| This article refers to the place itself. For other namesakes, see Shelob's Lair (disambiguation). |
Shelob's Lair, known in Sindarin as Torech Ungol, was located in the pass of Cirith Ungol and served as an impassable labyrinth in which to ensnare the enemies of Mordor. It was also home to Shelob.
Description[]
The lair itself was at the utmost top of a dangerous staircase and was shrouded in shadow and darkness. The tunnel walls themselves were smooth, as if worn by immeasurable touching. It was wide enough for Frodo and Sam to walk side by side with their outstretched hands touching the side walls. Inside were the skeletons and rotting corpses of Shelob's past prey; deeper into the cave could be found sticky, innumerable webs in a vast maze of tunnels. One path led to the Tower of Cirith Ungol, which was blocked by a half-door to keep Shelob out. Other paths led to various other places, most of which were only known by Shelob herself. There was a foul and evil smell in the air, sensed by Frodo and Sam.
History[]
In this place, Shelob had free rein to do whatever she wished, including devouring the unwitting inhabitants of the Tower of Cirith Ungol; this freedom was allotted by the Dark Lord Sauron in return for her services.
In the quest to destroy the One Ring, Frodo and Sam were tricked by Gollum to venture into her lair in order to cross into Mordor, and only through use of the Phial of Galadriel were they able to escape it. Shelob, using one of her many tunnels, ambushed and paralyzed Frodo with the intent to eat him later. However, Sam fought off Shelob using the Phial of Galadriel and Sting, and managed to wound her in the abdomen. Shelob retreated deep into her lair, and her fate is untold, though she may have died of her injuries.[1]
Etymology[]
Torech Ungol is Sindarin, meaning "tunnel of the spider".
Translations[]
| Foreign Language | Translated name |
| Danish | Shelobs hule |
References[]
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Four, Ch. IX: "Shelob's Lair"