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Moria: Difference between revisions
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{{sources}} | {{sources}} | ||
{{disambig-more|Moria|[[Moria (disambiguation)]]}} | {{disambig-more|Moria|[[Moria (disambiguation)]]}} | ||
{{disambig-more|The Mines of Moria|[[The Mines of Moria (disambiguation)]]}} | |||
{{kingdom | {{kingdom | ||
| image =[[ | | image =[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Moria.jpg|250px]] | ||
| name =Moria | | name =Moria | ||
| meaning = " | | meaning = "Dark Chasm" | ||
| type = Monarchy | | type = Monarchy | ||
| headofstate = [[King of Khazad-dûm]] and for a short period the [[Lord of Moria]] | | headofstate = [[King of Khazad-dûm]] and for a short period the [[Lord of Moria]] | ||
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| holiday = | | holiday = | ||
| anthem = | | anthem = | ||
| formed = The eldest [[Fathers of the Dwarves|Father of the Dwarves]], [[Durin I]] | | formed = The eldest [[Fathers of the Dwarves|Father of the Dwarves]], [[Durin|Durin I]] | ||
| established = Mid to later [[Years of the Trees]] | | established = Mid to later [[Years of the Trees]] | ||
| reorganized = | | reorganized = | ||
| fragmented = | | fragmented = | ||
| dissolved = | | dissolved = {{TA|1981}} | ||
| restored = Sometime during the [[Fourth Age]] | | restored = Sometime during the [[Fourth Age]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{quote|After the end of the [[First Age]] the power and wealth of [[Khazad-dûm]] was much increased; for it was enriched by many people and much lore and craft. . .|[[Appendix A]]}} | {{quote|After the end of the [[First Age]] the power and wealth of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] was much increased; for it was enriched by many people and much lore and craft. . .|[[Appendix A]]}} | ||
'''Khazad-dûm''', latterly known as '''Moria''' (also known as ''The Black Chasm'', ''The Black Pit'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Dwarrowdelf]]'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Hadhodrond]]'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Casarrondo]]'' and ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Phurunargian]]''), was the grandest and most famous of the mansions of the [[Dwarves]]. There, for many thousands of years, a thriving [[Dwarf realms|Dwarvish community]] created the greatest city ever known. | '''Khazad-dûm''', latterly known as '''Moria''' (also known as ''The Black Chasm'', ''The Black Pit'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Dwarrowdelf]]'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Hadhodrond]]'', ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Casarrondo]]'' and ''[[Khazad-dûm#Names|Phurunargian]]''), was the grandest and most famous of the mansions of the [[Dwarves]]. There, for many thousands of years, a thriving [[Dwarf realms|Dwarvish community]] created the greatest city ever known. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
===Foundation=== | ===Foundation=== | ||
It was founded in very ancient days by [[Durin the Deathless]]. [[ | It was founded in very ancient days by [[Durin|Durin the Deathless]]. [[Durin]] awoke at [[Mount Gundabad]] in the [[Misty Mountains]], who came upon a shimmering lake beneath the mountain [[Celebdil]], with a crown of stars reflected in its waters. He named that lake in the [[Dwarvish]] tongue, [[Kheled-zâram]], the [[Mirrormere]] and it remained a revered place among Dwarves of all houses ever afterwards. There in the caves above started the building of Khazad-dûm and also ''Dwarrowdelf'' by [[Men]], ''Hadhodrond'' by the [[Sindar]], and ''[[Casarrondo]]'' by the [[Noldor|Ñoldor]]. | ||
===First Age=== | ===First Age=== | ||
Durin the Deathless thus became King Durin I of Khazad-dûm. Afterwards, other rulers of Khazad-dûm were sometimes named Durin, as they were considered to be his reincarnations, who the dwarves believed came to live again among [[Durin's | Durin the Deathless thus became King Durin I of Khazad-dûm. Afterwards, other rulers of Khazad-dûm were sometimes named Durin, as they were considered to be his reincarnations, who the dwarves believed came to live again among [[Durin's Folk|his people]]. | ||
