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Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul

2006-04-18T00:25:19Z

71.120.192.40: /* Portrayal */

{{battle|
image=[[Image:Fotr1117.jpg|300px]] The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul as depicted in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]|
name=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
conflict=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
date=January 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=The [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] in [[Khazad-dûm]]|
result= no victory for either side|
side1=The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|
side2= The hordes of Moria, the [[Balrog of Moria]]|
commanders1=[[Gandalf]]|
commanders2=The [[Balrog of Moria]]|
forces1=9 combatants|
forces2=Unknown total strength, over 14 [[Moria orcs]] and [[Uruks]], but probably not many more, at least one [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]], the Balrog of Moria|
casualties1=
[[Frodo Baggins]] skewered with a spear and thought dead, though he suffers a mere bruise, [[Samwise Gamgee]] receives small head injury|
casualties2=
14 orcs killed, Cave-troll injured in foot
}}

A skirmish between the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and the hordes of Moria in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

==The Books==
===Description===
The Fellowship, having just read fragments of the [[Book of Mazarbul]] inside the Mazarbul chamber, hear the sounds of an approaching band of [[orcs]]. This group includes both [[Moria orcs]] and large, black [[Uruks]] of Mordor. The Fellowship tries to shut the doors to the chamber, but the orcs are already trying to force their way in. A large [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] beats on the door and forces its foot thru. [[Frodo]] stabs the foot with [[Sting]], causing the troll to withdraw. Orcs shoot arrows through the door, but they bounce uselessly off the walls of the chamber. At last, the orcs manage to burst their way through the chamber door. A fierce skirmish ensues.

[[Legolas]] shoots two orcs through the throat. [[Gimli]] hews the legs from under one. [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]] slay "many" (no exact number is given). During the fight, [[Sam]] is receives a small head injury but kills an orc himself. When the Fellowship has killed 13 orcs, the rest of the orcs flee shrieking. But just as the Fellowship is about to leave the chamber, a large orc-chieftain jumps in and pins Frodo to the wall with a spear. Thinking him dead, the Fellowship carries Frodo away, after Aragorn kills the orc. It is later revealed that Frodo receives a mere bruise, having been protected by his shirt of [[mithril]] mail.

Gandalf remains in the chamber while the rest of the Fellowship flee and faces the [[Balrog of Moria]] for the first time. Gandalf sets a shutting spell on the chamber door but cannot hold it. The spell is broken and Gandalf follows the Fellowship out of the chamber, down the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm]].

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
* The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul is expanded a great deal in the films, to aid the movie's dramatic flow and pacing, and to make the battle something more meaningful for the Fellowship on screen. The entire Fellowship takes part in the skirmish.
The battle begins when a large group of Moria orcs breaks through the chamber door. A furious, fairly prolonged battle ensues. The cave-troll enters the scene early on, breaking into the chamber and nearly killing Sam, who ducks under the troll's legs just in time. The fighting continues, with Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli killing many orcs. Sam is able to kill (or at least knock out) a few with one of his iron pans and kills at least one with his sword. Frodo, Merry and Pippin seem to be participating in the fight as well. Peter Jackson likely wanted to involve the entire Fellowship in the battle to make it something meaningful to each member, as well as to the group as a whole, it being the Fellowship's first real battle together (in the book, the Fellowship doesn't really fight together like this).
* It is source of common debate as to whether or not the "black Uruks of Mordor" described by Tolkien are present in the film.
There are a few orcs that physically look slightly different from the rest, though they wear the same armor. Some have argued that perhaps the Mordor Uruks sent to Moria by Sauron had taken up the Moria orcs' way of life, adopting their armor and weaponry.
* In the film, it is the Cave-troll that chases after Frodo and hits him with a spear, rather than an orc-chieftain.
Jackson likely wanted to bring the Cave-troll into the center of the action, adding greater interest to the battle.

