AS SEEN ON TV: GOLLUM

Unlike two years ago, we didn't get around to celebrating J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday on the day, January 3rd. And here he would have been 120 years old, to boot.

So here's a belated tip of the hat with the ASOTV showcase:

GOLLUM

(aka Smeagol)

AS SEEN ON:

'Saturday Night Live'

AS PLAYED BY:

Chris Kattan

TV DIMENSION:

Skitlandia

(Gollum can also be found in the Tooniverse.)

SOURCE MATERIAL:

"The Hobbit"

&

"The Lord Of The Rings"

WRITTEN BY:

J.R.R. Tolkien

From Wikipedia:

Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. He was introduced in the author's children's fantasy novel "The Hobbit", and became an important supporting character in its sequel, "The Lord of the Rings".

Gollum was a Stoor Hobbit of the River-folk, who lived near the Gladden Fields. Originally known as Sméagol, he was later named Gollum after his habit of making "a horrible swallowing noise in his throat". Gollum was once a hobbit who became corrupted by the One Ring. His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing the Ring, which he frequently referred to as "my precious" and "my birthday present". After having it stolen by Bilbo Baggins, Gollum slavishly pursued it for the rest of his life.

During his centuries under the Ring's influence, Gollum came to love and hate the Ring, just as he loved and hated himself. Throughout the story, Gollum is seen communing with his ego, torn between his lust for the Ring and his desire to be free of it.

From "The Return Of The King":

For that moment a change, which lasted for some time, came over him. He spoke with less hissing and whining, and he spoke to his companions direct, not to his precious self. He would cringe and flinch, if they stepped near him or made any sudden movement, and he avoided the touch of their elven-cloaks; but he was friendly, and indeed pitifully anxious to please. He would cackle with laughter and caper if any jest was made, or even if Frodo spoke kindly to him, and weep if Frodo rebuked him.

From a letter dated December 12, 1963 Professor Tolkien is quoted: "Gollum should not be made a monster as he is by practically all other illustrators in disregard of the text."

Here is Tolkien's own idea of what Gollum should look like:
He should be a slimy little creature not larger than Bilbo: thin, with a large head for his size; large, protuberant eyes; a long, skinny neck; and thin, lank hair. His skin was white, and evidently he wore black garments. (He was never naked.) his hands were long and his feet were webby, with prehensile toes.

BCnU, my Precious.......