Smeagol Versus Gollum

Many literary scholars have observed J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings through biographical allegorical and source comparative lenses. Few however have focused their attention on characters such as Gollum and his importance in the mythology. The new wave of interest in Tolkien's literary work with the release of Peter Jackson's films has invited a closer look at the connection between Fairy Story and reality. This book offers a new perspective of The Lord of the Rings focusing on Gollum's journey and Jungian myth or self-actualization. The Shadow archetype of Jungian Psychology as applied to Gollum helps reveal the character's overall importance in Tolkien's work as well as a deep connection between mythology and ourselves. The analysis in this book should be helpful to literary scholars students and Tolkien fans alike.