If there is a literary and cinematographic saga that has left its mark on popular culture, it is Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. The universe imagined by the British writer offers a multitude of characters who can present a certain complexity. This is the case of Gollum, obsessed with the One Ring. But one question remains: Why did Gollum never pursue Bilbo Baggins to get the Ring?
Gollum, a secondary character who is important in The Lord of the Rings
This is a question that animates many fans of the Lord of the Rings. Gollum is one of the strangest characters in Tolkien’s universe. For lovers of Lord of the Ringsthe creature, which was called Sméagol, is not just a villain, he also shows what can happen when you are obsessed and seeking power. By becoming the owner of the Ring, Sméagol, who was an ordinary Hobbit, has transformed into a tormented creature with only one obsession: that of finding his “precious” one.
However, the character is torn between his desire to get his hands back on the Ring and fears of the consequences of his actions. And this is certainly why Gollum did not pursue Bilbo Baggins to recover the Ring. Indeed, Gollum knows the dangers present in Middle-earth.
There are several reasons why Gollum does not pursue Bilbo to recover his One Ring.
The first meeting between Gollum and Bilbo takes place in the caverns of the Misty Mountains. The hobbit tries to find an escape route and comes across the Ring by chance. He goes use it and become invisible allowing him to escape Gollum. The latter decides not to pursue him even though he suspects him of holding his precious one.
If Gollum never went to the Shire, it’s simply becausehe has neither the resources nor the means to be able to cross immense expanses of land without risking being noticed. He will fight his way to the edge of Mordor and will meet the monstrous spider Arachne. He will then the serve hoping she can help him get back what he wants.
Finally, when Gollum is captured by Sauron’s forces and tortured, he will unintentionally reveal important information about Bilbo and the Shire. Sauron then realizes the importance of the Hobbits and the Baggins family.
While he is considered a secondary character, Gollum, through his obsession with the Ring, plays a key role in Sauron’s actions against Middle-earth. It is through him that everything happens. Tolkien shows us through character the dangers that obsession and thirst for power can represent. His desire to finding the One Ring puts him in danger but also those around him. If he did not pursue Bilbo, it may be because Gollum is fighting internally against darkness as is the case for each of us.
As a reminder, The Hunt for Gollum directed by Andy Serkis is expected in theaters in 2026.
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