As the millennia passed, the descendants of Durin sat upon the throne of Khazad-dûm, and their cavernous city became famous throughout the world. It even has a passing mention in [[Quenta Silmarillion]], the tale of the [[Elf-lords]] and their wars far to the west, though to them it was no more than a distant rumour they heard from the [[Dwarves]] of the [[Blue Mountains]] on their borders. | As the millennia passed, the descendants of Durin sat upon the throne of Khazad-dûm, and their cavernous city became famous throughout the world. It even has a passing mention in [[Quenta Silmarillion]], the tale of the [[Elf-lords]] and their wars far to the west, though to them it was no more than a distant rumour they heard from the [[Dwarves]] of the [[Blue Mountains]] on their borders. | ||
===Second Age=== | ===Second Age=== | ||
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Doors of Durin.jpg|thumb|right|Doors of Durin]] | [[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Doors of Durin.jpg|thumb|right|Doors of Durin]] | ||
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In c. 40 of the Second Age after Beleriand was destroyed by the [[War of Wrath]], most of the Dwarves of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] began leaving en masse from their now ruined cities for Khazad-dûm. The city was enriched not just in numbers, but in the western Houses' skills in smithing, crafting and masonry. All these factors created a renaissance for Khazad-dûm, and brought its prosperity to its zenith. | In c. 40 of the Second Age after Beleriand was destroyed by the [[War of Wrath]], most of the Dwarves of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] began leaving en masse from their now ruined cities for Khazad-dûm. The city was enriched not just in numbers, but in the western Houses' skills in smithing, crafting and masonry. All these factors created a renaissance for Khazad-dûm, and brought its prosperity to its zenith. | ||
After the Sinking of Beleriand, the [[Noldor]] | After the Sinking of Beleriand, the [[Noldor]] founded a country of their own by the western gate of Khazad-dûm, [[Eregion]]. A rare friendship sprang up between the Dwarves and the Elves of this new land. Eregion's ruler, [[Celebrimbor]], helped to construct the famous and magical gate that became known as the [[Doors of Durin|West-gate of Moria]], and indeed went so far as to present King [[Durin III]] with a [[Rings of Power|Ring of Power]]. The friendship of Khazad-dûm and Eregion came to a sudden end, however, in {{SA|1697}}. [[Sauron]] [[Sack of Eregion|overran]] the country of the Elves, and despite the best efforts of the Dwarves to help them, he succeeded in destroying Eregion and driving away the survivors. With the Elves dead or fleeing far away, the doors of Khazad-dûm were sealed against Sauron's forces, and Khazad-dûm went into seclusion. | ||
It was also during this time that the Orcs reinvaded the mountains and made war on the Dwarves | It was also during this time that the Orcs reinvaded the mountains and made war on the Dwarves, [[First Sacking of Gundabad|taking]] [[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]] from the Kingdom of Durin. | ||
Their seclusion was broken for a time with the beginning of the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. The Dwarves | Their seclusion was broken for a time with the beginning of the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. The Dwarves of Moria fought alongside the Elves and Men in their campaign to defeat Sauron for the last time. With the conclusion of the war the Dwarves went back to their country, and resumed their seclusion from the world. | ||
===Third Age=== | ===Third Age=== | ||
During this time Khazad-dûm further expanded its treasures, but despite this its numbers began to dwindle. Most of its great wealth was based on the [[Mithril]] that was found in its mines, and as the centuries passed, the Dwarves mined deeper and deeper for the precious metal. In the year | During this time Khazad-dûm further expanded its treasures, but despite this its numbers began to dwindle. Most of its great wealth was based on the ''[[Mithril]]'' that was found in its mines, and as the centuries passed, the Dwarves mined deeper and deeper for the precious metal. In the year {{TA|1980}}, they dug too deep, and unleashed a nameless terror from the depths beneath the city. The creature wreaked dreadful destruction, and in slaying the King, [[Durin VI]], became known as [[Durin's Bane]]. In the following year, Durin's son, [[Náin I]], was also lost, and the Dwarves fled their ancient home. | ||
