The Two Towers: The Taming of Sméagol
The recap, key beats, and evidence for The Taming of Sméagol, without reopening the whole book.
Section recap · 2 min read
What happens in The Taming of Sméagol.
The story shifts to Frodo and Sam, who have been traveling alone since the Fellowship broke. They are lost in the Emyn Muil when Gollum catches up to them. Frodo subdues Gollum and, against Sam's strong objections, decides to use him as a guide to Mordor. Frodo shows Gollum unexpected mercy, and Gollum swears on the Ring to serve him. The three set off together.
The beats worth remembering.
Gollum attacks in the dark
Gollum drops onto Frodo and Sam from above while they sleep on the rocky slopes. They manage to pin him down, and Frodo holds Sting to his throat.
Frodo offers Gollum mercy
Rather than killing Gollum or leaving him tied, Frodo chooses to trust him as a guide. Frodo says he understands something of what Gollum carries, which Sam finds dangerously naive.
Gollum swears on the Precious
Gollum swears his oath of service on the Ring itself. Gandalf had warned earlier that this oath is the most binding thing Gollum knows, though it also ties his loyalty to the Ring rather than to Frodo personally.
The moments you can actually use later.
Frodo's recognition of Gollum's suffering
Frodo tells Sam that he believes Gollum can still be guided, partly because he senses in himself what the Ring does to a person. This moment sets up Frodo's later vulnerability to the Ring's pull.
Sam's distrust from the start
Sam never stops watching Gollum with suspicion. His wariness is not just personality. It reflects a practical read of Gollum's divided nature that will matter when Gollum eventually turns.
What to carry forward.
Frodo's mercy toward Gollum mirrors Bilbo's
Frodo consciously echoes Bilbo's decision not to kill Gollum in the Misty Mountains. This choice keeps Gollum alive long enough to play his role at Mount Doom.
Sam and Frodo's relationship is already under strain
Sam disagrees with Frodo's decision but follows anyway. This tension between Sam's protectiveness and Frodo's independent judgment runs through the rest of their journey.
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How this guide is built
This guide is built from the original text to help you get oriented fast. It is designed for recall, paper planning, and getting unstuck, but it is still a paraphrased guide, not a substitute for the reading itself. Double-check anything important before you turn in formal work.