Following a momentary victory, when most of the orcs have been killed or fled the chamber, the Fellowship hear the sound of more orcs approaching and flee through a break in the eastern wall of the chamber back to Twenty-first Hall (see [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] for notes on geographical changes). The action is extended further in the film, as the Fellowship are soon surrounded by hundreds of Moria orcs, before the Balrog enters the hall.
* Gandalf never has his encounter with the Balrog in the Mazarbul chamber in the movie.
Jackson likely wanted to reserve the revelation of the Balrog for a more dramatic moment on film.

In the extended cut of the film, an important character moment is added to the fight, in which Aragorn saves Boromir from an attacking Moria orc. This further develops the relationship between the two men.

===Behind the Scenes===
Coming soon....

===References===
Coming soon....

==Related Links==
Site of Battle: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]

Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul

2006-04-18T00:24:59Z

71.120.192.40: /* Portrayal */

{{battle|
image=[[Image:Fotr1117.jpg|300px]] The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul as depicted in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]|
name=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
conflict=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
date=January 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=The [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] in [[Khazad-dûm]]|
result= no victory for either side|
side1=The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|
side2= The hordes of Moria, the [[Balrog of Moria]]|
commanders1=[[Gandalf]]|
commanders2=The [[Balrog of Moria]]|
forces1=9 combatants|
forces2=Unknown total strength, over 14 [[Moria orcs]] and [[Uruks]], but probably not many more, at least one [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]], the Balrog of Moria|
casualties1=
[[Frodo Baggins]] skewered with a spear and thought dead, though he suffers a mere bruise, [[Samwise Gamgee]] receives small head injury|
casualties2=
14 orcs killed, Cave-troll injured in foot
}}

A skirmish between the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and the hordes of Moria in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

==The Books==
===Description===
The Fellowship, having just read fragments of the [[Book of Mazarbul]] inside the Mazarbul chamber, hear the sounds of an approaching band of [[orcs]]. This group includes both [[Moria orcs]] and large, black [[Uruks]] of Mordor. The Fellowship tries to shut the doors to the chamber, but the orcs are already trying to force their way in. A large [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] beats on the door and forces its foot thru. [[Frodo]] stabs the foot with [[Sting]], causing the troll to withdraw. Orcs shoot arrows through the door, but they bounce uselessly off the walls of the chamber. At last, the orcs manage to burst their way through the chamber door. A fierce skirmish ensues.

[[Legolas]] shoots two orcs through the throat. [[Gimli]] hews the legs from under one. [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]] slay "many" (no exact number is given). During the fight, [[Sam]] is receives a small head injury but kills an orc himself. When the Fellowship has killed 13 orcs, the rest of the orcs flee shrieking. But just as the Fellowship is about to leave the chamber, a large orc-chieftain jumps in and pins Frodo to the wall with a spear. Thinking him dead, the Fellowship carries Frodo away, after Aragorn kills the orc. It is later revealed that Frodo receives a mere bruise, having been protected by his shirt of [[mithril]] mail.

Gandalf remains in the chamber while the rest of the Fellowship flee and faces the [[Balrog of Moria]] for the first time. Gandalf sets a shutting spell on the chamber door but cannot hold it. The spell is broken and Gandalf follows the Fellowship out of the chamber, down the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm]].

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
* The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul is expanded a great deal in the films, to aid the movie's dramatic flow and pacing, and to make the battle something more meaningful for the Fellowship on screen. The entire Fellowship takes part in the skirmish.
The battle begins when a large group of Moria orcs breaks through the chamber door. A furious, fairly prolonged battle ensues. The cave-troll enters the scene early on, breaking into the chamber and nearly killing Sam, who ducks under the troll's legs just in time. The fighting continues, with Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli killing many orcs. Sam is able to kill (or at least knock out) a few with one of his iron pans and kills at least one with his sword. Frodo, Merry and Pippin seem to be participating in the fight as well. Peter Jackson likely wanted to involve the entire Fellowship in the battle to make it something meaningful to each member, as well as to the group as a whole, it being the Fellowship's first real battle together (in the book, the Fellowship doesn't really fight together like this).
* It is source of common debate as to whether or not the "black Uruks of Mordor" described by Tolkien are present in the film.
There are a few orcs that physically look slightly different from the rest, though they wear the same armor. Some have argued that perhaps the Mordor Uruks sent to Moria by Sauron had taken up the Moria orcs' way of life, adopting their armor and weaponry.
* In the film, it is the Cave-troll that chases after Frodo and hits him with a spear, rather than an orc-chieftain.
Jackson likely wanted to bring the Cave-troll into the center of the action, adding greater interest to the battle.

