September 16, 2003

The Great Spider, Ungoliant
Rune of Mirkwood

Lee had mentioned Ungoliant in his Sept. 12th posting, so I thought I would emphasize a little on this evil and great spider:

No certain dates are known as to Ungoliant's beginning nor did the Eldar know where she came from, but some have said that she descended from the darkness that lies about Arda. Ungoliant was certainly very ancient. Her name means, "Gloomweaver".

Ungoliant went into the forgotton south of the World, in or shortly before the First Age. Her 'race' is not known either, but she could possibly be a spirit akin to the Ainur ("The Holy Ones" or the first beings created by Illuvatar).

She was one of those who became corrupted by Melkor (the rebellious Vala and the beginning of evil)and came into his service. She helped Melkor destroy The Trees of Valinor. She also hated light. In reading about her in The Silmarillion, she carried with her a darkness and shadow, called the Unlight.

She later disowened "her Master" and desired to become her own mistress. Some of her offspring also lived in the Great Green Realm of Mirkwood.

Shelob, the spider in The Two Towers and which we will Frodo and Sam challenge in the Return of the King, is one of her last children.

~ Rune ~