# Lair of the Spiders explained — Brood of the Witch-Queen

> Chapter companion for Brood of the Witch-Queen by Sax Rohmer.

## What happens

Dr. Cairn and Robert Cairn trace the location of the sarcophagus of the Witch-Queen to a house in Port Said. They discover a hidden cellar containing the sarcophagus, where Antony Ferrara lies in a trance. As Dr. Cairn prepares to kill Ferrara with a knife, a mass of tarantula spiders descends upon them, forcing a panicked retreat. The ensuing fire destroys the house and neighboring buildings. Afterwards, Robert receives a parcel from Ferrara containing his charred penknife and a mocking note.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sorcery vs. Science

Dr. Cairn's rational investigation clashes with Ferrara's supernatural trance and the occult protection of the sarcophagus.

### Good vs. Evil

The Cairns' mission to destroy the evil sarcophagus and Ferrara is framed as a moral duty, culminating in a horrific spider attack.

### Hereditary Curse and Taint

Ferrara's link to the Witch-Queen and the ancient evil of the sarcophagus suggests a hereditary or cursed lineage.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Bruce Cairn

Leads the search for the sarcophagus, descends into the cellar, and attempts to kill Ferrara but is driven back by spiders.

### Robert Cairn

Accompanies his father, discovers the trapdoor, and is horrified by the spider attack; later receives Ferrara's taunting gift.

### Antony Ferrara

Found lying in a trance inside the sarcophagus of the Witch-Queen; survives the encounter and sends a mocking note to Robert.

## Key lines

> We must find that house, find the sarcophagus—for I no longer doubt that it exists—drag it out, and destroy it.

We have to locate the house and the sarcophagus, which I now believe is real, and then remove and destroy it.

_Dr. Cairn expresses his determination to find and destroy the sarcophagus._

> A shot might attract attention. Give me your knife.

Firing a gun could draw unwanted notice. Hand me your knife.

_Dr. Cairn opts for a silent killing method to avoid alerting others._

> With Antony Ferrara's Compliments.

Compliments of Antony Ferrara.

_Ferrara's mocking note accompanies the returned charred penknife._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xvi-lair-of-the-spiders
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters