Did Shelob Survive the Fall of Mordor: A Future Threat?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's richly detailed Legendarium, Shelob is a fearsome giant spider who makes her home in the treacherous pass of Cirith Ungol near the mounted dark realm of Mordor. Introduced in The Two Towers, she is a formidable creature of great resilience and sheer terror.

Tolkien’s Final Notes and Deliberate Mysteries

Steven Gibb has done a commendable job of discussing the spider's post-war fate. However, it is worth noting that Tolkien was a meticulous and highly self-critical author, constantly striving for consistency within his vast Legendarium. Despite his efforts, occasional discrepancies and mysteries did arise, such as the reuse of the name Glorfindel or linguistic inconsistencies like the root word “ros.”

The fate of Shelob was left deliberately vague, a tantalizing mystery that Tolkien may have intended to explore further. For instance, he might have penned a short story about the clearing of the mountains by the sons of Imrahil, Aragorn, and Faramir, where they finally confront and defeat the foul spider entity. Another fascinating narrative could have involved Merry, Peregrin, and their sons, traveling to the Enet wives in the northern forests of the Shire to share the news that their long-lost kin still lived and longed for them, potentially rekindling ancient bonds.

These unresolved questions hint at a much broader world beyond what Tolkien had the time to paint, offering glimpses of a rich tapestry of stories yet untold.

The Potential Survival of Shelob

While Tolkien did not explicitly detail Shelob’s fate, it is reasonable to assume that she likely remains in her lair, a testament to her great resilience. However, without the malevolent power of Sauron to bolster her influence, her threat represents a diminished but still present peril. The pervasive darkness and malevolence that once sustained Shelob would be significantly hampered in her absence, but not entirely extinguished.

Future Threats and Subterranean Hides

Even so, Shelob could pose a considerable danger in the future, especially if new dark forces arise. With ample time to heal and resurface, Shelob might retreat to a new subterranean home deep within the earth, much like Durin's Bane after the earlier destruction of Utumno. The idea of Shelob lurking in the dark, forgotten depths of the earth evokes a horrifying “Cloverfield”-type nightmare, a fearsome and enduring symbol of evil in Middle-earth.

While the outcome of her fate after the fall of Sauron remains a source of speculation, her potential survival and her underground hideout are not far-fetched scenarios given her legendary resilience. The enduring mystery of Shelob's future adds depth to Tolkien's vast and intricate world.

Conclusion

Shelob, as a creature of immense power and malevolence, remains a potent symbol of fear and dread in the world of Middle-earth. Whether she survives the fall of Mordor and continues to pose a threat is uncertain, but the possibility alone keeps readers enthralled, eager to learn more about her legacy and the enduring darkness she represents.