Immediately after taking about different heroic archetypes, I asked myself how many heroes (or antiheroes) a single story or work could have, I came to the conclusion that it could very well be infinite. It is but a matter of opinion. For example, who are the heroes in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'? Who did Tolkien see as the heroes?
I once heard someone say that Gollum/ Smeagol is the antihero of the story, that "he was unwittingly Middle-earths savior". In a story about the seemingly endless fight between good and evil, Gollum is a character that doesn't really have a side in this battle, his fight is internal. He is a misunderstood, pitiable swamp creature with qualities and motives that of a villain; but who also helped Frodo on his journey and is the one who ultimately destroyed the ring. Because it was not his intention to rid of the ring, is this action at all heroic or is it merely an act of greed?
That's a really good point that you bring up about a character fitting into just one archetype. In a lot of cases, a characters' archetype will change throughout the story(like in starwars, Anican turning into Darth Vador). But in Gollums situation, it's different. He does good things with bad intentions. I don't have an answer for you, just thought it was a good point.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, I have a tough time seeing Gollum as an anti-hero because the other anti-heros I have encountered have some qualities that make them truly likeable. I did not like Gollum; perhaps I need to watch the film again and look for likeable qualities. Check out the films "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest" and let me know what you think about McMurphy as an anti-hero. You can view it on You Tube. Or another film, "Cool Hand Luke." Luke is an anti-hero. Is Gollum as likeable as either McMurphy or Luke who are both at odds with society?
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean, Gollum is a creature acting on behalf of his own selfishness whether or not his actions are good or bad is irrelevant because of this.
ReplyDeleteMy computer is much too slow to stream videos, but I'm in line for those movies at the public library and will definitely get back to you as soon as I can.
Well, I have currently been on the thought path of each person leading their own heroic journey... and our own actions are a representation of our 'heroic deeds' , or what seems heroic through our eyes. Most people view golemn as an antagonist. But set yourself down in his shoes (or feet because he has shoes!) and just think as to how his actions were only actions and sacrifices to lead his own heroic journey and only prove himself heroic through his own actions. It's a mere thought, I can't exactly agree with him being "awesome". I never really liked Golemn, but hey it really is something to think about.
ReplyDeleteIf either of those films interest you, I would be happy to loan them to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the offer but no need, after watching the movies, I liked them so much I created a new blog about them. :]
ReplyDeleteGollum/ Smeagol in my mind is a grey character, constantly changing from good to evil and vise versa. There is an internal struggle within him, part of him yearns to help and please Frodo, but another part that is weak, controlled by the ring and his desire to have it for himself.
Because of the changes in attitude this creature goes through throughout the films and novels, our opinion of him changes as well. When he is helping the two hobbits and saves Frodo from possible death, the audience is rooting for him,. When he is plotting the death of the Hobbits, of course we do not approve.
In conclusion, I believe that Smeagol himself isn't evil and if he could destroy the part of him that is Gollum then redemption is possible. Without that part of him holding him back, he could definitely be a hero in our eyes. But until then, he is only a symbol of what could come for Frodo the ring bearer if it happens to take control of him.