After millennia as one of the richest cities in [[Middle-earth]], Khazad-dûm stood dark and empty, but for the brooding menace the Dwarves had released. In that time it was given a new name, [[Moria]], the | After millennia as one of the richest cities in [[Middle-earth]], Khazad-dûm stood dark and empty, but for the brooding menace the Dwarves had released. In that time it was given a new name, [[Moria]], the '''Black Pit'''. | ||
The monster - a Balrog of [[Morgoth]], as was later known - lurked alone in Moria for nearly five hundred years. After that time, the old city of Khazad-dûm began to be peopled again, but not by Dwarves. Orcs from the North began to enter the abandoned city to raid its treasuries, and occupy it. They also began to worship the Balrog as their deity. Soon afterwards, Sauron directed his creatures there, and Moria began to fill with Orcs and Trolls from [[Mordor]]. Though the orcs' numbers were greatly reduced in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar|Battle of Nanduhirion]], fought in the valley beneath Moria's [[East-gate]] in | The monster - a Balrog of [[Morgoth]], as was later known - lurked alone in Moria for nearly five hundred years. After that time, the old city of Khazad-dûm began to be peopled again, but not by Dwarves. Orcs from the North began to enter the abandoned city to raid its treasuries, and occupy it. They also began to worship the Balrog as their deity. Soon afterwards, Sauron directed his creatures there, and Moria began to fill with Orcs and Trolls from [[Mordor]]. Though the orcs' numbers were greatly reduced in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar|Battle of Nanduhirion]], fought in the valley beneath Moria's [[Great Gates|East-gate]] in {{TA|2799|n}}, the Balrog could not be bested, and Khazad-dûm remained a place of darkness. | ||
At some point between | At some point between {{TA|2845|n}} and {{TA|2950|n}} the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] entered the city looking for King Thráin II who had disappeared on journey to Erebor.<ref name=journey>{{FR|Journey}}</ref> | ||
====Balin's expedition==== | ====Balin's expedition==== | ||
In | In {{TA|2989|n}}, there was an attempt by the Longbeards to reclaim their ancient home. The [[Balin's Colony|expedition]] was led by [[Balin]], who had accompanied [[Bilbo Baggins]] on the [[Quest of Erebor]]. He led a [[Balin's Colony|colony]] of Dwarves there from [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. The Colony was successful at first, killing a considerable number of Orcs, taking many of the Eastern halls and finding many lost treasures such as [[Durin's Axe]]. They were however defeated and slain by the Orcs in {{TA|2994|n}}. | ||
Possibly at some point after this [[Aragorn]] Chieftain of the Dúnedain entered Moria for some unknown purpose. | Possibly at some point after this [[Aragorn]] Chieftain of the Dúnedain entered Moria for some unknown purpose. | ||
====The Fellowship's passage==== | ====The Fellowship's passage==== | ||
When [[Frodo Baggins]] set out from [[Rivendell]] with the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], they at first planned to travel over the Misty Mountains. When they were stopped by heavy snow on [[Caradhras|Mount Caradhras]], they found themselves pursued by wolves and Orcs, and fled into Moria, so as to go under the mountains. There, they found Balin's journal in the [[Book of Mazarbul]] and learned the fate of his expedition. They were then set upon by a host of [[Trolls]] and Orcs, and they discovered that the terror was, in fact, a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf fought the Balrog on a narrow bridge and succeeded in destroying a section of bridge to make the Balrog fall. As it fell, the Balrog snagged Gandalf's leg with its whip of thongs and pulled him after it, sending them both plunging into the abyss spanned by the bridge. The rest of the Fellowship managed to escape Moria and reach [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] mostly unharmed. | When [[Frodo Baggins]] set out from [[Rivendell]] with the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], they at first planned to travel over the