Research Notes: The Hunt for Gollum - What Tolkien Actually Wrote

Overview

The Hunt for Gollum represents one of the most significant untold stories in Tolkien's legendarium - a seventeen-year manhunt spanning the darkest corners of Middle-earth that directly precipitated the War of the Ring. Unlike many expanded universe stories, this narrative exists in Tolkien's own words across multiple canonical sources, though presented as historical summary rather than narrative prose. The hunt involved two of Middle-earth's greatest figures - Gandalf the Grey and Aragorn son of Arathorn - working in concert to track and capture a creature who held secrets that could doom or save the Free Peoples. This research compiles what Tolkien actually wrote about this period, distinguishing canonical fact from later adaptation.

Primary Sources

The Lord of the Rings - "The Shadow of the Past"

This chapter in The Fellowship of the Ring provides Gandalf's account to Frodo of what he learned during the hunt and from interrogating Gollum:

This passage became the most-highlighted passage in The Fellowship of the Ring according to Amazon Kindle readers.

The Lord of the Rings - "The Council of Elrond"

Aragorn's firsthand account of capturing Gollum:

"There is little need to tell of them," said Aragorn. "If a man must needs walk in sight of the Black Gate, or tread the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale, then perils he will have. I, too, despaired at last, and I began my homeward journey. And then, by fortune, I came suddenly on what I sought: the marks of soft feet beside a muddy pool. But now the trail was fresh and swift, and it led not to Mordor but away. Along the skirts of the Dead Marshes I followed it, and then I had him. Lurking by a stagnant mere, peering in the water as the dark eve fell, I caught him, Gollum. He was covered with green slime. He will never love me, I fear; for he bit me, and I was not gentle." (FOTR, "The Council of Elrond")

The Lord of the Rings - Appendix B (The Tale of Years)

The primary chronological source for the hunt:

Unfinished Tales - "The Hunt for the Ring"

This posthumously published chapter, edited by Christopher Tolkien, provides the most detailed account of the events. It follows the journey of the Black Riders from Gollum's release to Frodo leaving the Shire.

"[By the Carrock, Aragorn] crossed Anduin again, with the help of the Beornings, and passed into the Forest." (Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring," "(ii) Other Versions")

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

On mercy's significance: "The cause (not the 'hero') was triumphant, because by the exercise of pity, mercy, and forgiveness of injury, a situation was produced in which all was redressed and disaster averted. Gandalf certainly foresaw this... Of course, he did not mean to say that one must be merciful, for it may prove useful later - it would not then be mercy or pity, which are only truly present when contrary to prudence." (Letter 192)

Key Facts & Timeline

Gollum's Journey (T.A. 2941-3017)

- T.A. 2941: Bilbo finds the Ring under the Misty Mountains. Gollum eventually leaves to pursue "the thief." - T.A. 2944-2951: Gollum reaches Dale, learns of Bilbo's origin in "the Shire," turns back through Mirkwood. The Wood-elves track his movements. Reports emerge of a "blood-drinking ghost" preying on infants. - T.A. 2951: Sauron declares himself openly in Mordor. Gollum turns south toward Mordor. - T.A. 2980: After 29 years of wandering, Gollum reaches Shelob's lair and becomes "Her Sneak," worshipping her and bringing her food. - c. T.A. 3009-3017: Gollum is captured by Sauron and taken to Barad-dur for interrogation. Under torture, reveals "Baggins" and "Shire" but misdirects Sauron toward the Gladden Fields. - T.A. 3017: Sauron releases Gollum.

The Hunt Proper (T.A. 3001-3018)

- T.A. 3001: Bilbo's 111th birthday party. Gandalf begins to suspect the Ring's true nature. Calls on Aragorn's help to find Gollum. Rangers double their guard on the Shire. - T.A. 3009-3017: Gandalf and Aragorn hunt for Gollum "at intervals," searching the vales of Anduin, Mirkwood, Rhovanion, and to "the confines of Mordor." - 1 February 3018 (or 3017 per Appendix B): Aragorn captures Gollum in the Dead Marshes at nightfall, finding him "lurking by a stagnant mere, peering in the water." - February-March 3018: Aragorn drags Gollum nearly 900 miles over 50 days, crossing the Anduin twice (once by swimming with Gollum bound to driftwood, once with Beorning assistance at the Carrock). - 21 March 3018: Aragorn delivers Gollum to Thranduil's realm in Mirkwood. - April 3018: Gandalf arrives in Mirkwood and interrogates Gollum, learning of his visit to Mordor and the information given to Sauron. - 20 June 3018: Sauron attacks the Woodland Realm; Gollum escapes during the Orc assault.

