Seeking the Ring After the "theft" of his "birthday present", Smeagol found the strength to venture out and pursue the Ring. He wandered far and wide until the year 3017, when he was captured by Sauron. This is how Sauron found out about the name of Baggins. Soon after he was captured by Aragorn, who turned him over to Gandalf, but managed to escape during an orc raid, immediately setting off in search of the Ring. He managed to catch up with Frodo and the Fellowship near the West Gate of Moria, following them through, and betraying them to the orcs. Following them through Moria and Lorien, Smeagol was captured by Frodo and Sam near Emyn Muil, after which he faithfully led the pair to Cirith Ungol, and seemed to be changing his ways.