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{{cleanup}}{{expansion}}
{{maiar infobox
{{evil infobox
| name=Durin's Bane
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Balrogs|Balrog]])
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg|250px]]
| name=Durin's Bane
| caption="At the Bridge" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| othernames=Nameless Terror <br> [[Flame of Udûn]]<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"</ref>
| pronun=
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]] <ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Valaquenta]]</ref>
| othernames=the Terror<br>Flame of Udûn<ref name=Bridge>{{FR|Bridge}}, pp. 330-1</ref>
| years=
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Dor Daedeloth]] (early)<br/>[[Moria]] (after)
| affiliation=[[Morgoth]]
| language=
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 January]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Peak]]
| slayer=[[Gandalf]]
| age=
| age=
| destroyed={{TA|3019}}<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The White Rider]]"</ref>
| notablefor=Killing [[Durin VI]] and ruining [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]
| realm=[[Morgoth]]'s dominions (early), <br> [[Moria]] (after)
| parentage=
| gender=Unknown
| siblings=
| race=[[Balrogs]] ([[Maiar]])
| spouse=
| appearance= Large in scale, bearing a whip and a flaming sword
| children=
| accomplishments=Slew [[Durin VI]],<br> ruined [[Khazad-dûm]], <br>defeated [[Gandalf]]
| gender=
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Whip and a flaming sword
| steed=
}}
}}
'''Durin's Bane''' refers to a specific [[Balrogs|Balrog]] who was not otherwise named. It was probably one of the last of its kind, having survived the [[War of Wrath]]. After his long hibernation, he was awaken by the [[Dwarves]] in the [[Third Age]] and encountered by the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].
{{Quote|It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. [...] The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"}}
 
'''Durin's Bane''' was one of the [[Balrogs]], otherwise unnamed. He was notable for surviving the [[War of Wrath]]. After sleeping deep within the [[Misty Mountains]] for thousands of years, he was awoken by the [[Dwarves of Moria]] in the [[Third Age]], responsible for the death of [[King of Durin's Folk|King]] [[Durin VI]] and the ruin of [[Moria]]; it was the Balrog encountered by the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].
 
== History ==
=== Early history ===
This Balrog was first created as a [[Maia]], but like other [[evil spirits]] followed [[Morgoth]] to [[Arda]] soon after its creation, contending with [[Manwë]].<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref>
 
It is not known to which [[Battles of Beleriand]] this Balrog fought until the end of the [[First Age]], and whether he served under [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]], the Lord of Balrogs. When the [[Host of the Valar]] defeated the hosts of Morgoth in the [[War of Wrath]], this Balrog managed to flee the overthrow of [[Thangorodrim]] and to escape into the east and hide in the roots of the [[Misty Mountains]] beneath [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]].<ref name=Durin>{{App|Durin}}, fourth paragraph, p. 954</ref><ref>{{L|144}}, p. 180</ref>
 
=== Awakening and the Third Age ===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dwarves Delve Too Deep.jpg|thumb|left|''The Dwarves delve too deep'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
For more than five millennia, the Balrog hibernated in his deep hiding place at the roots of the mountains in Khazad-dûm. He remained undisturbed throughout the [[Second Age]] and most of the Third, before the ''[[mithril]]''-miners of dwarf-King [[Durin VI]] awoke him in {{TA|1980}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1980, p. 1087</ref> Durin was slain by the creature, at which point he became known as ''Durin's Bane''.<ref name=Durin/>
 
The Dwarves attempted to fight the Durin's Bane, but his power was far too great. Despite their efforts to hold Khazad-dûm against it, King Náin and many of the Dwarves were killed in {{TA|1981}}<ref name=Year1981>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1981, p. 1087</ref> and the survivors were forced to flee.<ref name=Durin/> [[Orcs]] were able to creep into Moria.<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}, p. 241</ref> As a result, many of the [[Silvan Elves]] of [[Lothlórien]] fled to the south.<ref name=Year1981/>
 
For five hundred years, Moria was left to the Balrog.<ref name=January>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, 15 January, p. 1092</ref> He was acquainted to the ancient tunnels delved by mysterious [[Nameless things|nameless things]] underneath Moria and the Mountains.<ref name=White>{{TT|White}}, p. 501</ref>
 
Around {{TA|2480}}, [[Orcs]] began to make secret strongholds in the Misty Mountains to block all of the passes. [[Sauron]] began to send some his creatures to Moria.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year ''c.'' 2480, p. 1087</ref> The Balrog allowed the Orcs and trolls to remain in Moria while he dwelt there, but they doubtlessly feared him.<ref name=Bridge/><ref group=note>It is unknown whether the Balrog knew about Sauron being a new [[Dark Lord]], or if he would submit. Anycase he served Sauron's purposes indirectly.</ref>
 
The [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] was the climatic battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It took place before the [[Great Gate]] of Moria in {{TA|2799|n}} and was a victory for the Dwarves. However, the victors did not conquer Moria because [[Dáin Ironfoot]], having slain the Orc [[Azog]], felt the terror of the Balrog at the gate.<ref>{{App|Durin}}, p. 1075</ref> Despite a failed attempt to recolonize Moria by [[Balin]] in {{TA|2989|n}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2989, p. 1090</ref> Durin's Bane remained a menace in the ancient kingdom of the Dwarves whose nature was hidden to the outside world.


==History==
=== Passing of the Fellowship ===
===Before Hibernation===
[[File:Manuel Castañón - Flame of Udûn.jpg|thumb|<nowiki>'</nowiki>''Flame of Udûn''<nowiki>'</nowiki> by Manuel Castañón]]
Durin's Bane was created as a [[Maia]], and followed [[Morgoth]] to [[Arda]] soon after its creation, like the other [[Balrogs]]. There it most likely fought in all major battles until the end of the [[First Age]]. When the [[Valar]] came against Morgoth in the [[War of Wrath]], Durin's Bane managed to flee and escaped into the east from the ruins of [[Angband]], burying itself in the roots of the [[Misty Mountains]], beneath [[Khazad-dûm]].
In January of {{TA|3019|n}}, the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] travelled through Moria on the way to [[Mount Doom]], reaching the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] in [[15 January]].<ref name=January/> There they encountered the terrible creature: the Elf [[Legolas]] instantly recognized it was a Balrog, while [[Gimli]] dropped his axe in awe, recognizing Durin's Bane. At once, the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] warned to the members of the Fellowship that this creature was beyond them, commanding them to leave while he faced it.<ref name=Bridge/>


===Awakening and Third Age===
Staying firmly in the narrow bridge, Gandalf cried at the Balrog, which remained silent. The creature's fire dimmed and darkness spread around it, while Gandalf's light stood. The Balrog struck, but [[Glamdring]], Gandalf's sword, prevailed and the creature's sword was broken. Then the Balrog jumped ahead and Gandalf broke the Bridge in front of him, but as the Balrog fell he wrapped his whip around Gandalf's knees, which dragged him to the brink. Gandalf staggered and fell, sliding into the abyss, crying "''Fly, you fools!''" and was gone.<ref name=Bridge/> Neither he nor the Balrog were killed by the fall, and Gandalf pursued the creature for eight days until they climbed to the peak of [[Celebdil|Zirakzigil]]. Here [[Battle of the Peak|they fought]] for three days and two nights. In the end, the Balrog was cast down and his body broke the mountain-side as it fell. Gandalf himself died following this ordeal, but was later sent back to Middle-earth with even greater powers as Gandalf the White.<ref name=White/>
[[File:Daniel Govar - Flames of Udûn.jpg|thumb|right|''Flames of Udûn'' by [[Daniel Govar]]]]
For more than five millennia, the Balrog hibernated in its deep hiding place at the roots of the mountains in [[Khazad-dûm]]. It remained undisturbed throughout the [[Second Age]] and most of the [[Third Age|Third]], before the [[mithril]]-miners of [[Dwarves|dwarf]]-King [[Durin VI]] awoke it in {{TA|1980}}. Durin was slain by the creature, at which point it became known as ''Durin's Bane''<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]], Durin's Folk</ref>.


