Why Did Tolkien Consider Shelob More Powerful Than Dragons in the Books? – LOTR Lore

Video Description

Most Middle-earth fans would immediately name Smaug or Ancalagon when asked about the most terrifying creatures in Tolkien's world. But here's the surprising truth: J.R.R. Tolkien himself consistently placed Shelob, the great spider of Cirith Ungol, above even the mightiest dragons in terms of raw power and cosmic terror. In this deep dive, we explore the crucial reasons why the Professor considered Shelob more dangerous than any dragon that ever flew over Middle-earth. From her primordial origins as Ungoliant's daughter to her nature as a shape-shifting entity of pure hunger, we uncover the sophisticated mythology behind Tolkien's most underestimated monster. Discover why even hardened orcs of Mordor fled in terror from her tunnels, how Sam's "impossible" victory required divine intervention, and what makes creatures of primordial evil fundamentally different from the comprehensible threats that dragons represent. This isn't just about comparing monsters - it's about understanding Tolkien's deeper vision of different orders of evil and why some threats exist beyond the reach of conventional heroism. Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and anyone fascinated by the hidden depths of Middle-earth's most terrifying legends.