While their actions reflect well on those who spare him, they also reflect the truth that Gollum deserves such pity. Readers see the proof of this on the stairs of Cirith Ungol, as Gollum reaches out to Frodo: 'an old weary hobbit, shrunken by the years that had carried him far beyond his time, beyond friends and kin, and the fields and streams of youth, an old starved pitiable thing.' Three times his life is spared by the pity of those who could kill him, each time after Gollum has attempted murder. Frodo reaches this spark, reminding Gollum of his life as Sméagol. The Ring has corrupted him, but his tragedy is that he is not beyond hope - a spark of goodness survives, crippled by his gnawing obsession with the Ring. Even without the danger of being strangled in one's sleep, Gollum's constant sniveling, groveling, hissing, and talking to himself would grate on anyone's nerves. He is believed to have been in his early twenties when he murdered Dagol (presumably a relative, though this is never stated) to get the Ring, which Dagol had. Sam finds him a singularly unpleasant travel companion, and readers agree. Corrupt and vindictive, he cheats, steals, lies, sneaks, and betrays. Characters variously describe him as 'wretched,' a 'vile creature,' a liar, a thief, and a murderer - all of which are quite true. Gollum does not receive many compliments in the text.

Full Glossary for The Lord of the Rings.

This Is Worse Than Mordor!': The Scouring of the Shire as Conclusion'.

Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King.

Maps, Prologue, and Note on Shire Records.

Summary and Analysis: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Gollum of lord of the rings