Why Did Shelob Attack Frodo in Lord of the Rings?

Shelob, the terrifying giant spider from The Lord of the Rings, is a fearsome creature whose attacks are met with dread by any who enter her lair. This article delves into the reasons behind Shelob's attack on Frodo and the nature of her spiderly motivations.

The Nature of Shelob's Attacks

Shelob's attacks on any creature that wanders into her lair are not driven by personal animosity but rather a simple desire for sustenance. In the words of The Lord of the Rings, she views anyone entering her domain as a potential meal. However, there is one notable exception to this rule: Gollum. Gollum has a peculiar relationship with Shelob, having somehow befriended her over the years. This friendship is a rare exception, as scholars of the Lord of the Rings have noted that Gollum acts as a bait, luring in other creatures to satisfy Shelob's hunger.

The Hunger of Shelob

The primary motivation of Shelob is simple and primal: hunger. Her hunger is so profound that it is compared to that of her eldritch mother, Ungoliant, who consumed everything in her path. This hunger was so insatiable that it eventually consumed Ungoliant herself. In the context of Shelob, this translates to a never-ending need for food. Although she occasionally receives prisoners sent by Sauron, she despises eating dead meat. Instead, she prefers to stun her prey and then consume it, as reminiscent of Ungoliant's sadistic tendencies.

Shelob's Attack on Frodo

When Frodo was led into Shelob's lair by Gollum, it was clear to the spider that a new meal had arrived. Gollum had promised Shelob a "sweeter meat," indicating that he believed Frodo was a particularly desirable prey. This sweeter meal is consistent with Shelob's predilection for easier targets, such as those marked or weakened by circumstances.

Conclusion

While Shelob in her essence might appear as a two-dimensional character driven purely by hunger, her behavior is richly detailed in the lore of The Lord of the Rings. Her actions, although terrifying, reflect a deep and ancient hunger that is both inherited and transformative. The attack on Frodo, while tragic, is a reflection of her inherent nature and the vastness of the world Tolkien has created.

Keywords: Shelob, Frodo, Lord of the Rings, spider, horror