Dating Discrepancy

Christopher Tolkien notes that Appendix B dates the capture to 3017, while "The Hunt for the Ring" in Unfinished Tales dates it to 3018. According to Hammond and Scull, "Tolkien changed the date because he probably thought that more time was needed between the capture of Gollum and the arrival of Gandalf in Hobbiton (12 April, 3018)."

Significant Characters

Gandalf the Grey

Gandalf's role was primarily investigative and strategic. He suspected the Ring's nature after Bilbo's party in 3001, initiated the search, coordinated with Aragorn, and ultimately interrogated Gollum in Mirkwood. His questioning revealed the crucial and terrifying information that Sauron now knew the names "Baggins" and "Shire." Gandalf's approach to Gollum embodies the theme of mercy - he recognizes Gollum may have "some part to play yet."

Aragorn (Strider)

The actual hunter. At Gandalf's request, Aragorn searched for Gollum across vast territories over many years while simultaneously maintaining the Rangers' watch on the Shire. His tracking abilities as a Dunadan were legendary - he ventured to "the confines of Mordor," walked "in sight of the Black Gate," and tread "the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale." When he finally captured Gollum, Aragorn displayed both ruthless efficiency (gagging and starving Gollum into submission) and the endurance to drag his prisoner 900 miles on foot. The bite mark Gollum left on Aragorn was apparently the only thing the creature "said" during the journey.

Gollum/Smeagol

The quarry. Gollum's journey from the Misty Mountains to Mordor took decades, driven by Ring-lust and hatred. His encounter with Shelob made him "Her Sneak." Most significantly, his behavior under Sauron's torture reveals an "indomitable" quality even the Dark Lord could not break. His successful misdirection about the Shire's location - pointing Sauron toward the Gladden Fields instead - demonstrates that hatred of Sauron eventually exceeded even his terror.

Thranduil

The Elvenking of the Woodland Realm. He agreed to hold Gollum prisoner after Aragorn delivered him, treating the creature with surprising kindness. The Elves "pitied him" and "allowed him to climb a tree that stood alone." This compassionate treatment paradoxically enabled Gollum's escape during the Orc attack.

Sauron

The ultimate enemy. Sauron personally interrogated Gollum in Barad-dur, extracting the names "Baggins" and "Shire" but failing to get accurate geographic information. His decision to release Gollum - hoping to track him to the Ring - proved a catastrophic miscalculation. Sauron "divined something indomitable" in Gollum but did not fully comprehend it, "being himself consumed by lust for the Ring."

Geographic Locations

The Dead Marshes

Where Aragorn finally captured Gollum. These marshes east of the Emyn Muil were haunted by the spirits of those who fell at the Battle of Dagorlad in the Second Age. The "faces of the dead could still be seen in the wide pools." Tolkien acknowledged they "owe something to northern France after the Battle of the Somme" but "owe more to William Morris."

The Black Gate (Morannon)

Aragorn searched to "the confines of Mordor" and walked "in sight of the Black Gate." This massive iron gate between the Mountains of Ash and Ephel Duath was the fortified entrance to Sauron's realm, patrolled by thousands of Orcs.

Morgul Vale

Aragorn tread "the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale." These poisoned meadows beside the Morgulduin river were filled with pale white flowers of grotesque shape that emitted noxious vapors - likely inspired by Arum flowers known for corpse-like odors.

Thranduil's Halls (Woodland Realm)

The destination for Gollum's imprisonment, located in northern Mirkwood. The Wood-elves held Gollum here until his escape in June 3018.