The [[Dwarves]] attempted to fight the Balrog, but its power was far too great. Despite their efforts to hold Khazad-dûm against it, King Náin and many of the Dwarves were killed and the survivors were forced to flee. This disaster appears to have also reached the [[Silvan Elves]] of [[Lothlórien]], many of whom also fled the "'''Nameless Terror'''" (it was not recognized as a Balrog at the time). The elves began to call the place ''Moria'', "The Black Pit".  
==Other versions of the legendarium==
During the composition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', in the first "Sketch of the Moria chapter", [[Tolkien]] conceived that the Fellowship was pursued by Orcs and a [[Black Rider]], but soon wrote above it was a Balrog.<ref>{{RS|4XXV}}, p. 462</ref>


For five hundred years, Moria was left to the Balrog <ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix B]]''</ref>.
In the first full narrative of the chapter, the description of the Balrog is more human-like, which Tolkien noted should be changed to be less clear: "''A figure strode to the fissure, no more than man-high yet terror seemed to go before it. They could see the furnace-fire of its yellow eyes from afar; its arms were very long; it had a red [?tongue]. Through the air it sprang over the fiery fissure. The flames leaped up to greet it and wreathed about it. Its streaming hair seemed to catch fire...''". Probably while being written, Tolkien also rejected a sentence of Gandalf's cry to the Balrog: "''Go back into the fiery depths. It is forbidden for any Balrog to come beneath the sky since [[Fionwë]] son of [[Manwë]] overthrew Thangorodrim.''"<ref>{{TI|M2}}, pp. 198-199</ref>


[[Sauron]] began to put his plans for war into effect around the year 2480 of the [[Third Age]]. As part of these, he sent [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]] to the Misty Mountains to bar all of the passes. Some of these creatures came to Moria. It is unclear whether Sauron could have controlled the Balrog (they were both [[Maiar]]) but it is probable that they would have been allied against the "common good". The Balrog did allow the Orcs and trolls to remain in Moria while it dwelt there. We do not know whether Sauron was aware of the Balrog's presence prior to this time.
Although it had no repercussion in any narrative, Tolkien considered in a hasty note that the battle on the Bridge was actually between Gandalf and [[Saruman]], apparently resulting on Gandalf coming out clad in white.<ref>{{TI|XII}}, p. 236</ref>


The [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] was the climactic battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It took place before the eastern gate of Moria in 2799 and was a victory for the Dwarves. However, the victors did not conquer Moria because [[Dáin Ironfoot]], having slain the Orc [[Azog]], felt the terror of the Balrog at the gate. Despite a failed attempt to recolonise Moria by [[Balin]] in 2989, Durin's Bane remained a menace in the ancient kingdom of the Dwarves whose nature was hidden to the outside world.
In the drafts of the "[[Lothlórien (chapter)|Lothlórien]]" chapter, [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]] think that no Balrog could lie in the Misty Mountains, so it should have been sent by Sauron from [[Orodruin]].<ref>{{TI|XIII}}, pp. 247, cf. note 11</ref>


===During the War of the Ring===
== Portrayal in adaptations ==
[[File:Danny Staten - Durin's Bane.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Durin's Bane'' by [[Danny Staten]]]]
{{Gallery
In January of 3019, the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] travelled through Moria on the way to [[Mount Doom]]. There they encountered Durin's Bane at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. The Elf [[Legolas]] instantly recognised the Balrog despite having never seen one before. More importantly, the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] was there (perhaps for this very purpose); knowing that it was far more powerful than even the greatest of his companions, he challenged it<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"</ref>.
|title=Durin's Bane in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Balrog.jpg|Durin's Bane in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Balrog.jpg|Durin's Bane in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Durin's Bane.jpg|Durin's Bane in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Durin's Bane.png|Durin's Bane in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power|The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'' series
}}