Following a momentary victory, when most of the orcs have been killed or fled the chamber, the Fellowship hear the sound of more orcs approaching and flee through a break in the eastern wall of the chamber back to Twenty-first Hall (see [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] for notes on geographical changes). The action is extended further in the film, as the Fellowship are soon surrounded by hundreds of Moria orcs, before the Balrog enters the hall.
* Gandalf never has his encounter with the Balrog in the Mazarbul chamber in the movie.
Jackson likely wanted to reserve the revelation of the Balrog for a more dramatic moment on film.

In the extended cut of the film, an important character moment is added, in which Aragorn saves Boromir from an attacking Moria orc. This further develops the relationship between the two men.

===Behind the Scenes===
Coming soon....

===References===
Coming soon....

==Related Links==
Site of Battle: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]

Chamber of Mazarbul

2006-04-18T00:23:38Z

71.120.192.40:

[[Image:fotr1078.jpg|300px|thumb|The Chamber of Mazarbul in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

The '''Chamber of Mazarbul''' was the old [[Chamber of Records]] of [[Khazad-dûm]]. Probably built during the earlier years of Khazad-dûm, it was later used as a base by [[Balin]] when he began his ill-fated attempt at recolonization in the late [[Third Age]].

==Etymology==
Mazarbul means "records" in [[Khuzdul]]. This name was used in connection with the Chamber of Records of Khazad-dûm and the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]] found in that chamber.

==The Books==
[[Image:Sdla01mcmoria.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Illustration of the skirmish between the Fellowship and the hordes of Moria in the Chamber of Mazarbul, by Angus McBridge ([[Iron Crown Enterprises]]).]]

===History===
The chamber itself was probably built at around the same time as the [[Twenty-first Hall]]. This would have been slightly later than the earliest Dwarven delvings, which were to be found in the lower levels near the [[Great Gate of Moria|Great Gate]]. In Third Age 2989, Balin led a group of Dwarves to recolonize [[Moria]]. Balin chose the Twenty-first Hall as his headquarters and set up his seat in the Chamber of Mazarbul. When Balin was killed a few years later, he was laid to rest in a tomb inside the chamber. The [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] found the chamber thirty years after Balin came to Moria and it was here that Gandalf found the [[Book of Mazarbul]], a record of Balin's recolonization efforts. It was in the Chamber of Mazarbul that the Fellowship engaged in a brief fight with a band of Moria orcs and a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and where [[Gandalf]] made his first stand against the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] (see [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]]).

===Geography & Appearance===
The chamber was located to the right of a pathway that branched off the north end of the Twenty-first hall. When the Fellowship found the chamber as they passed through Moria, [[Balin's Tomb]] was located inside it, and a bright shaft of sunlight streamed in from outside the mountain to land directly on the tomb. It is not clear whether the shaft was an original feature of the chamber or whether it was added later by Balin's group of dwarves. It seems more likely that it had been an original part of the chamber construction. There were two stone doors leading into the chamber (one entrance from the Twenty-first Hall, one from the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm|stair tunnels]] that the Fellowship later used to flee the Balrog). Many deep recesses were cut into the chamber rock containing chests that had been recently looted by the [[Orcs]] inhabiting Moria. A deep dust had fallen upon the entire room by the time the Fellowship entered it, and the remains of a long-abandoned battle sight were to be seen strewn across the floor.

