Disclaimer: All characters are property of Tolkien estates.

Author's Notes: I picked up my dog-eared copy of 'The Two Towers', and it fell open to the page where Sam wonders about Gollum…

'I wonder if he thinks he's the hero or the villain?'

This poem was the result. From Gollum's view.

The Hero or the Villain?

Which would I be?

A hero?

Or a villain?

Heroes are noble, proud, and strong

Villains are cruel, malicious, and weak

Heroes conquer all

Villains lurk and steal

Which do I want to be?

The hero?

Or the villain?

The hero is adored and revered

The villain is shunned and hated

Which do I think I am?

The hero?

Or the villain?

The hero would be good

The villain would be bad

Is it that easy?

Good

Bad

Right

Wrong

When faced with a decision

The hero is always 'right'

The villain is always 'wrong'

I am the hero

I am strong

The Dark Lord himself has called me

Indomitable

Unstoppable

Seeking to fulfill a quest of glory

And rescue the One I love

That would make me a hero

I am the villain

I am wicked

I plot and I scheme

I stink and I slink

My mind is full of terrible thoughts

That would make me a villain

Am I a heroic villain?

Or a villainous hero?

Am I a hero with a bad streak?

Or a villain with a good streak?

Can you tell?

I am the hero

I am the villain

I am both

I am neither

Which are you?

~ The End