Why Gollum in 'The Lord of the Rings' Deserves Sympathy: A Villain or a Victim?

In the vast and morally rich world of 'The Lord of the Rings,' few characters are as haunting and tragic as Gollum. Often seen as a sneaky, malicious villain obsessed with the One Ring, Gollum is easy to fear or despise. Yet, when we look deeper, it becomes clear that Gollum is not just a villain — he is also a victim, shaped and broken by forces far beyond his control.

Long before he became the creature known as Gollum, he was Sméagol in the film— a simple hobbit-like being who loved his family and the peaceful life by the river. His corruption began the moment he discovered the One Ring. Within minutes of touching it, he committed murder — not out of pure evil, but because the Ring exerted a dark power over him. From that point on, the Ring became both his treasure and his curse.

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Throughout Tolkien’s narrative, the Ring is shown to corrupt even the strongest of characters. Boromir, a noble warrior, falls under its influence. Frodo himself nearly fails at the end, claiming the Ring for his own at Mount Doom. If such strong and honourable individuals could be seduced by its power, how could someone like Sméagol possibly resist?

There is an Ongoing War Inside Gollum

Gollum’s split personality — the timid "Sméagol" and the vicious "Gollum" — shows the ongoing war inside him. He wants love, forgiveness, and redemption, but the Ring's addiction drags him back into darkness every time. This battle is heartbreaking to watch, making him more tragic than terrifying. He is constantly torn between craving connection and serving the Ring's will.

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Image Courtesy: IMDb

Another reason to sympathise with the creature is how he is treated by others. Aside from Frodo, most people mock or reject him. Sam, although brave and loyal, constantly calls him names and treats him with hostility. This only pushes Gollum further into isolation and paranoia. In many ways, his relapse into treachery happens because he is never truly given a chance to heal.

Ultimately, he is both villain and victim — a clear example of how evil can be born from suffering and manipulation. Tolkien's brilliance lies in making readers feel both repelled and heartbroken by him. Gollum reminds us that sometimes the monsters we fear most were once just people who were hurt, twisted, and left alone with their pain. He may commit terrible acts, but behind his cruelty lies a deep tragedy — one that deserves empathy as much as caution.

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