 | |
| Chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring | |
| The Bridge of Khazad-dûm | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Number | 17 |
| Synopsis | |
| Event | Gandalf is pulled into a chasm by Durin's Bane; the Company leaves Moria. |
| Date | 15 January 3019 |
| Location | The Mines of Moria; the Chamber of Mazarbul; the Bridge of Khazad-dûm |
| Perspective | Frodo |
| Navigation | |
| Preceded by | A Journey in the Dark |
| Followed by | Lothlórien (chapter) |
Fly, you fools!
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm is the fifth chapter of the second book in The Fellowship of the Ring. The main characters are the Company that comprised the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Boromir. The chapter introduces Durin's Bane, a Balrog.
Central to the chapter is the confrontation between Gandalf and Durin's Bane, demonstrating the depth of Gandalf's power and the gravity of the threat posed by the ancient evil creature. The narrow bridge symbolises the precariousness of the Fellowship’s quest, while the fall of Gandalf introduces a new uncertainty and grief that reshapes the Company’s leadership dynamics.
Overview
The chapter begins immediately following the end of the previous chapter, with the Fellowship stood in a chamber beside Balin's Tomb.
From the Book of Mazarbul found near the tomb, Gandalf read some of the history of Balin and the Dwarves that had recolonised Moria, including their defeat by Orcs. Gandalf gave the Book to Gimli and encouraged the Company to leave the Chamber of Mazarbul urgently.
The Fellowship heard approaching drums echoing through the halls, after which Orcs and a cave-troll attack the Chamber. After a fierce battle in which Frodo was wounded, the companions retreated downward into eastward passages, their escape from the Orcs aided by a spell laid by Gandalf, although a very strong and unknown presence made it almost impossible for Gandalf to use his power.
As they descended through the dim corridors, the Company became aware of a growing heat before they reached the Second Hall and found that the lower levels were on fire. They came across a deep chasm that could only be crossed by a bridge made narrow to protect Moria from invaders. Gimli led the way across as the Orcs approached. Legolas drew his bow but saw a sight that filled him with horror and stopped his shot. A great shadow, shaped like a man but having far greater power, pursued them as the Orcs cowered aside. It was a Balrog, identified by Gimli as Durin's Bane, the beast that had attacked Balin and the Dwarves.
The Balrog had a fiery blade in one hand and a many-thonged whip in the other. As it raced toward the Company, Boromir drew out his horn and blew it. Shortly after, he and Aragorn stood by to aid Gandalf, who commanded them to return to the rest of the Company across the bridge. Gandalf stood on the bridge and commanded the Balrog to go back:
You cannot pass... I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.
But the Balrog attacked with its flaming sword, which Gandalf countered using Glamdring. Before the Balrog could attack a second time, Gandalf caused the bridge break under the Balrog. With a cry the Balrog toppled into the abyss, slashing its whip at Gandalf. Gandalf became caught by it, and was dragged down with the Balrog.
The other companions then followed Gandalf's final command to them and fled through a hall and the Great Gates of Khazad-dûm. Once beyond the range of Orc bows, each was overcome by grief at the loss of Gandalf.