The Shadow Before: Unveiling the Forgotten Name of Cirith Ungol

The old name for Cirith Ungol is Cirith Dúath. This earlier designation reflects a more general meaning of the location as a “Pass of Shadow” or “Cleft of Terror,” predating its association with the specific evil that dwelled within.

A Deeper Dive into the History of Cirith Ungol

Cirith Ungol, meaning “Cleft of the Spider,” is a geographically significant and terrifying location in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. The pass, a narrow defile cutting through the Ephel Dúath (Mountains of Shadow), served as a crucial, albeit perilous, access point into Mordor. Before the rise of Shelob and the full corrupting influence of Sauron, it was known by a different, arguably less specific, but equally ominous name.

The shift from Cirith Dúath to Cirith Ungol signifies a narrowing of the pass’s identity. It marks the point where the general sense of shadowed danger crystallized around a single, horrifying entity: Shelob, the Great Spider. The name change isn’t just a semantic shift; it’s a reflection of the pass’s increasing dominance by evil. While Cirith Dúath speaks of general shadow and terror, Cirith Ungol specifically identifies the source of that terror.

The pass was strategically important because it allowed access into Mordor without having to go through the guarded Black Gate. This made it attractive to smugglers and other undesirables and eventually came to the attention of Sauron who fortified the pass.

The name Cirith Ungol is far more evocative and brings with it all the terror associated with the giant spider who lived there. The tower built there was originally Gondorian, but had been taken over by the forces of evil.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cirith Ungol

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the lore surrounding Cirith Ungol:

What is the significance of the name “Cirith Ungol”?

The name “Cirith Ungol” translates from Sindarin (a Tolkien Elvish language) to “Cleft of the Spider” or “Pass of the Spider.” This refers to Shelob, the monstrous spider who dwells within the pass, preying on those who dare to traverse it. The name emphasizes the specific horror associated with the location, transforming it from a generic dangerous pass to the lair of a particular, terrifying creature.

Who was Shelob?

Shelob was an ancient and monstrous spider, the last child of Ungoliant, a primordial being of pure darkness that helped Melkor (Morgoth) destroy the Two Trees of Valinor. Shelob was a creature of immense power and malice, feeding on anything that came within her reach. She resided in Cirith Ungol, making the pass incredibly dangerous.

Why was Cirith Ungol so important strategically?

Cirith Ungol, despite its dangers, offered a clandestine passage through the Ephel Dúath, the mountains bordering Mordor. While the main entrance to Mordor, the Black Gate (Morannon), was heavily guarded, Cirith Ungol offered a less fortified, albeit far more treacherous, route. This made it a tempting option for those seeking to enter or exit Mordor discreetly, as shown in The Lord of the Rings with Frodo and Sam’s attempt to sneak through.

What was the Tower of Cirith Ungol?

The Tower of Cirith Ungol was a fortress built high in the pass, overlooking the treacherous path. Originally constructed by Gondor to watch over and potentially control the pass, it had fallen into the hands of Sauron’s forces by the time of the War of the Ring. The tower served as a strategic outpost, further reinforcing Sauron’s control over the region. Orcs garrisoned the tower, adding another layer of danger for those attempting to pass through.

Who built the Tower of Cirith Ungol originally?

The Tower of Cirith Ungol was initially built by the men of Gondor in the distant past. Gondor had constructed it to maintain vigilance over Mordor and to prevent enemies from entering their lands through the mountain passes. This reflects Gondor’s role as a watchful protector against the growing darkness emanating from Mordor.

How did Frodo and Sam end up in Cirith Ungol?

Frodo and Sam were guided to Cirith Ungol by Gollum, who hoped to betray them to Shelob. Gollum, still consumed by his desire for the One Ring, saw Shelob as a convenient way to eliminate Frodo and reclaim his “precious.” He intentionally led them through the treacherous pass, knowing the dangers that awaited them.

What happened to Frodo in Cirith Ungol?

In Cirith Ungol, Frodo was stung by Shelob and rendered unconscious. Sam, believing Frodo to be dead, took the Ring, intending to complete the quest himself. However, Orcs from the Tower of Cirith Ungol discovered Frodo’s body and took him to the tower, where they planned to torture him for information.

How did Sam rescue Frodo from the Tower of Cirith Ungol?

Sam courageously stormed the Tower of Cirith Ungol to rescue Frodo. He overcame the Orcs and their infighting by using his knowledge about the Elvish blade Sting, which the orcs feared as well as wielding the light of Galadriel in the Phial. He found Frodo still alive but weakened and then rescued him. The internal strife amongst the Orcs, triggered by the Ring’s presence and the death of their captain, created an opportunity for Sam to infiltrate and succeed in his daring rescue.

What was Sting?

Sting was an ancient Elvish short sword that glowed blue when Orcs were near. Bilbo Baggins found it in a troll hoard and later passed it on to Frodo. Sting proved invaluable to both Bilbo and Frodo in their respective adventures, serving as a warning system and a weapon against the forces of darkness. Its ability to glow in the presence of Orcs made it particularly useful in treacherous locations like Cirith Ungol.

What role did the conflict among the Orcs play in Frodo’s rescue?

The infighting among the Orcs within the Tower of Cirith Ungol significantly aided Sam’s rescue of Frodo. The presence of the Ring amplified their inherent animosity and greed, leading to a power struggle after the death of their captain. This distraction and disorganization among the Orcs allowed Sam to slip through their defenses and reach Frodo.

What other dangers were present in Cirith Ungol besides Shelob?

Aside from Shelob, Cirith Ungol was fraught with natural and artificial dangers. The pass itself was treacherous, with narrow paths, steep drops, and rocky terrain. Sauron’s forces had fortified the area, placing Orcs and traps along the path to deter intruders. The very air of Mordor, filled with smoke and shadow, contributed to the oppressive and dangerous atmosphere of the pass.

What is the Ephel Dúath?

The Ephel Dúath is a mountain range that forms the western border of Mordor. Its name translates to “Mountains of Shadow” in Sindarin, reflecting the dark and ominous nature of the region. Cirith Ungol is located within these mountains, creating a natural barrier that further isolates Mordor from the rest of Middle-earth.

How does Cirith Ungol contribute to the overall atmosphere of Mordor?

Cirith Ungol epitomizes the oppressive and terrifying atmosphere of Mordor. The pass embodies the themes of darkness, danger, and despair that pervade the region. The presence of Shelob, the Orc garrisons, and the overall desolation of the landscape create a sense of hopelessness and dread, reinforcing Mordor’s reputation as a land of evil and shadow.

Are there any other locations in Middle-earth with names that changed over time?

Yes, numerous locations in Middle-earth underwent name changes throughout its history. For example, Osgiliath, once the capital of Gondor, suffered greatly and was given new names reflecting its deterioration. Other examples exist, with names often evolving to reflect changes in ownership, significance, or the prevailing atmosphere of a region.

Is Cirith Ungol ever revisited in Tolkien’s writings after the War of the Ring?

While Cirith Ungol is not directly revisited in detail after the War of the Ring, it is implied that the region would have been cleansed and made safer following Sauron’s defeat. The tower would likely have been reclaimed by Gondor, and the threat of Shelob, presumably dealt with or driven deeper into hiding. The clearing of evil from Mordor was one of the key objectives after the war.