Why Gollum Avoided Wearing the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings

Why Didn’t Gollum Wear the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings?

Throughout The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Gollum had possession of the One Ring at various points, but audiences never saw him actually wear it. This discrepancy between book and film adaptations prompts the question of why Gollum avoided putting on the powerful ring.

In both Peter Jackson’s film trilogies and J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, Gollum refrained from wearing the One Ring. Tolkien’s writings delve into the reasons behind this choice, shedding light on Gollum’s history with the ring and its impact.

Gollum’s Early Use of the Ring

Before Gollum transformed into the creature known as Gollum, he was known as Sméagol and frequently used the One Ring. Sméagol discovered the ring’s power immediately after murdering his friend Déagol for it. However, over time, he found that wearing the ring had adverse effects. As Tolkien explained, “Gollum used to wear it at first, till it tired him; and then he kept it in a pouch next to his skin, till it galled him; and now usually he hid it in a hole in the rock on his island.”

Gollum’s Aversion to Wearing the Ring

Gollum’s transformation into the creature seen in The Lord of the Rings led to an aversion to warmth and light. Dwelling in the caves of the Misty Mountains, Gollum, under the cover of darkness, rarely needed to use the ring for invisibility. He still occasionally wore it to hunt Orcs who used torches, but this was a rare occurrence. Gollum’s connection with the One Ring was complex, marked by a combination of attachment and aversion.

Physical Toll on the Ringbearer

The One Ring took a toll on its bearer, both physically and mentally. As depicted in “Riddles in the Dark” from The Hobbit, Gollum experienced discomfort wearing the ring, and Tolkien likened its effects to spreading butter too thin. The ring’s malevolent influence contributed to Gollum’s transformation into a formless wraith, akin to the Nazgûl.

The Ring’s Will

The One Ring had a will of its own, an extension of Sauron’s will. It sought to return to its master, and its “betrayal” of Isildur in slipping off his finger illustrates its semblance of consciousness. Gollum’s solitary and unambitious nature made him less useful to the ring’s goals. The ring, seeking escape from Gollum, eventually found its way to Bilbo.

In summary, Gollum’s history with the ring, his aversion to wearing it, the physical toll it took, and the ring’s will to return to Sauron contributed to Gollum’s decision not to wear the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings adaptations.

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Gandalf, Boromir, Merry, Pippin, Arwen,