Did Gollum Sméagol Have Black Skin? An Analysis

The ever-evolving interpretations surrounding the characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings often lead to discussions about their physical descriptions. One such discussion centers on the skin color of Gollum, originally known as Sméagol. Many fans and scholars have speculated about the appearance of this enigmatic character, particularly regarding his skin color. Let's delve into Tolkien's descriptions and explore the various interpretations.

Tolkien's Descriptions

Although Tolkien primarily focuses on Gollum's physical characteristics and his behavior, there is no explicit mention of his skin color in the original texts. Gollum is described as having an emaciated and hunched appearance, with large eyes and pale skin, especially due to his long periods spent in darkness. Tolkien describes his skin as being white knuckles and mentions that Gollum resembles a spider or a starved frog—in?The Two Towers (Pg. 411).

The Darkening of Gollum

Some have speculated that Gollum's skin color changed over time due to the effects of the One Ring. There are instances where Gollum is described as being dark as darkness, which could be interpreted as a metaphorical or figurative expression rather than a literal description. For example, in one passage, Tolkien writes, You must have seen him: little thin black fellow like a spider himself or a starved frog. However, this description can also be attributed to the deep shadows and darkness in which Gollum often moves.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Another possibility is that Gollum's dark appearance is due to his clothing. The passage mentions his dark clothing, possibly with a hood, which could give him a darker appearance. Additionally, Tolkien notes that Gollum wears more than a loin cloth, suggesting that he may have full clothing that could cover his skin to a certain extent. His limbs are described as being bare, making it plausible that he could look as if he is covered in a thick layer of grime, which could give the appearance of dark skin.

Tolkien's Writing Style

It is important to consider Tolkien's literary style, which often includes metaphors and figurative language. His descriptions of Gollum are fill with vivid imagery, such as his pale skin and his tendency to move in the darkness. This makes it challenging to determine his skin color with certainty. Furthermore, Tolkien's detailed descriptions sometimes include the absence of details, which can lead to varied interpretations.

Visual Representation in Adaptations

In Peter Jackson's film adaptations, Gollum is portrayed as a creature with a pale and almost luminescent skin, covered in grime and shadow. This depiction does not suggest that he has black skin, but rather that he is covered in a layer of dirt and filth, which gives him a distinctive appearance.

Comparisons and Stereotypes

It is worth noting that some fans have drawn comparisons between Gollum and certain racial stereotypes. However, it is crucial to avoid such interpretations and understand that these are not grounded in Tolkien's original work. For example, the idea that Orks (Orcs) are related to Latino people is a portrayal that does not align with the text and should be avoided as it promotes harmful stereotypes.

Conclusion

While there is no clear answer to whether Gollum Sméagol had black skin, several factors point to the likelihood that his skin was pale. The textual descriptions and the context of his surroundings suggest that his primary appearance aligns with pale, dirty, and shadowy characteristics. The various interpretations and adaptations of Gollum's skin color are a testament to the richness and complexity of Tolkien's characters. Further exploration of the text and the various adaptations can provide deeper insights into the multifaceted nature of Gollum, the enigmatic and corrupted creature of Middle-earth.