Gollum's Choice: Sleep or Leave Mell in The Lord of the Rings

Throughout The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, players are presented with choices that determine the outcome of the story. Opting to side with Gollum usually results in a darker path, while aligning with Smeagol leads to a more positive outcome.

In chapter eight, players are faced with the decision to either lull Mell to sleep or make her leave. While Gollum intends to harm her, Smeagol prioritizes her safety. This choice, along with others, has a significant impact on the narrative. To convince Smeagol to lull Mell to sleep, players must carefully consider their choices and the consequences that come with them.

After successfully completing the Ritual Stone puzzle in Chapter 8: Her Eyes, Gollum and Mell will make arrangements to exit the Mirkwood via the Haze. However, before they can depart, players must determine Mell's fate now that Gollum no longer requires her assistance.

Players aiming to explore Gollum's malevolent nature must opt for the "Lull Mell to sleep" feature and persuade Smeagol of its benefits. Convincing Smeagol is crucial for Gollum to triumph, and each correct choice will exhaust Mell further. To come out victorious, players should select the following choices:

The moon is currently nearing its full phase, casting a soft glow over the surroundings. Among the trees, one can spot thrushes perched on the branches, their sweet melodies filling the air.

Should the players fail to select the aforementioned options, they will have to opt for the prompt that showcases a stunning sea of flowers in the flowerbeds during the third phase of the argument in order for Gollum to emerge victorious.

When Gollum emerges victorious in the dispute, a cutscene will ensue. During the cutscene, Gollum will make an attempt to strangle Mell, but his attention will be diverted by the sight of some nearby flowers. This will provide Mell with an opportunity to flee.

How to Persuade Gollum to Allow Mell to Depart

Smeagol, unlike his alter ego Gollum, has developed an affection for Mell and doesn't intend to harm her. The players are required to opt for the following choices to convince Gollum to make Mell leave: Dark Clouds, Crows, and All Silent. In case players select any other options, Smeagol will be given an additional opportunity to win the argument. Fortunately, players can choose any of the three options presented during the third phase of the argument, as they are all correct choices.

Once Smeagol successfully argues his point, a cutscene will trigger, revealing his fixation on the nearby flowers. He attempts to persuade Mell to abandon her search for the Riddlemaster, but the memory of Deagol's death resurfaces, distracting Gollum. When he turns around, he discovers that Mell has fled, leaving him alone once again. The question remains: should you lull Mell to sleep or make her leave?

Both choices result in Mell abandoning Gollum, but the manner in which she does so varies. In Chapter 9, the losing personality stops speaking and the winner gains full control. The Elves' treatment of Gollum in this chapter is influenced by the player's actions towards Mell. While there are some minor differences in dialogue and environment, putting Mell to sleep or making her leave have comparable outcomes. However, the player's decision in this instance can impact a significant decision in Chapter 10. In this chapter, the player must choose between saving an Elf from an Orc or killing them. Opting to put Mell to sleep will earn Gollum a point when choosing his argument option, while making her leave will earn Smeagol a point instead.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for later this year.