Since Gandalf and the Balrog were both Maiar, they were beings of the same order. As they faced each other, Gandalf broke the Bridge in front of him, but as the Balrog fell it wrapped its whip around Gandalf's ankle, which dragged him down to hanging onto the edge. As the Company looked in horror, Gandalf lost his grip and said, "Fly, you fools!" as he fell down into the abyss. Neither he nor the Balrog was killed by the fall, and Gandalf pursued the creature for eight days until they climbed to the peak of [[Celebdil|Zirakzigil]]. Here they [[Battle of the Peak|fought for two days and nights]]. In the end, the Balrog was cast down and it broke the mountain-side as it fell. Gandalf himself died following this ordeal, but was later sent back to Middle-earth with even greater powers as Gandalf the White.<ref>{{TT|White}}</ref>
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.


==Portrayal on Adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Balrog.jpg|thumb|Durin's Bane in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]]]
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Durin's Bane has wings, albeit wings that were purely decorative as the Balrog could not fly. Jackson's Demon of Might was indistinct, a real blend of shadow and fire. Only its horned head, cloven feet, and clawed hands could clearly be seen.
:Durin's Bane has wings. Jackson's Demon of Might was indistinct, a real blend of shadow and fire. Only his horned head, cloven feet, and clawed hands could clearly be seen.
:In the film continuity, the Orcs of Moria (here specified as "goblins") have crafted their armor and weapons to match the fiery appearance of the Balrog, apparently worshipping it as a deity.


'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
Line 47: Line 91:


'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:The players assist Gandalf in his fight with the Balrog.
:The players must assist Gandalf in his fight with the Balrog. This fight is notable among players of the game for its difficulty and the Balrog's very high amount of health points.


'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Many of the Evil factions can summon a Balrog, specifically Durin's Bane for a short period of time. It is one of the mightiest units in the game, only able to be summoned with experience points. It is similar in design to the movie Balrog.
:Many of the Evil factions can summon a Balrog, specifically Durin's Bane, for a short period of time. He is one of the mightiest units in the game, only able to be summoned with experience points. He is similar in design to the Balrog in the movie.


'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
Line 56: Line 100:


'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Durin's Bane can be observed in two "session plays" (player character not present): one depicts the awakening of the Balrog by Dwarves under [[Durin]] VI, the other depicts dwarves of [[Balin]]'s company fleeing from the ancient evil. After Gandalf defeats him, the lifeless body of [[Durin's Bane]] can be found on the slopes of [[Zirakzigil]]. Despite the players knowing the Balrog dead, another Servant of Sauron tests their will and fears, by portraying an illusion of it. In the illusion, the fight between Gandalf and the Balrog on the [[Endless Stair]] is recreated, until it ends the opposite way of the actual event: the Balrog defeats the Wizard, throwing his lifeless body from Zirakzigil. Players have to defeat the Balrog in order to combat the illusion.
:The real name of Durin's Bane is given as "'''Askâdurs'''" and he is revealed to have fought against dwarves as part of [[Morgoth]]'s armies during the [[First Age]]. He is encountered in various flashback instances (where the player controls historical characters), which showcase his awakening by dwarves in [[Third Age 1980|TA 1980]], the fall of Khazad-dûm [[Third Age 1981|the year after]] and the dwarves of [[Balin]]'s company fleeing from the ancient evil, among others. After Gandalf defeats him, the lifeless body of Durin's Bane can be found on the slopes of Zirakzigil. Despite the players knowing that the Balrog is dead, another Servant of Sauron tests their will and fears by portraying an illusion of him. In the illusion, the fight between Gandalf and the Balrog on the [[Endless Stair]] is recreated, until it ends the opposite way of the actual event: the Balrog defeats the Wizard, throwing his lifeless body from Zirakzigil. Players have to defeat the Balrog in order to combat the illusion.


