Why Didn’t the Wraiths Go After Gollum?
The One Ring, also known as the Ruling Ring, is one of the most iconic and feared objects in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. At the heart of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Ring is the primary focus of Sauron’s power and the quest of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth to destroy it. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Ring’s story is its relationship with Gollum, a creature who possessed the Ring for centuries and played a crucial role in its history. But what about the Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths, who served Sauron and sought to reclaim the Ring for their dark lord? Why didn’t they go after Gollum, a creature who had possessed the Ring for so long and was seemingly more connected to it than anyone else?
A Lack of Homing Beams
One reason why the Nazgûl didn’t go after Gollum is that they didn’t have a homing beam or a specific way to track the Ring’s whereabouts. Unlike the Ringwraiths, who were bound to the Ring’s will and could sense its presence, Gollum’s connection to the Ring was more complicated. Gollum had discovered the Ring by chance and had grown obsessed with it, but he didn’t have a direct link to it like the Nazgûl did. As a result, the Ringwraiths couldn’t sense the Ring’s presence through Gollum or track it to his location.
Sauron’s Divination
Another reason why the Nazgûl didn’t go after Gollum is that Sauron himself had a different plan in mind. According to Tolkien’s Unfinished Tales, Sauron "divined something indomitable in Gollum" and decided to leave him be. This is a fascinating aspect of Sauron’s character, as it shows that he was aware of Gollum’s connection to the Ring and chose not to interfere. Instead, Sauron allowed Gollum to continue possessing the Ring, hoping that he would eventually lead the Ringwraiths to its location.
Gollum’s Isolation
Gollum’s isolation and reclusive nature also played a significant role in the Nazgûl’s decision not to pursue him. Gollum lived in the depths of the Misty Mountains, away from the main roads and civilizations of Middle-earth. The Nazgûl, on the other hand, were creatures of the world, seeking to reclaim the Ring for their dark lord. As a result, they focused on more visible targets, such as the free peoples of Middle-earth, rather than venturing into the treacherous mountains to find Gollum.
The Dwarves and the Rings of Power
The relationship between the Dwarves and the Rings of Power also plays a significant role in the story. As you may know, the Dwarves were given nine Rings of Power by Sauron, which slowly corrupted them and turned them into a shadowy version of their former selves. Gollum, being a creature who had a strong connection to the Dark Lord, was likely affected by the Ring’s influence as well. This is why the Nazgûl didn’t go after Gollum – they knew that he was already under Sauron’s influence and didn’t need to worry about him being a threat.
A Summary
In conclusion, the Nazgûl didn’t go after Gollum because of a combination of factors. Firstly, they didn’t have a homing beam to track the Ring’s whereabouts. Secondly, Sauron had a different plan in mind, and Gollum’s connection to the Ring was already influenced by the Dark Lord’s power. Finally, Gollum’s isolation and reclusive nature made him a less visible target for the Ringwraiths. Despite being a powerful and obsessive creature, Gollum was ultimately trapped in his own world, unaware of the danger that lurked beyond the shadows of the Misty Mountains.
Table: Reasons Why the Nazgûl Didn’t Go After Gollum
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of Homing Beam | The Nazgûl didn’t have a way to track the Ring’s whereabouts through Gollum |
| Sauron’s Divination | Sauron chose to leave Gollum be, aware of his connection to the Ring |
| Gollum’s Isolation | Gollum lived in the depths of the Misty Mountains, away from the main roads and civilizations of Middle-earth |
| Dwarves and Rings of Power | The relationship between the Dwarves and the Rings of Power influenced Gollum’s connection to the Ring |
Bullets List: Key Points
• The Nazgûl didn’t have a homing beam to track the Ring’s whereabouts
• Sauron chose to leave Gollum be, aware of his connection to the Ring
• Gollum lived in the depths of the Misty Mountains, away from the main roads and civilizations of Middle-earth
• The relationship between the Dwarves and the Rings of Power influenced Gollum’s connection to the Ring
• Gollum’s obsession with the Ring was a major factor in his connection to it
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