Dobby from Harry Potter and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings are two iconic characters that have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of fans. Though they come from different fantasy universes, there are many intriguing similarities between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between Dobby and Gollum, analyzing their personalities, motivations, and significance in their respective stories.
Who Are Dobby and Gollum?
Before diving into their similarities, it’s important to understand who Dobby and Gollum are in their respective stories.
- Dobby is a house-elf in Harry Potter, initially introduced as a servant to the Malfoy family. He is small, with large bat-like ears, and is deeply mistreated by his masters. Dobby is known for his loyalty, selflessness, and desire for freedom. Over time, he becomes an ally to Harry Potter and plays a key role in helping him.
- Gollum, on the other hand, is a creature that was once a hobbit named Sméagol in The Lord of the Rings. His obsession with the One Ring transforms him into Gollum, a twisted and split personality, constantly torn between his “Sméagol” side and the corrupting influence of the Ring. Gollum’s journey is one of betrayal, loss, and redemption, with his obsession for the Ring driving much of his actions.
Similarities Between Dobby and Gollum
- Loneliness and Isolation Both Dobby and Gollum experience deep loneliness and isolation, which shapes their personalities. Dobby, as a house-elf, is treated as a slave and is constantly mistreated by his masters. He longs for freedom and companionship but is kept in isolation. Gollum, after being corrupted by the One Ring, becomes increasingly isolated from others. His obsession with the Ring drives away friends and allies, leaving him with only his split personalities and the constant pull of the Ring.
- Desire for Freedom Dobby and Gollum are both defined by their desire for freedom, albeit in different contexts. Dobby seeks freedom from the oppression of his masters and longs to be treated with dignity. His journey is one of liberation, culminating in his eventual emancipation and his desire to live on his own terms. Gollum, on the other hand, is enslaved by the Ring. His desire for the Ring, and the power it offers, traps him in a constant struggle for control over his mind and actions.
- Loyalty and Betrayal Despite their flaws, both Dobby and Gollum show loyalty, but they also demonstrate moments of betrayal. Dobby is loyal to those who show him kindness, such as Harry Potter, but he is also bound by the traditions of his kind and sometimes conflicted about what is right. Gollum, too, shows moments of loyalty, especially to Frodo, whom he follows and helps, but his obsession with the Ring causes him to betray those who trust him, including Frodo, when it suits his own desires.
- Tragic Backstories Both characters have tragic backstories that evoke sympathy. Dobby’s life is defined by servitude and abuse, and his greatest wish is to be free. Similarly, Gollum was once a kind-hearted hobbit, but the corruption of the One Ring twisted him into the creature he became. Their tragic pasts explain much of their behavior, making them more complex and relatable characters.
Key Differences Between Dobby and Gollum
- Moral Alignment One of the biggest differences between Dobby and Gollum is their moral alignment. Dobby, despite his mistreatment and complex nature, is ultimately a good character. His actions are motivated by a desire to help others and gain freedom for himself and those he cares about. Gollum, however, is much more morally ambiguous. While he shows moments of kindness, particularly toward Frodo, his obsession with the Ring leads him to make morally questionable decisions that hurt others.
- Personality and Temperament Dobby is portrayed as having a kind and somewhat quirky personality. He’s loyal, brave, and often acts with a sense of childlike innocence. While he’s capable of mischief and sometimes awkward, he generally aims to do good. Gollum, by contrast, is a much darker character. His dual personalities—Sméagol and Gollum—create an inner turmoil that leads to erratic behavior. He is manipulative, deceitful, and often filled with anger and resentment, particularly toward Frodo and the Ring.
- Appearance and Physicality Dobby and Gollum also differ greatly in their appearance. Dobby is a small, skinny elf with large bat-like ears, while Gollum is a grotesque, emaciated creature with bulging eyes and sharp teeth. Dobby’s appearance is somewhat endearing, despite his unusual features, while Gollum’s is more unsettling and reflects his inner corruption.
Dobby and Gollum may come from different worlds, but they share a number of intriguing similarities that make them memorable characters in fantasy literature. Both experience deep isolation and have a longing for freedom, yet they are also defined by moments of loyalty, betrayal, and tragic backstories. While their moral compasses and personalities differ, they both play important roles in their respective stories, showing the complex interplay of good and evil within all characters.
Whether it’s Dobby’s loyalty to Harry or Gollum’s tortured journey with the Ring, these two characters remain iconic for the unique and compelling ways in which they resonate with audiences.
What do you think of Dobby and Gollum’s similarities? Which character do you find more relatable? Let us know in the comments!