'''2013: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
'''2013: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
Durin's Bane is only seen as a light that chases the player(s) through Moria. When they reach the bridge of Khazad Dum, it appears in a cutscene where Gandalf destroys the bridge and the Balrog pulls him down.  Then, the player is Gandalf and has to grab Glamdring and land on Durin's Bane, where he has to stab it while avoiding the balrog's firey breath.  When this is over, the game starts another cutscene that ends the level. Later, Gandalf appears on a snowy mountain with a tower on top. When he reaches the top of the tower, the Balrog climbs on. The Balrog repeatedly sweeps his fiery whip and strikes the ground with his sword.  Then lighting begins to strike at one place and the Balrog breathes fire and is weakened. Gandalf uses his sword to direct the lightning at Durin's Bane and its health goes down. The lightning will strike at three different places, and when the Balrog loses all of its health by being hit three times, it will fall off the mountain and die.
:Durin's Bane is only seen as a light that chases the player(s) through Moria. When they reach the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, he appears in a cutscene where Gandalf destroys the bridge and the Balrog pulls him down.  Then, the player is Gandalf and has to grab Glamdring and land on Durin's Bane, where he has to stab it while avoiding the Balrog's fiery breath.  When this is over, the game starts another cutscene that ends the level. Later, Gandalf appears on a snowy mountain with a tower on top. When he reaches the top of the tower, the Balrog climbs on. The Balrog repeatedly sweeps his fiery whip and strikes the ground with his sword.  Then lighting begins to strike at one place and the Balrog breathes fire and is weakened. Gandalf uses his sword to direct the lightning at Durin's Bane and his health goes down. The lightning will strike at three different places, and when the Balrog loses all of his health by being hit three times, he will fall off the mountain and die.
 
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Balrogs|Images of Balrogs]]


{{References}}
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season One:'''
:'''Episode 7: ''[[The Eye]]'':'''
::Durin's Bane makes an appearance lurking beneath a large [[Mithril]] vein at the very depths of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. When an orange leaf lands directly in front of him and catches on fire, disturbing his slumber, the Balrog roars. Whether this roar was out of anger or annoyance is not known.


{{Ainur}}
{{references|notes}}
{{ainur}}


[[Category:Balrogs]]
[[Category:Balrogs]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]


[[de:Durins Fluch]]
[[de:Durins Fluch]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:balrogs:fleau_de_durin]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:balrogs:fleau_de_durin]]
[[fi:Durinin Turma]]
[[fi:Durinin Turma]]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 11 March 2024

Durin's Bane
Maia (Balrog)
Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg
"At the Bridge" by Ted Nasmith
Biographical Information
Other namesthe Terror
Flame of Udûn[1]
LocationDor Daedeloth (early)
Moria (after)
AffiliationMorgoth
BirthCreation of the Ainur
Timeless Halls
Death25 January T.A. 3019
Battle of the Peak
Notable forKilling Durin VI and ruining Khazad-dûm
Physical Description
WeaponryWhip and a flaming sword
GalleryImages of Durin's Bane
"It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. [...] The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs."
― The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"

Durin's Bane was one of the Balrogs, otherwise unnamed. He was notable for surviving the War of Wrath. After sleeping deep within the Misty Mountains for thousands of years, he was awoken by the Dwarves of Moria in the Third Age, responsible for the death of King Durin VI and the ruin of Moria; it was the Balrog encountered by the Fellowship of the Ring.

History[edit | edit source]

Early history[edit | edit source]

This Balrog was first created as a Maia, but like other evil spirits followed Morgoth to Arda soon after its creation, contending with Manwë.[2]

It is not known to which Battles of Beleriand this Balrog fought until the end of the First Age, and whether he served under Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs. When the Host of the Valar defeated the hosts of Morgoth in the War of Wrath, this Balrog managed to flee the overthrow of Thangorodrim and to escape into the east and hide in the roots of the Misty Mountains beneath Khazad-dûm.[3][4]

Awakening and the Third Age[edit | edit source]

The Dwarves delve too deep by Ted Nasmith

For more than five millennia, the Balrog hibernated in his deep hiding place at the roots of the mountains in Khazad-dûm. He remained undisturbed throughout the Second Age and most of the Third, before the mithril-miners of dwarf-King Durin VI awoke him in T.A. 1980.[5] Durin was slain by the creature, at which point he became known as Durin's Bane.[3]