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 4: [[A Journey in the Dark]] and Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

[[Image:fotr1086.jpg|300px|thumb|The Chamber of Mazarbul in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

===Appearances===

* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
In Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring, the Chamber of Mazarbul is presented much as it is described in the books, with a few notable exceptions.
* First, its geography has been slightly altered. It is placed in the center of the Twenty-first Hall, rather than on the right of a corridor running off the hall to the north.
* Second, there is only one proper doorway leading into the chamber, rather than the two described in the book. This door is also made of wood in the film, rather than stone.
These alterations are likely the result of geographical simplification and enhancement of geographical drama. Placing the chamber in the center of the Twenty-first Hall gives it greater prominance and significance and provides a less cumbersome position than that of the book. The elimination of one of the doorways allows the chamber to take on an even more unique design than that found in the book (while, again, simplifying it for dramatic purposes). Changing the door material to wood makes it easier for the door to be opened and closed.
* A well is also introduced into the layout, directly below the shaft of light. This well was found in the [[Moria Guardroom|guardroom]] of the [[Moria Crossroads]] in the book, but was transplanted here to serve greater dramatic purpose.

The design of the chamber follows the general [[Dwarven design]] ideology employed by the filmmakers for all of the Moria sets.

===The Mazarbul Chamber Wall Runes===

In the film, the walls of the chamber are covered in runes (seemingly [[Angerthas Moria]]). These runes detail the history of Moria from its foundation by [[Durin]] to the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]]. From the rune translations, it is clear that the authors were the [[Dwarves]] led by Balin during the recolonization of Moria.
The larger text is [[Khuzdul]], the smaller text is in the [[Common Speech]] (English). The rune histories were probably written for both [[Dwarvish]] and foreign readers. Notable peculiarities have appeared in translations of this text. It is not clear whether this was deliberate on the part of the filmmakers.
* Khuzdul phrases appear in the midst of the English text and peculiar spellings of certain words and irregular constructions of some phrases exist.
The consistency of the irregularities seem to suggest that these may have been at least partly intentional. Several explanations have been postulated, the most obvious of which is that the Dwarves who carved the runes made mistakes. Other theories have been put forth: perhaps the Dwarves used idiosyncratic rune forms or a slightly altered mode of [[Westron]] in order to better convey the deep meanings behind Moria's history. The latter two seem the most likely, given all the available evidence.
* The phrase "Made in New Zealand" can also be seen in at least one place along the Mazarbul Chamber walls.
The filmmaker's left this as their trademark for those who translated the runes to see. Some fans have rationalized its appearance by citing the meaning of "zeal" as "seal" in Danish, which is closely related to the Danish word for "soul". Thus, the true phrase would be "Made in new-soul land", with "soul-land" referring to Moria, a land of many dwarvish souls that had come and gone, new because it was being recolonized. The theory postulates that the word "zeal" was originally Khuzdul but made its way into modern Danish.

====Translations From Angerthas Moria====

Below are the phrases that have been translated from the Mazarbul walls thus far:

KHUZDUL PHRASES

* "Great Chamber of Records of the Longbeards of Khazad-dûm. Lord Durin built (it)."

(from Khuzdul: "Gabil gund Mazarbul Sigin-turgul Khazaddûmul. Durin Uzbad zahra.")

* "Durin III, lord of Khazad-dûm."
(from Khuzdul: "Durin [certh for 3] Uzbad Khazaddûmu".)

* "Durin slain by Durin's Bane, and Náin Durin's son, Durin's Bane also slew him."
(from Khuzdul: "Durin mabazgûn au Abzag Durinu & [certh for "and"] Náin Durinul Abzag Durinu ya bazghu".)

* "Thrór Heir of Dáin; Orcs slew him; Azog cut off his head."
(from Khuzdul: "Thrór Rayad Dáinu; Rakhâs bazghu; Azog wakrish shathûrhu".)

* "Frerin Thráin's son, slain in the Battle of Azanulbizar, on the shores of Kheled-zâram, and Fundin slain."
(from Khuzdul: "Frerin Thráinul, Mabazgûn zai Azgâr Azanulbizarul, zai shakâl Kheled-zâramu & Fundin mabazgûn".)

