Literature
What Would Have Happened if Smeagol and Gollum Were in Mount Doom with Frodo?
The Would-Be Confrontation: Smeagol and Gollum in Mount Doom
In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the climactic scene of Frodo throwing the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom is an integral part of the narrative. What would have happened if Smeagol and Gollum were also present when Frodo threw the ring into the depths?
The Role of Smeagol and Gollum in the Story
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Backdrop of Mount Doom and the One Ring
Mount Doom, located in the land of Mordor, is a volcanic site of immense power and danger. The One Ring, fueled by dark magic, was designed to be destroyed in these very depths. Frodo, with the help of his friends, reached this fateful location to cast the Ring into the fires of the Mountain.
Smeagol and Gollum's Psychological Struggle
Gollum, after his transformation into Smeagol, regained his original name as he delved into the fires of Mount Doom. The tale of his conflict within, between the good (Smeagol) and the evil (Gollum), contains elements that would have played out differently in the presence of the One Ring.
Scenario Analysis: The Conflict at Mount Doom
Imagine the scene: Frodo has reached the brink of the Mountain. He stands ready to throw the Ring into the fiery depths, but it must be done without the interference of the other Ringbearers. Suddenly, Smeagol and Gollum emerge from the darkness, both determined to claim the Ring for themselves.
Smeagol's transformation from a creature deeply marked by the Ring's corrupting influence would have played a crucial role. He might have felt an overwhelming compulsion to stop Frodo, driven by his need to reclaim the Ring. On the other hand, Gollum's internal struggle between his desire for the Ring and his aversion to Smeagol would have been heightened.
Potential Outcomes
The confrontation would likely have been intense. Gollum might have tried to seize the Ring from Frodo, forcing Smeagol to step in to save Frodo and prevent a potential battle. Alternatively, Gollum could have tried to use Smeagol to get to the Ring, using his half-tamed side for leverage.
It is possible that the Ring's corrupting influence could have further twisted Smeagol's mind, pushing him to side with Gollum in a final, desperate attempt to seize the Ring and its power. However, this would have been met with resistance from both Frodo and any remaining loyal fighters of the Fellowship.
The Aftermath
Regardless of the outcome, the presence of Smeagol and Gollum would have added a layer of complexity to the story. Whether Smeagol managed to throw the One Ring into the fires, or Gollum and Smeagol managed to kill each other for the Ring, the emotional and narrative impact would have resonated more deeply.
Conclusion
The scenario of Smeagol and Gollum being in Mount Doom with Frodo would have introduced significant changes to the plot of The Lord of the Rings. It would highlight the transformative power of the Ring and the struggle between good and evil that defines Middle-earth. While Frodo's act of burning the Ring is iconic, the dynamic interactions and potential outcomes with Smeagol and Gollum would have showcased the complexity and intensity of the Ring's impact.