Part 4/8:
The One Ring acts similarly to a spiritual parasite, draining the life energy of its bearer while simultaneously preventing physical deterioration—an effect that can be likened to an artificial extension of life. Gollum’s continued existence was not one of vitality but rather of a drawn-out, tortured life that warped his mind and physical form over centuries. Instead of maintaining its bearer in health, the Ring maintained Gollum in a state of decay, leading to his grotesque appearance and lost humanity.