Gollum Statue

Gollum statue, Matamata, New Zealand

Public Art : Gollum Statue

Location : Next to the Welcome to Hobbiton sign on the main street of Matamata, New Zealand.

Description : I am guessing one too many Hobbit fans have taken chunks from this poor Hinuera stone wretch. The Gollum statue, which once boasted red eyes and a cheeky snarl , is in quite a desperate need of a makeover. He is missing much of his right ear, nose and lower jaw. His eyes have long gone and have become a handy location for unwanted chewing gum. I can't quite make out was has been scratched into his forehead but best bets are it's Hobbit related.

Date Unveiled : The Gollum statue was unveiled in 2006 as part of the Matamata sculpture symposium.

So Who Is Gollum? Well loved author JRR Tolkien first introduced the world to Gollum in his novel The Hobbit, then later in the sequel The Lord of The Rings. The fictious character originally started out as a Hobbit named "Sméagol" but was later named Gollum, due to the gross swallowing noise he made. For 500 years he lurked under the Misty Mountains with the One Ring (the magic ring of invisibility).Those years were not kind to Gollum, as his life extended far beyond what was naturally possible. As a result his body deformed and his mind warped. In other words he became a nasty piece of work.

Gollum's life then spirals out of control when Bilbo Baggins, a middle aged Hobbit, accidentally stumbles apon his lair and steals the ring. Gollum then leaves the moutain and spends 76 years in hot pursuit. If you want to now how the trilogy ends you will either have to read the books or watch the movies!

Gollum Statue, Lord of the Rings, Matamata, New Zealand