The Fantasy Review’s brief history of Gollum.
Gollum is an iconic character in J.R.R.Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, made even more so by Andy Serkis’ portrayal of him in Peter Jackson’s movies.
With a new movie called The Hunt For Gollum coming in 2026, here is a brief history of Gollum and how there might just be enough material for a movie.
The Origins of Gollum
Born in the Third Age, the year 2430, Gollum was originally called Sméagol. He was a Hobbit, descendant of the Stoors and lived near the Gladden Fields.
While fishing in 2463, Sméagol’s cousin, Déagol, found the One Ring. This is where Isildur originally lost the Ring when riding through.
Sméagol killed Déagol, took the ring, and returned home. Sméagol was driven out by his family as he became more and more enthralled in the One Ring.
Before the War of the Ring
After being forced to leave the Gladden Fields, Sméagol hid in the Misty Mountains, falling more and more under the Ring’s power. Eventually, in 2941, he loses it and suspects Bilbo Baggins has taken it.
Gollum leaves his hiding place in the Misty Mountains to search for Bilbo and the Ring, however this leaves him vulnerable to capture. First, he is found by Sauron. Gollum tells Sauron the name ‘Baggins’ and is released.
Later, Aragorn also captures Gollum and hands him over to Gandalf. Gandalf then gives Gollum to the Elves of the Woodland Realm for his and everyone else’s safety, but he escapes in 3018 during an orc-raid.
Gollum’s Death and Legacy
Gollum escapes the Elves and catches up to Frodo and Sam on their quest to destroy the One Ring. He follows them a long way before revealing himself to the hobbits.
When Frodo and Sam finally arrive at Orodruin, where they are to destroy the Ring in the fire, Gollum attacks. He bites Frodo’s ring-finger off and gets his precious back, but then immediately falls into the Crack of Doom, destroying both himself and the One Ring.
