Tolkien’s Defining Inclusion: The Element of Surprise

A recurring theme within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is the emergence of an unexpected event or character that fixes an otherwise doomed situation. Notable examples include: Aragorn’s (or Strider, as he was first introduced) fateful presence in Bree, since the Hobbits would have otherwise met an early demise by Nazgul blade; Gandalf’s resurgence from the pits of Moria, after which he gained necessary strength from defeating the Balrog. 

Gollum’s violent appearance atop Mount Doom, however, is a distinctive entry. Unlike the first two characters mentioned, his intentions were far from heroic. From the series’ onset, Aragorn and Gandalf are obviously regarded as having sound judgement and a good sense of what is just. Contrarily, Gollum’s sole motivation is to recapture what he believes is rightfully his: Sauron’s One Ring of Power. His desperation is obvious, having been corrupted for centuries by the “Precious.” If the creature had been successful, the whole mission would have been rendered a failure. Yet, by what seems like prophetic and divine miracle, he slips off of a ledge and into the fires of Mount Doom. Thus, since the scene’s inclusion of an odious character like Gollum is so unique, it becomes even more surprising.