* "The great Battle of Gundabad and Gladden; remember the Dead."
[[Image:LOTR-EN11233.jpg|200px|thumb|The Chamber of Mazarbul in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]](from Khuzdul: "Gabil Azgâr Gundabadul & Ningulul; Mernak Mabazgân.")

* "(The) mines of Barazinbar."
(from Khuzdul: "Ganâd Barazinbarul".)

* "(The) battle of Azanulbizar." [[Image:Moria_wall_a.jpg|200px|thumb|A portion of the Mazarbul wall runes.]]
(from Khuzdul: "Azgâr Azanulbizarul".)

* "(The) house of Durin."
(from Khuzdul: "Zahar Durinul".)

ENGLISH PHRASES

* "...of Nogrod and Belegost year sixteen..." [[Image:casaloma.jpg|200px|thumb|A portion of the Mazarbul wall runes from the Casa Loma Exhibition.]]
* "...watch tower established at highest peak..."

* "...of Zirakzigil with star from Thirtieth Hall ..."

* "...Second {{ref|1}} Age five hundred of the..."

* "...fathoms gold smelter built..."

* "...the establishment {{ref|2}} of Moria below..."

* "...in return for silver and cloth and lumber..."

* "...established {{ref|3}} and the Dimrill {{ref|4}} Stair..."

* "...of Kheled-zâram {{ref|5}} and Fundin slain..."

* "...of Durin of Ered Luin {{ref|6}} settle in the..."

* "...one thousand and twenty news of fall..."

* "...forces of Sauron's army gates to Moria..."

* "...service {{ref|7}} of Lorien elves(') trade..."

* "...second {{ref|8}} level shaft sunk to forty..."

* "...year seventy-two {{ref|9}} Great Gate..."

* "...Zirakzigil in year forty of the..."

* "...caves {{ref|10}} above Kheled-zâram {{ref|11}} great rices..."

* "...in seams to east of Durin's door..."

* "...growth of trade to western {{ref|12}} gate year..."

* "...ninety-seven {{ref|13}} Eregion laid waste by billions..."

* "...of Eregion founded by Noldor {{ref|14}} bring..."

* "...shut against hordes and continuous {{ref|15}} attacks..."

* "...year seven {{ref|16}} hundred and fifty..."

* "...made in New Zealand. Dragon..."

* "...on the shores of Azanulbizar..."

* "...in diamonds and gold..."

====Translation Notes====

#{{note|1}} S-E-CH-O-N-D…possible variant rune usage.
#{{note|2}} E-S-T-B-L-I-S-H-M-E-N-T…possible variant emphasis from alternate word construction.
#{{note|3}} E-O-T-A-B-L-I-S-H-Y-D…possible variant emphasis from alternate word construction.
#{{note|4}} D-I-M-R-I-L…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|5}} K-I-E-L-E-D-Z-A-R-A-M…possible variant emphasis from alternate word construction.
#{{note|6}} E-N-E-D---L-U-I-N…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|7}} S-E-R-V-I-CH-E…possible variant rune usage.
#{{note|8}} D-E-CH-O-N-D…possible variant word construction and/or rune usage; variant emphasis also possible.
#{{note|9}} S-E-V-E-N-T-A---T-W-O…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|10}} CH-A-V-E-S…possible variant rune usage.
#{{note|11}} K-H-E-L-E-D---Z-A-R-M…possible variant emphasis from alternate word construction.
#{{note|12}} W-E-S-T-R-N…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|13}} N-I-N-T-Y---S-E-V-E-N…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|14}} N-O-L-D-O-N…possible variant word construction or rune usage.
#{{note|15}} A-G-A-I-N-T-S-O-R-D-E-S---&---G-O-N-T-I-N-U-O-U-S…possible variant phrase and/or word construction and/or rune usage.
#{{note|16}} S-E-V-N…possible variant word construction or rune usage

====References====
*[http://www.elvish.org/gwaith/movie.htm Fellowship of the Word-smiths: Other Movie Inscriptions] - A web page discussing many inscriptions from the movies, including those found on the Mazarbul walls.
*[http://home.planet.nl/~raas0056/mazarbul/ Mazarbul Wall Inscriptions Analysis] - A web site discussing the transcription of the Mazarbul wall runes from screen to page.
*[http://www.geocities.com/shire_society/mazarbul_analysis.html Mazarbul Wall Rune Analysis (English Only)] A detailed analysis of the English Mazarbul wall rune text.

