Gollum, originally known as Sméagol, is a pivotal character in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series. He is a creature twisted and corrupted by the power of the One Ring, which he once possessed for centuries. His obsession with the Ring, which he calls "my precious," drives him to madness and treachery. Gollum's dual personality, torn between his original, more innocent self (Sméagol) and his darker side (Gollum), plays a crucial role in the journey of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee as they seek to destroy the Ring.