The Enigma of Gollum’s Addiction: Why He Wore the One Ring on His Finger

In J.R.R. Tolkien's classic series, The Lord of the Rings, Gollum, originally Gollum-was an enslaved and reclusive creature who wandered the depths of the caves, and his behavior is a fascinating subject of interest for many fans of the series. One of the most intriguing aspects of his story is his addiction to the One Ring and his compulsive need to wear it on his finger. The question that has puzzled many readers is why Gollum wore the One Ring on his finger for such an extended period. This article will explore the reasons behind his addiction to the Ring and his continuous use of its powers, particularly its ability to grant invisibility.

Background of Gollum and the One Ring

The One Ring was crafted by the Dark Lord Sauron, who sought to dominate Middle-earth by creating a powerful artifact that would be his own. The Ring was discovered by Sauron and passed through the hands of several individuals, including Isildur, Sméagol (Gollum's former name), and eventually came into the hands of Frodo Baggins. Gollum’s obsession with the One Ring began when he discovered it while living in the Misty Mountains, and its power has consumed his life since.

Reasons Behind Gollum’s Addiction

One of the primary reasons why Gollum wore the One Ring on his finger is the need for invisibility. Invisibility has played a crucial role in his survival and evasion of the Goblins and Orcs who populated the cave systems. Gollum's ability to become invisible, at least partially, significantly enhances his ability to evade captured or patrols from the Goblin Orcs, thereby ensuring his continued survival.

Invisibility for Evasion and Survival

Initially, Gollum used the Ring to remain unseen, particularly when he was captured by Sauron's forces. This allowed him to escape and continue living his reclusive and dangerous lifestyle. As he spent more time within the One Ring's influence, he became increasingly adept at using this power to his advantage. Invisibility became a habit, a tool that he relied on not only for survival but also for clandestine activities, such as stealing food from other captives and even committing acts of murder and cannibalism.

Murder and Cannibalism

Gollum's use of the Ring's invisibility was also linked to his twisted desire to commit murder and indulge in cannibalism. He found great pleasure in these acts, which were enabled by his invisibility. By becoming invisible, Gollum could approach his victims undetected, commit the murders, and then return to his secret sanctuary, almost untraceable. This duality of using the Ring for survival and for his sinister and degrading desires highlights the power of the One Ring to manipulate and corrupt its bearer.

Psychological Aspects and Obsession

The psychological aspects of Gollum's addiction to the One Ring go beyond mere physical survival and invisibility. The Ring's constant presence became an indispensable source of comfort and consolation. Gollum developed a deep psychological attachment to the Ring, which he often referred to as Precious. It provided meaning to his twisted life, a sense of identity, and even a form of solace in the face of his wretched existence.

Comfort and Consolation

The Object of his obsession, the One Ring, became a cornerstone of his identity. Gollum's dependence on the Ring for comfort and consolation is evident in his numerous expressions of gratitude and devotion to the Ring. His daily activities revolved around the Ring, leading to an unbreakable cycle of addiction. This psychological entanglement led to a life of despair and suffering, as he faced the consequences of his actions fueled by the Ring's insidious influence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gollum's addiction to the One Ring, and his need to wear it on his finger, are multi-faceted. The Ring granted him invisibility, which was crucial for his survival and evasion of enemies. His use of the Ring for both survival and sinister purposes, such as murder and cannibalism, highlights its powerful and corrupting nature. Furthermore, Gollum's psychological attachment to the Ring served as a source of solace in his wretched existence. Understanding these aspects deepens our appreciation of Gollum's character and the broader themes of the Lord of the Rings series, revealing the dark and complex nature of power and obsession.