The Dwarves attempted to fight the Durin's Bane, but his power was far too great. Despite their efforts to hold Khazad-dûm against it, King Náin and many of the Dwarves were killed in T.A. 1981[6] and the survivors were forced to flee.[3] Orcs were able to creep into Moria.[7] As a result, many of the Silvan Elves of Lothlórien fled to the south.[6]

For five hundred years, Moria was left to the Balrog.[8] He was acquainted to the ancient tunnels delved by mysterious nameless things underneath Moria and the Mountains.[9]

Around T.A. 2480, Orcs began to make secret strongholds in the Misty Mountains to block all of the passes. Sauron began to send some his creatures to Moria.[10] The Balrog allowed the Orcs and trolls to remain in Moria while he dwelt there, but they doubtlessly feared him.[1][note 1]

The Battle of Azanulbizar was the climatic battle in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. It took place before the Great Gate of Moria in 2799 and was a victory for the Dwarves. However, the victors did not conquer Moria because Dáin Ironfoot, having slain the Orc Azog, felt the terror of the Balrog at the gate.[11] Despite a failed attempt to recolonize Moria by Balin in 2989,[12] Durin's Bane remained a menace in the ancient kingdom of the Dwarves whose nature was hidden to the outside world.

Passing of the Fellowship[edit | edit source]

'Flame of Udûn' by Manuel Castañón

In January of 3019, the Fellowship of the Ring travelled through Moria on the way to Mount Doom, reaching the Bridge of Khazad-dûm in 15 January.[8] There they encountered the terrible creature: the Elf Legolas instantly recognized it was a Balrog, while Gimli dropped his axe in awe, recognizing Durin's Bane. At once, the Wizard Gandalf warned to the members of the Fellowship that this creature was beyond them, commanding them to leave while he faced it.[1]

Staying firmly in the narrow bridge, Gandalf cried at the Balrog, which remained silent. The creature's fire dimmed and darkness spread around it, while Gandalf's light stood. The Balrog struck, but Glamdring, Gandalf's sword, prevailed and the creature's sword was broken. Then the Balrog jumped ahead and Gandalf broke the Bridge in front of him, but as the Balrog fell he wrapped his whip around Gandalf's knees, which dragged him to the brink. Gandalf staggered and fell, sliding into the abyss, crying "Fly, you fools!" and was gone.[1] Neither he nor the Balrog were killed by the fall, and Gandalf pursued the creature for eight days until they climbed to the peak of Zirakzigil. Here they fought for three days and two nights. In the end, the Balrog was cast down and his body broke the mountain-side as it fell. Gandalf himself died following this ordeal, but was later sent back to Middle-earth with even greater powers as Gandalf the White.[9]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

During the composition of The Lord of the Rings, in the first "Sketch of the Moria chapter", Tolkien conceived that the Fellowship was pursued by Orcs and a Black Rider, but soon wrote above it was a Balrog.[13]

In the first full narrative of the chapter, the description of the Balrog is more human-like, which Tolkien noted should be changed to be less clear: "A figure strode to the fissure, no more than man-high yet terror seemed to go before it. They could see the furnace-fire of its yellow eyes from afar; its arms were very long; it had a red [?tongue]. Through the air it sprang over the fiery fissure. The flames leaped up to greet it and wreathed about it. Its streaming hair seemed to catch fire...". Probably while being written, Tolkien also rejected a sentence of Gandalf's cry to the Balrog: "Go back into the fiery depths. It is forbidden for any Balrog to come beneath the sky since Fionwë son of Manwë overthrew Thangorodrim."[14]

Although it had no repercussion in any narrative, Tolkien considered in a hasty note that the battle on the Bridge was actually between Gandalf and Saruman, apparently resulting on Gandalf coming out clad in white.[15]