Misty Mountains. When they were stopped by heavy snow on [[Caradhras|Mount Caradhras]], they found themselves pursued by wolves and Orcs, and fled into Moria, so as to go under the mountains. There, they found Balin's journal in the [[Book of Mazarbul]] and learned the fate of his expedition. They were then set upon by a host of [[Trolls]] and Orcs, and they discovered that the terror was, in fact, a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]]. Gandalf fought the Balrog on a narrow bridge and succeeded in destroying a section of bridge to make the Balrog fall. As it fell, the Balrog snagged Gandalf's leg with its whip of thongs and pulled him after it, sending them both plunging into the abyss spanned by the bridge. The rest of the Fellowship managed to escape Moria and reach [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] mostly unharmed. | ||
Unknown to the Fellowship, both Gandalf and the Balrog survived the fall and fought a ferocious battle from the depths of Moria to the mountains above, demolishing the top of the legendary [[Endless Stair]] and a part of the surrounding mountain peak in the process. Gandalf cast down the Balrog upon the mountainside and lived just long enough to see it die, but his story was not yet ended. | Unknown to the Fellowship, both Gandalf and the Balrog survived the fall and fought a ferocious battle from the depths of Moria to the mountains above, demolishing the top of the legendary [[Endless Stair]] and a part of the surrounding mountain peak in the process. Gandalf cast down the Balrog upon the mountainside and lived just long enough to see it die, but his story was not yet ended. | ||
While Gandalf had felled the Balrog, Moria remained a place of evil creatures until the Fourth Age.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 122</ref> | While Gandalf had felled the Balrog, Moria remained a place of evil creatures until the Fourth Age.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 122</ref> | ||
====Retaking and Reign of Durin VII==== | ====Retaking and Reign of Durin VII==== | ||
Though little information is given, the retaking of Khazad-dûm by [[Durin VII]] seems to have occurred during the [[Fourth Age]]. He became [[King of Durin's Folk | Though little information is given, the retaking of Khazad-dûm by [[Durin VII]] seems to have occurred during the [[Fourth Age]]. He became [[Kings of Durin's Folk]|King of Durin's Folk], and led a final return to the city. He was successful, and long after the War of the Ring, the Dwarves of Durin's line reclaimed their inheritance, and the hammers rang again in their great halls beneath the Misty Mountains until the race of Dwarves ended. | ||
==Layout== | ==Layout== | ||
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The name '' | |||
The name ''Moria'' is composed of the [[Sindarin]] elements ''[[mor]]'' "black, dark" and ''[[iâ]]'' "void, abyss".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''mor'' and ''iâ''</ref><ref>{{L|297}}, pp. 382-3</ref> Khazad-dûm was so called in [[Sindarin]] by the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], as for them it was but a "Dark Chasm". Although the Dwarves considered it a derogatory name, [[Celebrimbor]] went as far as to write the name "Moria" on the [[West-gate of Moria|West-gate]].{{fact}} | |||
==Names== | ==Names== | ||
'' | The name ''Khazad-dûm'' in [[Khuzdul]] means "Dwarves' Mansion(s)". ''Khazâd'' being the plural of ''[[khuzd]]'' "Dwarves" while ''[[dûm]]'' (or possibly rather ''tûm'') a word for "excavation(s), hall(s), mansion(s)" (it is not clear if the second word is in singular or plural form). | ||
The Elves translated it as '''''Casarrondo''''' ([[Quenya]], name given by the [[Noldor]])<ref>{{WJ|AB}}, p. 389,</ref> or '''''Hadhodrond''''' ([[Sindarin]]). The word ''Hadhodrond'' is composed of the elements ''[[hadhod]]'' (an attempt by the Elves to render ''[[Khazâd]]'', (the Dwarves' name for their own kind, into Elvish sounds) + ''[[rond]]'' ("cavern").{{fact}} | The Elves translated it as '''''Casarrondo''''' ([[Quenya]], name given by the [[Noldor]])<ref>{{WJ|AB}}, p. 389,</ref> or '''''Hadhodrond''''' ([[Sindarin]]). The word ''Hadhodrond'' is composed of the elements ''[[hadhod]]'' (an attempt by the Elves to render ''[[Khazâd]]'', (the Dwarves' name for their own kind, into Elvish sounds) + ''[[rond]]'' ("cavern").{{fact}} | ||
