Smeagol and Deagol: Cousins or Brothers in Tolkien’s World

In the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the characters of Smeagol and Deagol have captivated readers for generations. Often confused for brothers, who they truly are and how they are related has long been a subject of debate among fans. This article explores the evidence from Tolkien's works to determine whether Smeagol and Deagol are indeed cousins or brothers, and what this tells us about their world.

Are Smeagol and Deagol Brothers?

At first glance, it may seem that Smeagol and Deagol are brothers, sharing a seemingly close bond as seen in their interactions. However, the evidence provided by J.R.R. Tolkien himself suggests a different kind of relationship - that of cousins. This conclusion is drawn from the context and details given in Tolkien's works, particularly The Lord of the Rings and his letters.

Smeagol's Birthday Gift

In The Hobbit, we see Smeagol mentioning the One Ring as “a Birthday present.” Upon investigating this further, we turn to Gandalf's account in The Lord of the Rings, where he confirms receiving the truth from Gollum. Gandalf refers to Deagol as a “Friend” and, crucially, makes no mention of Deagol as a relative.
According to Letter 214 of Tolkien’s letters, Smeagol and Deagol’s relationship is more complex. Tolkien details the custom of gift-giving on birthdays in Hobbit society and notes the significant difference between Smeagol’s expectation to receive a gift on his birthday and the Shire Hobbit customs. This custom of receiving gifts on birthdays indicates a familial connection, but the explicit mention of Smeagol’s grandmother being the matriarch of their clan and cunningly suggesting that they were all related implies a closer familial bond than simply friends.

The Hobbitish Custom of Gift-Giving

Tolkien explains in Letter 214 that Hobbits gave gifts on their birthdays, often in the form of mathoms or inexpensive trinkets. Bilbo Baggins, however, is known for his lavish birthday gifts. Smeagol's expectation to receive a gift on his birthday, while contrasted with Deagol's previous gift, suggests a closer family relationship. The letters also reveal that Smeagol and Deagol were related, albeit without specifying the exact nature of their relation. This deduction is made based on Tolkien's phrasing of "I guess" as "I deduce" in the modern context.

Cousin or Fraternal Ties?

Considering the close nature of their bond and the age difference, it is highly probable that Smeagol and Deagol were cousins rather than brothers. Tolkien’s custom of transferring this level of familial relationship from one generation to the next, as evidenced by the Baggins family, reinforces this conclusion. The root word “deago” in Deagol's name, often interpreted as “birthday” in the Elvish languages, further supports the idea of a celebration of a significant event, rather than a sibling relationship.

The Hobbitish Family Structure

Tolkien's depiction of Hobbit society indicates a tightly-knit and extended family structure. The mention of Smeagol’s grandmother as the matriarch suggests that the family was likely a large clan, with Smeagol and Deagol belonging to the same generation. This familial structure aligns with the idea of cousins rather than brothers, as brothers would typically be more closely related and would occupy adjacent family roles.

In conclusion, while the relationship between Smeagol and Deagol is one of close friendship, the evidence from Tolkien's works strongly suggests that they are cousins rather than brothers. This relationship reveals the intricate family structures and customs in Tolkien's world, adding depth and richness to the characters and their interactions.