In the drafts of the "Lothlórien" chapter, Celeborn and Galadriel think that no Balrog could lie in the Misty Mountains, so it should have been sent by Sauron from Orodruin.[16]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Durin's Bane in adaptations
Durin's Bane in The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)  
Durin's Bane in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring  
Durin's Bane in The Lord of the Rings Online  
Durin's Bane in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series  

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Durin's Bane has wings. Jackson's Demon of Might was indistinct, a real blend of shadow and fire. Only his horned head, cloven feet, and clawed hands could clearly be seen.
In the film continuity, the Orcs of Moria (here specified as "goblins") have crafted their armor and weapons to match the fiery appearance of the Balrog, apparently worshipping it as a deity.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

The Balrog is the boss of the level "Abyss Fight". He cannot be harmed except when he is stunned with Gandalf's lightning.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age:

The players must assist Gandalf in his fight with the Balrog. This fight is notable among players of the game for its difficulty and the Balrog's very high amount of health points.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

Many of the Evil factions can summon a Balrog, specifically Durin's Bane, for a short period of time. He is one of the mightiest units in the game, only able to be summoned with experience points. He is similar in design to the Balrog in the movie.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Like in the previous installment, the Balrog can be summoned by evil factions.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The real name of Durin's Bane is given as "Askâdurs" and he is revealed to have fought against dwarves as part of Morgoth's armies during the First Age. He is encountered in various flashback instances (where the player controls historical characters), which showcase his awakening by dwarves in TA 1980, the fall of Khazad-dûm the year after and the dwarves of Balin's company fleeing from the ancient evil, among others. After Gandalf defeats him, the lifeless body of Durin's Bane can be found on the slopes of Zirakzigil. Despite the players knowing that the Balrog is dead, another Servant of Sauron tests their will and fears by portraying an illusion of him. In the illusion, the fight between Gandalf and the Balrog on the Endless Stair is recreated, until it ends the opposite way of the actual event: the Balrog defeats the Wizard, throwing his lifeless body from Zirakzigil. Players have to defeat the Balrog in order to combat the illusion.

2013: Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game:

Durin's Bane is only seen as a light that chases the player(s) through Moria. When they reach the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, he appears in a cutscene where Gandalf destroys the bridge and the Balrog pulls him down. Then, the player is Gandalf and has to grab Glamdring and land on Durin's Bane, where he has to stab it while avoiding the Balrog's fiery breath. When this is over, the game starts another cutscene that ends the level. Later, Gandalf appears on a snowy mountain with a tower on top. When he reaches the top of the tower, the Balrog climbs on. The Balrog repeatedly sweeps his fiery whip and strikes the ground with his sword. Then lighting begins to strike at one place and the Balrog breathes fire and is weakened. Gandalf uses his sword to direct the lightning at Durin's Bane and his health goes down. The lightning will strike at three different places, and when the Balrog loses all of his health by being hit three times, he will fall off the mountain and die.

2022: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Season One:

Episode 7: The Eye:
Durin's Bane makes an appearance lurking beneath a large Mithril vein at the very depths of Khazad-dûm. When an orange leaf lands directly in front of him and catches on fire, disturbing his slumber, the Balrog roars. Whether this roar was out of anger or annoyance is not known.

Notes

  1. ↑ It is unknown whether the Balrog knew about Sauron being a new Dark Lord, or if he would submit. Anycase he served Sauron's purposes indirectly.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm", pp. 330-1
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Enemies"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk", fourth paragraph, p. 954
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 144, (dated 25 April 1954), p. 180
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1980, p. 1087
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1981, p. 1087
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 241
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", entry for the year 3019, 15 January, p. 1092
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The White Rider", p. 501
  10. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year c. 2480, p. 1087
  11. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk", p. 1075
  12. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 2989, p. 1090
  13. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The Story Continued: XXV. The Mines of Moria", p. 462
  14. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "X. The Mines of Moria (2): The Bridge", pp. 198-199
  15. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XII. Lothlórien", p. 236
  16. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XIII. Galadriel", pp. 247, cf. note 11
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