Anna Daniels
Interestingly, part of Gollum’s initial motivation in heading “underhill” isn’t simply to escape the light or find a new home. He also hopes to discover new, interesting things at the roots of the great mountain range. However, his adventurous spirit is quickly dashed as he realizes that there’s nothing worth discovering in the damp, dark caves.
There, deep underground, Gollum remains for hundreds of years. He spends his time fishing, eating, and resenting everything about his past life. He also indulges in a good deal of self-loathing. He even hates the Ring that has led him to such a miserable existence, regardless of the fact that, due to its enchanting power, he could never part with it even if he wanted to. In fact, he begins to call it his “precious” and his “birthday present,” and he assuages his murderous guilt by convincing himself over and over again that Déagol should have given the Ring to him when he found it.
Over the years the Ring extends Gollum’s life, keeping him alive but not well. His mind and body are steadily corrupted by its power, and he becomes warped and twisted as he spends year after year in his deep, dank underground lair.
Written by: Looper
