What Will Gollum Do If Bilbo Wins the Game?
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins and Gollum engage in a riddle game, where the terms of the agreement are that if Bilbo wins, Gollum will show him the way out of the goblins’ cave, but if Gollum wins, he will eat Bilbo. So, what will Gollum do if Bilbo wins the game?
Show the Way Out of the Cave
If Bilbo wins the game, Gollum has agreed to show him the way out of the goblins’ cave. This is a significant point, as the cave is treacherous and filled with dangers, including goblins and spiders. Gollum knows the cave like the back of his hand, having lived there for centuries. By showing Bilbo the way out, Gollum is giving him a chance to escape with his life.
Gollum’s Dilemma
However, Gollum is not one to easily give up his desire for the treasure. He is torn between his desire for the treasure and his promise to show Bilbo the way out. This dilemma is reflected in his words: "Precious, precious, my own, my own. No, no, no, no, no. Show him the way out, show him the way out, yes, yes, yes." (Tolkien, 1954)
The Effect on Gollum’s Personality
Winning the game would have a significant impact on Gollum’s personality. He is a creature who is deeply obsessed with the treasure and has a strong attachment to it. By promising to show Bilbo the way out, Gollum is going against his natural instincts. This would likely cause him a great deal of turmoil and distress.
Bilbo’s Safety
If Gollum wins the game, Bilbo’s life is in grave danger. Gollum is a ruthless and cunning creature who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If Bilbo refuses to give him the treasure, Gollum may try to attack him and eat him.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, if Bilbo wins the game, Gollum will show him the way out of the goblins’ cave. However, this would likely cause Gollum great distress and turmoil, as he is torn between his desire for the treasure and his promise to show Bilbo the way out. Bilbo’s safety would be a major concern if Gollum wins the game.
References
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1954). The Hobbit. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Appendix: Riddle Game Rules
- If Bilbo wins the game, Gollum will show him the way out of the goblins’ cave.
- If Gollum wins the game, he will eat Bilbo.
- The game is played with a series of riddles, with each side trying to answer the other’s riddles correctly.
- If a side answers a riddle correctly, the other side must answer a new riddle.
- If a side fails to answer a riddle correctly, the game is over and the winning side gets to choose what happens to the losing side.
Gollum’s Riddle
Bilbo: "What has roots that nobody sees,
Is taller than trees,
Up, up it goes,
And yet it never grows?"
Gollum: "Ah, ah, ah, the answer is clear,
The answer is here,
A mountain, tall and bright,
Reaching for the sky, a wondrous sight."
Bilbo: "Well done, Gollum, you have answered correctly. But now it’s my turn. Here’s my next riddle: What can be broken, but never held? What can be given, but never sold?"