The Nightmare World of Tolkien

[Durelin]

I did hear that Shelob et al were inspired by a nasty bite that Tolkien received from a spider during his childhood in South Africa which quite put him off the creatures, understandably.

Then there must a reason behind Tolkien's great dislike of cats...unless he's just one of those illogical people who 'just don't like cats...'

Now that might be a very entertaining story, if there is one.