What was Shelob, and more importantly, what was Ungoliant?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

She is clearly not a part of Melkor in any way, as not only does he make an attempt to enslave/enlist her, but she is able to leave him and instead be 'mistress of her own lusts'. That suggests to me she is at the very least a peer of Melkor as none of the beings he 'creates' (i.e. corrupts from other beings) seem to be able to do much more than lip service towards genuine independence.

Can I pop in and say that it would make very good sense on this matter if she were an Ainu? Like the Balrogs, who were originally flame spirits similar to Arien, but were persuaded by Morgoth to join him...

Just dropping a few thoughts as a refrain