====The Use of English====

The use of English to represent the Common Speech in primary sources such as the Mazarbul wall runes is in keeping with [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s own vision of completely translating all Westron into modern English, even in authentic documentation, although upon reflection Tolkien said that this translation was "an erroneous extension of the general linguistic treatment" (''[[The_Peoples_of_Middle-earth]]'', pp. 298-9: "Of Dwarves and Men"). The filmmakers obviously followed Tolkien's original intent, representing what would have been Westron on the "original" Mazarbul walls as English.

====Variances====

Justification for the variances that appear in the Mazarbul wall text comes from Tolkien himself. He specifically claims having used a similar methodology when creating samples of the [[Book of Mazarbul]]: "...the text was cast into English spelt as at present, but modified as it might be by writers...who where transliterating the English into a different alphabet"; "...since documents of this kind nearly always show uses of letters or shapes that are peculiar and rarely or never found elsewhere, a few such features are also introduced..." (''same reference as above'', pp. 298-9). Thus, the variances found in the Chamber of Mazarbul wall runes represent, as closely as possible, the idiosyncracies found in the original Westron.

===Behind the Scenes===

[[Image:Mazarbul_concept.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Concept illustration of the Chamber of Mazarbul by [[Alan Lee]].]]

The Chamber of Mazarbul was commonly referred to by the filmmakers as "Balin's Tomb" (as it was, more specifically, the site of said tomb).

The Chamber of Mazarbul was a locale that the filmmakers took special care to match carefully to the book descriptions. As with many other locations, [[Peter Jackson]] and his team tried to bring a sense that this was indeed the place that Tolkien had described.

[[Alan Lee]] was likely the primary conceptualizer of this location. The architecture of the Mazarbul chamber followed the filmmakers' general rules for Dwarven architecture. (for more information, see [[Dwarven design|Dwarven architecture]]).

[[Grant Major]] specifically tried to retain the evocative image of the shaft of light landing directly on Balin's Tomb, though there was a need to shift the geography of the chamber slightly to make this idea work dramatically on screen.

[[Andrew Lesnie]] has commented on the challenges he faced while trying to light the set, while maintaining the sense of a shaft of strong white light. His camera team eventually followed the idea that the shaft's light would bounce off the rest of the chamber, creating a glowing ambience that would work well for that specific sequence of the film.

Grant Major authored the English text that would be carved in runes onto the chamber walls by carefully scoring the books for information about Moria's history. His findings were transcribed into the runes that adorn the walls, along with translations of certain sentences into Khuzdul by [[David Salo]].

The runes on the chamber walls were the catalyst for one of the biggest fiascoes for the art department during production. A visiting Tolkien scholar claimed to have seen inane comments written on the walls. The art department searched the wall runes carefully but could find no offending sentences. The scholar revealed that he had simply been told this by a member of the crew. Grant Major and [[Dan Hennah]] assumed this was said crew member's idea of a joke. But the scholar later said that he had heard this from a member of the Weta Workshop minatures crew and that the offending comments in fact appeared on the miniature of the Second Hall of Khazad-dûm, though they were unable to be read in the final film and could not be translated using the Dwarvish runes anyway. (See [[Second Hall]]). In truth, no such "inane comments" exist on the Mazarbul Chamber wall runes.