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==Portrayal in Adaptations== | ==Portrayal in Adaptations== | ||
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':''' | |||
''' | :Moria is portrayed prominently in the Theatrical Edition, while Extended Edition gives it even more attention - notably, Mithril is introduced to the audience properly. | ||
:Khazad- | |||
'''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)]]:''' | |||
:During the Moria levels the player for the most part controls Gandalf, only once is focus switched to Frodo instead. | |||
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':''' | |||
:The entire journey through Moria takes place in one level, which can be completed in several minutes. The iconic location are portrayed immediately next to each other and in the end, Gandalf defeats the Balrog and continues journey with the Fellowship. | |||
'''2008: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]'':''' | |||
[[File:Map - Moria.jpg|thumb|400px|Map of Moria from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''.]] | |||
:''Mines of Moria'' was the first major expansion of the game, released in November 2008. Almost the entirety of Moria is present in the game, with players able to freely journey from the West Gate to the East Gate and from the Cliffs of Zirakzigil to the very Foundations of Stone where nameless things dwell. | |||
:Moria is divided into several major sub-areas, depicted on the map to the right. '''The Great Delving''' lies directly next to the West Gate and links ancient Dwarven mines to palaces, academies and foundries founded during Khazad-dum's glory days. '''Durin's Way''' is the area, where, according to legend, Durin himself first braved the mines before bringing his folk in there. '''Zelem-Melek''' is home to both numerous [[Orcs|Orc]] encampments and the famed [[Twenty-first Hall]]. '''Silvertine Lodes''' refers to the mining area located directly under [[Celebdil|Silvertine]], much like the '''Redhorn Lodes''' are the mining area under the peaks of [[Caradhras#The Redhorn Gate|Redhorn]]. '''The Water-Works''' hosts both a large underground lake and ancient Dwarven gears, wheels and devices that delivered the fresh water throughout the whole kingdom once. '''The Flaming Deeps''' is an area that reeks with fire and where few could survive for long - it appears that [[Durin's Bane]] resided there following his reawakening. '''Nud-Melek''' mostly consists of the [[Second Hall]] and the [[First Hall]]. The '''Foundations of Stone''' are located below the deepest delving of the Dwarves; no light has ever shined there and, as Gandalf recounted, nameless creatures older than the world gnaw at the roots of the mountains. | |||
:Surprisingly for those seeing it for the first time, Moria in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'' is very much inhabited. In an original storyline by Turbine, Dwarves from the [[Iron Hills]] sent by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] arrive in Moria shortly after the Fellowship to learn the fate of [[Balin]]'s expedition. With Durin's Bane recently gone, the Orcs and Goblins of Moria are in great disarray, which allows the Dwarves to move in and establish encampments at all major crossroads. Fresh supplies are coming from both East and West gates, preventing the Iron Hill Garrison from being cut off like Balin was. However, the developers noted that they aware that Moria wasn't re-colonized until the [[Fourth Age]] in [[canon]], meaning that at some point in the future of the game the Iron Garrison may be forced to leave the mines. | |||
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':''' | |||
:Several levels of both good and evil campaigns take place in Moria. | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
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{{references}} | {{references}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Sindarin locations]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Moria]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Cities, towns and villages]] | ||
[[de:Khazad-dûm]] | [[de:Khazad-dûm]] | ||
[[fi:Moria]] | |||
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/monts_brumeux/khazad-dum]] | [[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/monts_brumeux/khazad-dum]] | ||
