Why Gollum Never Became a Nazgûl: A Deep Dive into Tolkien’s Lore
Gollum, the wretched creature consumed by his obsession with the One Ring, is a far cry from the terrifying Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths. The simple answer to why Gollum didn’t become a Nazgûl lies in a combination of factors: his race, the nature of the rings themselves, and the intended purpose behind their creation. The Rings of Power, specifically the nine given to men, were designed to corrupt mortals, leading them down a path of domination and ultimately binding them to Sauron’s will. Gollum, as a hobbit (specifically a Stoor hobbit), possessed a natural resilience to the Rings’ corrupting influence that men lacked. Moreover, only humans were turned into wraiths, according to the lore. Therefore, Gollum never became a Nazgûl.
The Nine Rings were crafted with a specific purpose: to ensnare the leaders of Men. Men, being more easily swayed by ambition and the promise of power, were susceptible to Sauron’s influence woven into the rings. When these men succumbed, they became the Nazgûl, extensions of Sauron’s will, existing in both the physical and wraith-like realms. Gollum, while certainly corrupted by the Ring, never became subservient to Sauron in the same way. His desire was always for the Ring itself, not for power or dominion over others. This distinction is crucial. He served only the Ring, and thus indirectly, Sauron, but he never truly bowed to Sauron’s dominion. His will, however twisted and broken, remained his own.
Consider, too, the physical transformation. The Nazgûl became wraiths, fading from the physical world and existing primarily in the unseen realm. Gollum, despite his deteriorated state, remained firmly rooted in the physical world. He needed to eat, sleep, and could be physically harmed. He was not a spectral being like the Ringwraiths. His corruption manifested as physical and mental degradation, not as a shift into a different plane of existence. This is further proof that he never turned into a Nazgûl.
Finally, we must consider Sauron’s intentions. Sauron sought to dominate Middle-earth through the Rings of Power. The Nazgûl were his enforcers, his captains in the physical and spiritual realms. Gollum, in his obsessive pursuit of the Ring, was a nuisance, a pawn to be manipulated, but never a key player in Sauron’s grand scheme. Sauron released Gollum hoping he would lead the Nazgûl to the Ring, demonstrating the difference between Gollum’s role and the role of the Nine, or of a Nazgûl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why didn’t Dwarves become Nazgûl?
Dwarves, as a race, possessed a natural resistance to the corrupting influence of the Rings of Power. Their resilient spirits and inherent stubbornness made them difficult to dominate. Instead of becoming wraiths, the Dwarven ring-bearers were merely consumed by greed. This is because the rings were not specifically designed for Dwarves, so it was a gamble, and the Dwarves were not controllable.
Would Frodo have become a Nazgûl?
Yes, Frodo would have become a wraith-like creature if he had not been saved from the Morgul blade. As mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo was gradually fading into the wraith-world after being stabbed by the Witch-king. This emphasizes the danger the Ring posed to mortal Men.
Why couldn’t Sauron locate Bilbo like Frodo in the wraith-world?
Sauron’s ability to perceive Ring-bearers in the wraith-world depended on their willingness to use the Ring and their proximity to him. Bilbo used the Ring sparingly and avoided Sauron’s direct attention, making him more difficult to locate. Frodo’s frequent use of the Ring and his journey towards Mordor made him a more prominent target.
Would Isildur have become a Nazgûl?
The text you provided suggests that Isildur was revived and tortured into becoming a Nazgûl. However, this contradicts established Tolkien lore. Isildur died when the Ring betrayed him in the Anduin. He was never a Ringwraith in the canonical story.
Could a Nazgûl defeat Gandalf?
While the Witch-king of Angmar was a formidable foe, it is unlikely that even he could defeat Gandalf in a one-on-one battle. Gandalf, being a Maia spirit, possessed significantly greater power.
Why didn’t the Ringwraiths go after Smeagol?
The Ringwraiths’ inability to pursue Smeagol was likely due to a combination of their weakened state after their initial defeat and their lack of awareness that he possessed the Ring for so long. They were unaware that they should be seeking it, and were therefore too weak to sense the Ring.
Why did the Nazgûl run away from Aragorn at Weathertop?
The Nazgûl fled from Aragorn at Weathertop because they were vulnerable to physical harm, despite their wraith-like nature. Aragorn, armed with Andúril and the aid of fire, posed a significant threat.
Did Legolas shoot down a Nazgûl?
Legolas did not shoot down a Nazgûl directly, but he did shoot down its flying steed. This highlights the vulnerability of the Nazgûl’s mounts and their dependence on them for mobility.
Why didn’t the Ringwraiths cross the river?
The Nazgûl feared the power of water, as it was associated with Ulmo, one of the Valar. They believed that the rivers of Middle-earth retained some of his power, making them hesitant to cross them.
Was Sauron afraid of Smeagol?
“Afraid” might be too strong of a word. Sauron recognized something “indomitable” in Gollum, suggesting a degree of respect for his tenacity. However, he primarily saw Gollum as a useful tool to be manipulated. He was in a sense afraid of Smeagol, in that his persistence could potentially disrupt his plans.
Why didn’t Sauron know about the Shire?
Sauron dismissed the Shire as insignificant. It posed no direct threat to him, and he saw no strategic value in it until the Ring was rediscovered.
Did Isildur wear the Ring?
Yes, Isildur wore the Ring after claiming it from Sauron. He intended to bring it to Rivendell to be studied and preserved, but he was ambushed by Orcs and killed when the Ring betrayed him.
Why can the Nazgûl see Frodo?
The Nazgûl’s vision was primarily based on the unseen world. When Frodo wore the One Ring, he became more visible to them, as he partially entered their realm.
Why are there no dwarf Ringwraiths?
As previously discussed, Dwarves’ inherent resistance to corruption prevented them from becoming Ringwraiths. The Rings amplified their natural greed but did not turn them into slaves of Sauron.
Why wasn’t Aragorn corrupted by the Ring?
Aragorn possessed immense willpower and a deep understanding of the Ring’s power. He consciously avoided touching it, knowing that his lineage as the heir of Isildur made him particularly vulnerable. Moreover, his commitment to the greater good outweighed any personal desire for power. He chose the path of responsibility over the allure of the Ring.
The story of Gollum and the Nazgûl serves as a powerful reminder of the different ways in which power and corruption can manifest, and of the enduring strength of hobbit resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness. It is through exploring these narratives that we can engage in critical thinking and understanding of complex themes, a concept further supported by the Games Learning Society and their commitment to fostering engaging and educational experiences through gaming and interactive media; you can find out more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.