Review: The Hobbit – Chapter 8: "Flies and Spiders"
Introduction
Chapter 8 of The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders," marks a crucial turning point in Bilbo Baggins’ journey. Set in the dark and treacherous depths of Mirkwood, this chapter is significant for several reasons. It introduces one of the novel’s most dangerous environments, solidifies Bilbo’s transformation from a hesitant traveler to a true adventurer, and showcases the increasing dangers the company must face without Gandalf’s guidance.
More than just another perilous encounter, this chapter serves as Bilbo’s first true test as a leader and fighter. For the first time, he takes initiative in rescuing the dwarves, demonstrating his growing confidence, intelligence, and newfound skill with a sword—a defining moment that cements his evolution into a hero.
Through intense suspense, eerie descriptions, and a thrilling confrontation with Mirkwood’s monstrous spiders, Tolkien crafts an unforgettable chapter that is both terrifying and exhilarating.
Plot Summary
As Bilbo and the dwarves venture deeper into Mirkwood, their journey becomes increasingly difficult. The once-bright path is swallowed by unnatural darkness, and the air becomes oppressively still. Their supplies run low, and the company grows weak, disoriented, and desperate. Adding to their suffering, the oppressive magic of the forest creates illusions, luring them off the path despite Beorn’s warning to stay on course.
At their weakest moment, they see lights flickering in the distance—elves feasting in the woods. Hoping for aid, they rush toward the gathering but, each time they approach, the lights vanish, and they find themselves alone and lost once more. After their third failed attempt, Bilbo falls into an exhausted slumber.
Upon waking, Bilbo discovers that he and the dwarves have been captured by a colony of giant spiders, bound tightly in their silken webs and hung from the trees. Using the sword he took from the troll hoard—now named Sting—Bilbo frees himself and slays his first spider. This is a moment of transformation, as Bilbo gains confidence in his own abilities.
Now emboldened, Bilbo devises a plan to rescue the dwarves. Using his newfound skill of ring-assisted invisibility, he distracts and confuses the spiders, luring them away with taunts. He then cuts the dwarves free, handing them weapons so they can defend themselves. After a desperate battle, the company emerges victorious, thanks to Bilbo’s quick thinking and growing combat prowess.
For the first time, Bilbo takes command in a life-or-death situation, and his bravery earns him the respect of the dwarves—even the often-dismissive Thorin begins to recognize Bilbo’s value.
Analysis
Bilbo’s Growth: From Burden to Hero
"Flies and Spiders" is a pivotal moment in Bilbo’s character arc. Up until this point, Bilbo has been seen as more of a liability than an asset—a burden to the company, protected mostly by Gandalf’s wisdom and the dwarves’ strength. However, with Gandalf gone and the group trapped in Mirkwood, Bilbo is forced to act independently for the first time.
His battle with the spiders is his first solo victory, a defining moment where he truly embraces the adventurer within him. The fact that he names his sword "Sting" is significant—it symbolizes his newfound confidence, agency, and warrior spirit. From this point forward, Bilbo is no longer just "along for the ride"; he is an essential member of the company.
Even more importantly, Bilbo’s tactical thinking is on full display. Rather than relying solely on brute strength, he uses:
Stealth (enabled by the Ring) to gain the advantage
Deception to confuse the spiders
Leadership to rally the dwarves into action
This showcases a shift in his role—Bilbo is not just a lucky tagalong but a strategist, a fighter, and a leader.
Mirkwood: A Living Nightmare
Mirkwood is one of Tolkien’s most vividly haunting settings, and "Flies and Spiders" fully explores its eerie, hostile nature. The forest is not just a place but an entity, seemingly working against the travelers at every turn. Some key elements that enhance the horror include:
The oppressive darkness – Unlike the vibrant forests seen elsewhere in Middle-earth, Mirkwood is twisted and suffocating, almost as if it has a life of its own.
The vanishing elven feasts – A cruel trick that lures the company into exhaustion and despair.
The disorientation and magical influence – Even the loss of direction and sanity feels like a supernatural force at play.
Tolkien’s descriptions of sticky webs, unseen creatures lurking, and the eerie silence make Mirkwood a setting that is as psychological as it is physical. This heightens the stakes, showing that the dangers of the journey are no longer just external foes like goblins or trolls—the world itself is working against them.
The Spiders: A Symbol of Fear and Overcoming It
The giant spiders of Mirkwood serve both a literal and symbolic function in the story. They represent:
A physical threat – Their size, numbers, and intelligence make them deadly adversaries. Unlike the trolls or goblins, these creatures actively hunt and trap their victims, making them particularly terrifying.
Bilbo’s trial by fire – Killing a spider is his first true act of bravery, marking the moment when he stops being a passive traveler and starts shaping his own fate.
The corrupting force of the forest – These creatures are a manifestation of Mirkwood’s twisted nature, reinforcing the idea that the land itself has been tainted by dark forces.
Interestingly, this foreshadows future spider-related conflicts in Tolkien’s legendarium—most notably, Shelob in The Lord of the Rings.
The Role of the Ring
Although the One Ring was introduced in "Riddles in the Dark," it takes on a more active role in this chapter. Bilbo’s ability to turn invisible gives him an edge in battle, allowing him to fight in a way that is suited to his small size and clever nature.
However, it’s important to note that Bilbo does not rely on the Ring alone. While it helps him move unseen, it is his courage, intelligence, and skill with Sting that ultimately win the battle.
This contrast with Gollum is notable—Gollum is entirely dependent on the Ring, whereas Bilbo uses it as a tool but does not let it define him. This distinction will become crucial later in The Lord of the Rings.
Themes and Symbolism
Transformation Through Adversity
Bilbo’s development in this chapter is a clear example of how struggle leads to growth. It is only through hardship—captivity, fear, and combat—that he discovers his own inner strength.
The Corrupting Influence of the Wild
Mirkwood is a stark contrast to the safe, green lands of the Shire. The deeper the company travels, the more they feel the madness and danger of untamed nature, hinting at the broader theme of civilization vs. chaos.
Intelligence Over Brute Strength
Bilbo’s victory shows that wit and strategy are just as valuable as raw power. This theme recurs throughout the novel, as Bilbo often finds nontraditional solutions to problems.
Conclusion
"Flies and Spiders" is one of the most thrilling and transformative chapters in The Hobbit. It marks Bilbo’s transition from a passive companion to a true hero, introduces one of the novel’s most terrifying foes, and showcases Tolkien’s ability to craft immersive, nightmarish settings.
By the end of the chapter, Bilbo is no longer the timid hobbit who left Bag-End—he is a warrior, a leader, and an adventurer in his own right. With Gandalf gone and even greater challenges ahead, this newfound courage will prove to be indispensable in the journey to come.
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