The Vales of Anduin, Mirkwood, and Rhovanion

The search territories. Gandalf and Aragorn hunted across this vast region, covering the great river's valley, the dangerous forest, and the lands to the east.

The Ford of Carrock

Where the Beornings helped Aragorn cross the Anduin. The Beornings "kept open the passages of the Ford of Carrock and the High Pass in return for high tolls."

Themes & Symbolism

Mercy and Providence

The hunt's ultimate significance lies not in Gollum's capture but in the mercy shown him. Gandalf's prophecy - "the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many" - establishes that compassion toward even the most wretched creatures serves a providential purpose beyond rational calculation. Tolkien explicitly stated this was not utilitarian: mercy "is only truly present when contrary to prudence."

The Indomitable Spirit

Gollum's resistance to Sauron reveals that even the most corrupted soul retains something the Dark Lord cannot break. This "indomitable" quality manifests not as virtue but as obsessive possession-desire that paradoxically protects against external domination.

Hidden Guardianship

The Rangers' secret protection of the Shire represents a major theme - the hobbits "were blissfully unaware" that Aragorn's people patrolled their borders. This connects to Tolkien's broader theme of hidden virtues preserving what is good.

The Long Defeat

The hunt spans seventeen years of "intervals" - periods of search followed by other pressing matters. This reflects Tolkien's concept of the "long defeat" against evil, requiring sustained effort across generations.

Scholarly Interpretations

Sauron's Cognitive Limitations

Stephen Winter's analysis on "Wisdom from The Lord of the Rings" highlights the philosophical contrast between Sauron's instrumental view of beings and Gandalf's embrace of mystery. Sauron "reduces all beings to calculable objects" while Gandalf trusts in "unforeseen possibilities enabled by compassion."

The Hunt as Narrative Expansion

Scholar Maria Alberto notes that the Hunt for Gollum represents a "canonical incident" that fan adaptations have explored. The upcoming Warner Bros. film faces the challenge of expanding roughly "eight pages" of material across chapters and appendices into a feature-length narrative.

Torture Ethics in Middle-earth

Academic discussion (published in Mallorn, the journal of the Tolkien Society) has examined Gandalf's interrogation methods - "I put the fear of fire on him" - in the context of Tolkien's moral framework.

Contradictions & Different Versions

The Dating Problem

The most significant textual contradiction: - Appendix B: Gollum captured in T.A. 3017 - "The Hunt for the Ring" (Unfinished Tales): Events occur in T.A. 3018

Christopher Tolkien notes the dates "are all slightly at variance both with each other and with the Tale of Years." Hammond and Scull suggest Tolkien changed dates to allow more time between Gollum's capture and Gandalf's return to Hobbiton.

Multiple Manuscript Versions

Christopher Tolkien identifies several versions of "The Hunt for the Ring" material: - Version A: Early draft - Manuscript B: Elaborates on Aragorn's journey with Gollum - Notes D: Concerned primarily with what Gollum told Sauron

Gollum's Capture by Sauron

The dating of when Gollum was captured by Sauron is unclear - described variously as "3009 or 3017" depending on which text is consulted. Appendix B places it during the 3009-3017 period as "at some time during these years."

Cultural & Linguistic Context

Etymology

- Morannon: "Black Gate" in Sindarin, from mor ("dark, black") + annon ("gate, door") - Cirith Ungol: "Pass of the Spider" in Sindarin - "Shire": Tolkien notes this was a common noun meaning a region, not a proper name, which is why Sauron had difficulty locating it

The Term "Halfling"

Gollum would not know the colloquial term "Hobbit" nor use "Halfling," which Hobbits "generally disliked." This linguistic detail explains why Sauron's information was so imprecise.

Real-World Inspirations

The Dead Marshes: Tolkien wrote they "owe something to northern France after the Battle of the Somme" - the flooded shell craters with bodies floating in them - but also credited William Morris's The House of the Wolfings.

Questions & Mysteries

What did Aragorn encounter at Mordor's borders?

Aragorn walked "in sight of the Black Gate" and through the Morgul Vale, but his account says only "there is little need to tell" of those perils. What happened during those years of searching?