====References====

* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition DVD|Extended Edition DVD]] Audio Commentaries (Scene 35)
* [[Gary Russell]]'s [[The Art of the Fellowship of the Ring]]: "Moria"
* Alan Lee's [[The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook]]: "Moria"
* [http://www.geocities.com/shire_society/mazarbul_incident.html Mazarbul Wall Rune Incident] A detailed analysis of the incident with comments from those involved.

==Related Links==

Location: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]

*[[Balin]]

*[[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Book of Mazarbul]]

Balin's Tomb

2006-04-18T00:23:18Z

71.120.192.40: /* References */

[[Image:Balinstomb.jpg|200px|thumb|Balin's Tomb in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

The site of [[Balin]] the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]]’s burial in [[Moria]].

==The Books==

===History and Geography===
Balin was killed at the hands of Moria [[orcs]] in [[Third Age|T.A.]] 2994. He was promptly buried in a tomb in the center of the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]. The [[Fellowship of the Ring]], journeying through Moria in T.A. 3019, found his tomb. The tomb was the site of a [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|battle]] between the Fellowship and a group of attacking orcs. The tomb was located inside the Mazarbul chamber, Balin’s former seat, which itself was located off the north end of the [[Twenty-first Hall]]. A shaft of light from outside of the mountain fell directly onto Balin’s Tomb, though it is not known what the shaft originally lit, if it was even in existence prior to Balin’s fall.

===Appearance===
The tomb was made of a single oblong block, about two feet high, underneath a large slab of white stone. Runes were deeply into the slab. Included in [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]: Book II: Chapter 4: [[A Journey in the Dark]] are these runes, which read:
* “BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA”, or:
“Balin Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu, Balin Son of Fundin Lord of Moria” (''ov''=''of'' phonetically).

[[Image:Balins-tomb cd jrrt.jpg|200px|thumb|The runic inscription found on Balin's Tomb.]]

===The Runes===

The runes carved into Balin’s Tomb were [[Daeron’s Runes]]. These runic values were older than those of [[Angerthas Erebor]] and were used in Moria before the flight of the Dwarves, appearing on such inscriptions. Balin’s Dwarves would have followed this example in such a circumstance. The top, larger runes (the first three lines) are written in [[Khuzdul]], while the smaller ones below (the final line) were in the [[Common Speech]].

The Dwarves never used their “true” Khuzdul names, not even in inscriptions, but rather their names in the Common Speech. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]], having translated all uses of the Common Speech into modern English, rendered these names as “Balin” and “Fundin”, as he did the other words in the last line of the inscription (see note on English below). The name “Moria” was used, for by the time of the inscription, it had become the accepted name for Khazad-dûm in the Common Speech.

The use of English to represent the Common Speech in primary sources such as the inscription on Balin's Tomb was a result of Tolkien's vision of completely translating all [[Westron]] into modern English, even in authentic documentation, although upon reflection Tolkien said that this translation was "an erroneous extension of the general linguistic treatment" (''[[The_Peoples_of_Middle-earth]]'', pp. 298-9: "Of Dwarves and Men").

===References===
* [[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 4: [[A Journey in the Dark]] and Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].
* [[The Treason of Isengard]]: Appendix on Runes
* [[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]: "Of Dwarves and Men"

==The Films==

[[Image:fotr1080.jpg|300px|thumb|Balin's Tomb in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]]

===Portrayal & Behind the Scenes===
Balin's Tomb is portrayed on film exactly as described in the book. The runes on the tomb are copied verbatim. [[Alan Lee]] was likely the conceptualizer of the tomb, maintaining the rigid, blocky style characteristic of the Dwarves (see [[Dwarven design]]), and fitting Tolkien's original description. [[Grant Major]] specifically tried to retain the evocative image of the shaft of light landing directly on Balin's Tomb in the film sequence. In the film, Balin's Tomb is destroyed by the [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] during the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]].

===References===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]] [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition DVD|Extended Edition DVD]] Audio Commentaries (Scene 35)
* Alan Lee's [[The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook]]: "Moria"

==Related Links==
Location: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

* [[Balin]]

Balin's Tomb

2006-04-18T00:21:14Z

71.120.192.40: /* Appearance */

[[Image:Balinstomb.jpg|200px|thumb|Balin's Tomb in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

The site of [[Balin]] the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]]’s burial in [[Moria]].

