moment you described: “Frodo awakes his long buried better self: he begins to love Frodo as a good and kind master. This regeneration is constantly hindered by the suspicion and dislike of the faithful Sam. It is finally frustrated by an impatient and impulsive rebuke of Sam’s at a critical moment, when Gollum was poised on the brink of repentance.” (Letter 131) Tolkien speculates on what could have happened if Gollum repented in another letter. There would have been a “battle that would have gone on between his repentance and new love on one side and the Ring.” And so “in some queer twisted and pitiable way Gollum would have tried (not maybe with conscious design) to satisfy both. Certainly at some point no long before the end he would have stolen the Ring or taken it by violence…But ‘possession’ satisfied I think think he would then have sacrificed himself for Frodo’s sake and have voluntarily case himself into the fiery abyss.” (Letter 246). It’s incredible to think about-this might have been with Gollum. And pity for him is the side Tolkien’s story absolutely falls upon. But I think we can also veer too much into the ‘redeeming or brushing aside the villain’ side of things. Tolkien points out that Gollum was susceptible to corruption by the Ring because he was already a selfish, grasping, and somewhat nasty person as a plain old hobbit (conversely, Bilbo and Frodo don’t get corrupted as quickly/in the same way because they have a better moral center prior to their possession of the Ring). Again though, interesting read and interesting seeing your perspective as a neurodivergent person-it’s not something I have close/personal experience with so it’s really helpful and eye opening to learn!
Honestly, I'm not very conversant with the details of either The Hobbit nor The Lord of the Rings. Just heard about them but never really took much interest in exploring what they have. But I love how you've analysed Gollums character and a few parts it reflects your personality. My highlight was on the part where you disagree with opinion that someone/something can be messed up beyond saving. I'm so delighted to share a similar opinion with you. This was an incredible post Rachel ❤️
Thanks Derick! I really appreciate all the support you have given my Substack with your likes, comments, and even recommending Reading Rachel.
It's my pleasure. Your writing is brilliant both in content and style. I totally enjoy that Rachel It's really nice having you here.❤️