How did Gollum reach Mordor?

The journey from the Misty Mountains to Shelob's lair took 29 years. What sustained Gollum during this period? The reports of a "blood-drinking ghost" preying on infants in Mirkwood hint at dark survival methods.

Why did Sauron release Gollum?

Sauron hoped Gollum would lead spies to the Ring, but this seems a remarkably passive strategy for the Dark Lord. Did he underestimate Gollum's cunning, or were there other considerations?

What was Gollum doing in the Dead Marshes?

Aragorn found him "peering in the water" by a stagnant mere. Gollum later showed an unsettling familiarity with the marshes. Had he tried to reach the dead faces before?

Compelling Quotes for Narration

1. "If a man must needs walk in sight of the Black Gate, or tread the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale, then perils he will have." - Aragorn, FOTR

2. "Lurking by a stagnant mere, peering in the water as the dark eve fell, I caught him, Gollum. He was covered with green slime." - Aragorn, FOTR

3. "He did not trust Gollum, for he divined something indomitable in him, which could not be overcome, even by the Shadow of Fear, except by destroying him." - Unfinished Tales

4. "Ultimately indomitable he was, except by death, as Sauron did not fully comprehend, being himself consumed by lust for the Ring." - Unfinished Tales

5. "I deemed it the worst part of all my journey, the road back, watching him day and night, making him walk before me with a halter on his neck, gagged, until he was tamed by lack of drink and food." - Aragorn, FOTR

6. "My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end." - Gandalf, FOTR

7. "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement." - Gandalf, FOTR

Visual Elements to Highlight

1. Aragorn at the Black Gate: A lone Ranger observing Mordor's massive iron gate from the shadows, towers filled with Orcs 2. The Morgul Vale: White flowers glowing sickly in the darkness, noxious vapors rising 3. Capture in the Dead Marshes: Twilight scene, Gollum covered in green slime, peering at ghostly faces in stagnant water 4. The 900-mile march: Aragorn forcing a gagged, haltered Gollum through wilderness 5. Swimming the Anduin: Aragorn dragging Gollum bound to driftwood across the great river 6. Gollum in Barad-dur: The creature before Sauron's interrogators, yet somehow resisting 7. Thranduil's forest prison: Elves allowing Gollum to climb a tree, showing pity 8. The Orc attack: Chaos and fire as Gollum escapes into the darkness

Discrete Analytical Themes

Theme 1: The Seventeen-Year Vigil

Theme 2: The Geography of Darkness

Theme 3: The Indomitable Corruption

Theme 4: Sauron's Instrumental Miscalculation

Theme 5: The Ranger's Burden

Theme 6: Mercy's Hidden Logic

Theme 7: Information Warfare

Theme 8: The Eucatastrophic Setup

Additional Notes

Canonical Material vs. Adaptation

The total canonical material about the hunt amounts to roughly: - Two paragraphs in "The Shadow of the Past" (summary of years spent searching) - One substantial passage in "The Council of Elrond" (Aragorn's account of capture) - Several paragraphs in Appendix B timeline entries - Several pages in "The Hunt for the Ring" (Unfinished Tales)

This provides framework and key moments but leaves vast narrative space for adaptation. The Warner Bros. film faces the challenge of honoring Tolkien while expanding roughly eight pages across scattered sources into a feature-length story.

Connection to Shelob

Gollum's relationship with Shelob (discovered circa T.A. 2980) adds a dark dimension to his psychology. The Orcs called him "Her Sneak" and knew to tolerate him because of this relationship. Shelob's darkness "cutting him off from light and from regret" may have further corrupted him before his capture by Sauron.

The Blood-Drinking Ghost

Reports from Mirkwood during Gollum's early wanderings describe him as a "blood-drinking ghost" who "broke into houses and approached cradles of the babies of the Woodmen." This horrifying detail appears in accounts of the Wood-elves tracking his movements.

Aragorn's Identity

During the hunt, Aragorn was operating under various identities. He had previously served in Rohan and Gondor as "Thorongil" (Eagle of the Star). In the North, he was known as "Strider." His true identity as Isildur's heir was known only to a few.