Views : 568,910
Genre: Entertainment
Date of upload: May 27, 2023 ^^
Rating : 4.827 (587/13,018 LTDR)
RYD date created : 2024-05-03T16:00:36.210738Z
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Top Comments of this video!! :3
Gollum is honestly one of the most masterfully written characters in any media simply because Tolkien perfectly balances your hatred and sympathy for him when reading. He does vile acts and constantly lies and cheats, but he's so pathetic and his existence is so painful that you can't help but feel sorry for him. It's as if because Tolkien puts him through endless suffering, we as a reader give him endless pity even as he's attempting to kill Frodo and Sam. Then, of course, the revelation that he's needed to destroy the One Ring in the end shows that all that pity and kindness is not foolish or naive, but in reality, what ends up saving the world.
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Tolkien actually blamed Sam for Gollum's death. While Frodo was trying to help Sméagol, Sam wasn't having any of it. He constantly berated Sméagol for anything and everything, and according to Tolkien, that was why Gollum was never redeemed. There was a moment in The Two Towers book where Frodo and Sam were napping on the Stairs of Cirith Ungol when Gollum came up to them. After a moment of inner turmoil, it looked like Sméagol had finally won out. He even caressed Frodo's leg before Sam awoke and accused him of "sneaking."
According to Tolkien, that exchange was one of the most tragic parts of the Lord of the Rings story. In Letter 246, he explained that "Sam fail[ed] to note the complete change in Gollum's tone and aspect. 'Nothing, nothing', said Gollum softly. 'Nice master!'." Thus, it was only seconds after his near-redemption that Sam was back to accusing him of foul play. Tolkien went on to explain how Gollum's repentance was ruined by Sam's brash and defensive comments.
Of course, Sam had to act that way for The Lord of the Rings' narrative, so he can't really be blamed. But still, if Sam hadn't acted in such a way, Gollum could have been redeemed. Tolkien even hypothesized an alternate ending where Gollum took the Ring from Frodo so that he could willingly sacrifice himself and save his master. In that way, Sam was responsible for Gollum's death -- because he prevented Gollum from being redeemed.
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One thing I also like about Gollum is the contrast and warning he is to both Frodo and Sam as ring bearers. Not just because pity is a noble quality, but also out of respect to what Gollum was and what Frodo might become should the Ring win power over him. They spare him because who would pity them if that happened?
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@NerdoftheRings
11 months ago
For those curious, my review of the Gollum game will post next week! In the meantime, I'll be streaming the game again tomorrow (Sunday). Tune in here: youtube.com/live/v_0v743j5ps?feature=share
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