How do I kill spiders?

The first hunting challenge is killing three spiders. I seem to have killed one earlier, no idea how that happened, I didn't even see the thing. But the second one I saw, i ran up to it, tried to smash it with my sword, tried to stand on it, did a dance all over it. But it refused to die.

What do I need to do in order to get this evil creature to die a quick death? None of my orc killing skills (or lack thereof) seems to do anything.

Solution 1:

You can kill spiders by either shooting them, or just stepping on them. You probably accidentally stepped on one earlier. Just run over a spider, and he'll die with a nice, satisfying crunch. (or you can shoot him with your bow, but that seems excessive, no?)