Eight legs is too many legs!': Why spiders have reigned supreme in horror films for 70 years
Briefly

H.G. Wells' 1903 tale 'The Valley of Spiders' introduces a haunting narrative revolving around a group chased by giant spiders, allowing diverse interpretations like reflections on colonialism and femininity. Spiders have evolved into horror symbols, paralleling societal fears, particularly during the Cold War era, which spurred a unique arachnid cinema boom. Films such as 'Tarantula' depicted the anxiety of mutation and the unknown, while modern films like 'Sting' show the creature's continuing allure in terrorizing contemporary audiences, establishing a lasting legacy of spiders in storytelling.
H.G. Wells' 1903 story 'The Valley of Spiders' reflects various themes, including persecution, femininity, and colonialism, all through its haunting portrayal of arachnids.
Spiders have become symbols of horror, particularly in cinema, symbolizing deeper societal fears that have evolved from Cold War anxieties to contemporary anxieties.
Films like 'Tarantula' and 'Sting' illustrate the cultural fascination with spiders, linking them to both primal fears and modern sci-fi themes, engaging viewers' imaginations.
The legacy of spiders in horror literature and film demonstrates an enduring fascination, highlighting how these creatures have transformed from literary tropes to cinematic monsters.
Read at english.elpais.com
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