Part 6/9:
Instead of actual bodies, the apparitions encountered in the marshes are merely phantoms, described as wispy lights and reflections—examples of Will-o'-the-wisps. These deceptive lights lure individuals into the depths of the marsh, aligning with folkloric traditions where such phantasms lead the unwary astray. Gollum's desperate attempt to touch these illusions highlights not only his physical need for sustenance but also the deceptive nature of their representation in the story.