-Varda*
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Hobbit Moot
The theme for this week's Hobbit Moot was the supernatural, tying into this season's association with monsters, goblins, ghouls, and ghosts. While much was discussed, what got me thinking was the idea of Gollum as a monster. Oxford English dictionary defines a monster as either 'a large, ugly, and frightening imaginary creature,' or 'a congenitally malformed or mutant animal or plant.' Personally, I don't believe Gollum fits either of these definitions nor do I believe he could be classified as a 'monster' who commits horrible acts and treats people with cruelty. Gollum is more of a Jeckle and Hyde character to me in the sense that he cannot be equated solely to the monstrous nor to the innocent side of himself. What are your opinions on this? Is Gollum a monster? Or does he fit into another supernatural niche not mentioned here?
-Varda*
-Varda*
2 comments:
I believe Gollum is a monster, to me at least in the context of Tolkien's work those that are evil and therefore monsters are things that have been corrupted from their original form. I would relate this directly to the biblical example of the fallen. Satan and his lower demons are fallen angels, Angels are good and Demons are bad. In the LOTR orcs are no longer elves, balrogs are no longer maiar, Gollum is no longer a Hobbit.
I think Gollum is not a monster, even though he has monstrous characteristics. I think Gollum, like Aulë mentioned, is one of a common thread of ideas relating to corruption. The purpose of Gollum isn't to be a monster, but instead a corporeal representation of the evil within people AND the resilience of hobbits (aka why Frodo and Bilbo can handle the ring).
All I can really say for sure is thank goodness Tolkien decided to include riddles in The Hobbit, otherwise a lot would be lost in the significance of Hobbits later.
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