Gollum's Legacy: Could Frodo and Bilbo Share His Fate in LOTR?

Highlights

Hobbits like Frodo and Bilbo, despite their pure-hearted nature, are not immune to the corrupting influence of the One Ring.

The One Ring possesses the capability to manipulate itself in order to accomplish its objectives and corrupt anyone within its proximity, intensifying their avarice and obsession with the ring alone.

Frodo and Bilbo, both having the potential to become similar to Gollum, would have succumbed to its corrupting essence had they retained possession of the ring. This highlights the immense influence it holds.

There are numerous questions to ponder regarding the events of The Lord Of The Rings series. While certain Hobbits, particularly those with pure hearts, appear to possess a greater resistance to the allure of the One Ring, it seems inevitable that any ring bearer will eventually succumb to its power. This leads many to speculate on the fate of Frodo and Bilbo had they retained possession of the ring.

Setting aside the impending doom of Middle Earth, it is conceivable that Frodo could have prolonged his possession of the One Ring if he had remained in a place of safety. Unfortunately, even the most virtuous beings in The Lord Of The Rings can be corrupted by the malevolent influence of the ring, and Frodo and Bilbo are no exceptions. The longer they were in possession of the ring, particularly as they drew closer to Mordor, the more terrifying the potential outcomes for Frodo and Bilbo.

How Does The One Ring Corrupt People?

The true nature of the One Ring holds an enigmatic aura. Its remarkable ability to manipulate itself to fulfill its own objectives imbues it with a sense of life. A crucial aspect to grasp about the One Ring is its insidious corruption, capable of influencing anyone within close proximity. We witnessed this firsthand when Boromir succumbed to the ring's influence, confronting Frodo in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, despite having only held it once. The wise characters in the series understand the grave consequences of prolonged exposure or contact with this malevolent artifact, as it has the potential to completely consume one's essence.

Aragorn, being aware of these dangers, took this into account when he made the decision to let Frodo continue his journey alone. Once the One Ring falls into the possession of an individual, it magnifies their inner desires, particularly their greed and obsession for the ring itself. This singular fixation becomes their sole motivation, overpowering concerns for safety or nourishment. To illustrate this, Gollum's disregard for his well-being, as well as other important matters, is solely driven by his unwavering obsession with the ring. Compounding this issue is the ring's ability to prolong the bearer's life, leaving Gollum to deteriorate and decay for centuries longer than any Hobbits typically live.

How Did Smeagol Turn Into Gollum?

Gollum, formerly known as the Hobbit Smeagol, underwent a drastic transformation after coming into possession of the One Ring. Originally, Smeagol appeared to be a typical and content Hobbit, albeit with some negative qualities. However, on a fateful day while fishing with his cousin, Smeagol's desire for the ring led him to murder his cousin and claim it for himself. This act marked the beginning of Smeagol's descent into darkness.

Banished from his Hobbit community, Smeagol sought refuge in the Misty Mountains where he resided for more than four centuries. The corrupting influence of the ring caused Smeagol to lose himself, both mentally and physically. The isolation and the power of the ring shattered his psyche, leaving behind a twisted and monstrous version of his former self known as Gollum. Gollum and Smeagol coexisted within him, with Gollum overpowering the remaining fragments of Smeagol's identity. This was evident in Gollum's inability to tolerate the Hobbit food he once enjoyed, a betrayal of his Hobbit nature. Fans of the Lord of the Rings series would consider this sacrilegious for a Hobbit.

Would Frodo Or Bilbo Have Turned Out Like Gollum?

Both Frodo and Bilbo had the potential to become like Gollum, which is a sad realization. The Lord of the Rings makes it clear that no one can resist the corrupting power of the One Ring. Despite Frodo's initial refusal to destroy the ring and Bilbo's unhinged reaction upon seeing it again, some fans argue that Gollum represents everything Frodo is not and what he could become if the ring overpowers him. Frodo planned to keep the ring, but Gollum's greed prevented him from doing so. If Frodo had succeeded, he would have likely gone into hiding, risking his life and evading Sauron's forces.

However, Bilbo displays a darker side when interacting with Frodo. He manages to control his violent desire to reclaim the ring, which he believes is rightfully his. Nevertheless, it becomes apparent that Bilbo, despite his good intentions and affection, has the potential to become corrupt. It is likely that his inherent innocence and distance from dangers and Sauron's influence are the key factors that prevent him from becoming more similar to Gollum, despite possessing the ring for a considerable time. Stream The Lord of the Rings now on MAX.