The Fate of Shelob: What Happened After the Fall of Mordor?

Tolkien's Final Commentary

Tolkien's final comment on what ultimately happened to Shelob was succinct yet profound: 'This tale does not tell.' This mirrors his comment on Ungoliant, who is said to have no tale to tell. In the case of Shelob, 'no tale tells' of what occurred after her encounter with Sam in Cirith Ungol and the fall of Mordor. This article delves into the possible scenarios and speculations surrounding the fate of this ancient and powerful spider.

Unknown Details

Very Simply: We Don't Know
As Tolkien himself noted, no definitive information exists in any of his writings regarding Shelob's fate beyond her defeat by Sam. Following Sam's brave attack, there was no further discussion of Shelob's existence in any of Tolkien's writings. We do not conclusively know if she survived her wound or if she perished in Cirith Ungol due to starvation. It is equally plausible that she may have left the region in search of food and possibly preyed upon herself, similar to how Ungoliant died.

Survival and Starvation

She Lived on Orcs, But...
Orcs were the primary occupants of Cirith Ungol at the time, and they were all killed after the destruction of the One Ring. Without a steady stream of food, especially prisoners, Shelob's survival became precarious. If she remained in Cirith Ungol, starvation was a real possibility. Sam, in his journey post-Middle-earth, never mentioned hearing anything about her, indicating that she had either died or left the area.

Speculations About Her Fate

First Encounter with Sam
The encounter with Sam left Shelob severely wounded. The great spider had slinked off likely to die, with her ability to find food severely compromised. With the fall of Sauron and the cessation of the prisoner trains in Cirith Ungol, it is unclear whether she outlived her injury or succumbed to her wounds. It is worth noting that Shelob had never faced such a severe wound before, and the impact on her hunting abilities would have been significant.

Residence in the Dark Places of Mordor

Surviving the Fall of Mordor
Shelob, described as a powerful and ancient spider, likely survived the fall of Mordor and continued to reside in the dark places of Middle-earth. However, her current activities and whereabouts remain a mystery. Creatures of Middle-earth have long been wary of her presence, suggesting that she retains a formidable reputation and perhaps continues to pose a danger to those who dare to venture into her domain.

Conclusion

The fate of Shelob after the fall of Mordor remains an enigma in the annals of Tolkien's works. While she may have survived her encounter with Sam and the fall of Sauron, the details of her subsequent life are left to speculation. Regardless, her formidable presence in Middle-earth serves as a testament to the enduring tales of the land of Middle-earth and its myriad creatures.