What Race Was Smeagol

Waren Burn

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29-11-2024

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The question of Smeagol's race in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium is surprisingly complex, lacking a definitive, explicitly stated answer. While Tolkien doesn't explicitly label Smeagol's race, we can deduce a strong likelihood based on textual evidence and broader lore.

Stoor Hobbits: The Strongest Indication

The most compelling evidence points towards Smeagol being a Stoor Hobbit. Tolkien's descriptions of Smeagol's physical characteristics – his shorter stature, love of water, and affinity for living in burrows – align closely with the Stoor branch of the Hobbit family. Stoors are portrayed as being more robust and less inclined towards the settled agricultural lifestyles of Harfoots. Their preference for living near water and more secluded environments directly mirrors Smeagol's early life and his later existence in the marshes of the Dead Marshes.

Beyond Physical Description: Cultural Clues

Smeagol's behavior, especially his initial fondness for simple pleasures and his slow descent into obsession, also lends weight to the Stoor connection. While corrupted by the Ring, his inherent nature suggests a closer kinship with the more rustic and less refined characteristics often associated with Stoors compared to the more refined Harfoots. This isn't to say all Stoors become corrupted by power, but rather that Smeagol's pre-corruption traits align more readily with the descriptions of the Stoor people.

Absence of Explicit Confirmation: The Tolkien Conundrum

It's crucial to acknowledge that Tolkien never explicitly states Smeagol's race. His writings often leave details open to interpretation, relying on subtle clues and the reader's inference. This deliberate ambiguity allows for a rich tapestry of interpretation within the larger legendarium but also means we cannot definitively answer the question with a simple label.

Conclusion: A Likely, Though Unconfirmed, Answer

Based on the available evidence within Tolkien's works, the strongest inference is that Smeagol was a Stoor Hobbit. His physical traits, lifestyle, and pre-corruption personality all suggest a closer alignment with this Hobbit sub-branch than others. However, without direct confirmation from Tolkien himself, it remains a compelling theory rather than an absolute certainty. The ambiguity, however, contributes to the enduring mystique and ongoing discussion surrounding one of Middle-earth's most fascinating characters.