==The Books==

===History and Geography===
Balin was killed at the hands of Moria [[orcs]] in [[Third Age|T.A.]] 2994. He was promptly buried in a tomb in the center of the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]. The [[Fellowship of the Ring]], journeying through Moria in T.A. 3019, found his tomb. The tomb was the site of a [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|battle]] between the Fellowship and a group of attacking orcs. The tomb was located inside the Mazarbul chamber, Balin’s former seat, which itself was located off the north end of the [[Twenty-first Hall]]. A shaft of light from outside of the mountain fell directly onto Balin’s Tomb, though it is not known what the shaft originally lit, if it was even in existence prior to Balin’s fall.

===Appearance===
The tomb was made of a single oblong block, about two feet high, underneath a large slab of white stone. Runes were deeply into the slab. Included in [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]: Book II: Chapter 4: [[A Journey in the Dark]] are these runes, which read:
* “BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA”, or:
“Balin Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu, Balin Son of Fundin Lord of Moria” (''ov''=''of'' phonetically).

[[Image:Balins-tomb cd jrrt.jpg|200px|thumb|The runic inscription found on Balin's Tomb.]]

===The Runes===

The runes carved into Balin’s Tomb were [[Daeron’s Runes]]. These runic values were older than those of [[Angerthas Erebor]] and were used in Moria before the flight of the Dwarves, appearing on such inscriptions. Balin’s Dwarves would have followed this example in such a circumstance. The top, larger runes (the first three lines) are written in [[Khuzdul]], while the smaller ones below (the final line) were in the [[Common Speech]].

The Dwarves never used their “true” Khuzdul names, not even in inscriptions, but rather their names in the Common Speech. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]], having translated all uses of the Common Speech into modern English, rendered these names as “Balin” and “Fundin”, as he did the other words in the last line of the inscription (see note on English below). The name “Moria” was used, for by the time of the inscription, it had become the accepted name for Khazad-dûm in the Common Speech.

The use of English to represent the Common Speech in primary sources such as the inscription on Balin's Tomb was a result of Tolkien's vision of completely translating all [[Westron]] into modern English, even in authentic documentation, although upon reflection Tolkien said that this translation was "an erroneous extension of the general linguistic treatment" (''[[The_Peoples_of_Middle-earth]]'', pp. 298-9: "Of Dwarves and Men").

===References===
* [[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 4: [[A Journey in the Dark]] and Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].
* [[The Treason of Isengard]]: Appendix on Runes
* [[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]: "Of Dwarves and Men"

==The Films==

[[Image:fotr1080.jpg|300px|thumb|Balin's Tomb in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]]

===Portrayal & Behind the Scenes===
Balin's Tomb is portrayed on film exactly as described in the book. The runes on the tomb are copied verbatim. [[Alan Lee]] was likely the conceptualizer of the tomb, maintaining the rigid, blocky style characteristic of the Dwarves (see [[Dwarven design]]), and fitting Tolkien's original description. [[Grant Major]] specifically tried to retain the evocative image of the shaft of light landing directly on Balin's Tomb in the film sequence. In the film, Balin's Tomb is destroyed by the [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] during the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]].

===References===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]] Extended Edition DVD Audio Commentaries (Scene 35)
* Alan Lee's [[The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook]]: "Moria"

==Related Links==
Location: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

* [[Balin]]

Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul

2006-04-18T00:20:09Z

71.120.192.40: /* Portrayal */

{{battle|
image=[[Image:Fotr1117.jpg|300px]] The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul as depicted in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]|
name=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
conflict=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
date=January 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=The [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] in [[Khazad-dûm]]|
result= no victory for either side|
side1=The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|
side2= The hordes of Moria, the [[Balrog of Moria]]|
commanders1=[[Gandalf]]|
commanders2=The [[Balrog of Moria]]|
forces1=9 combatants|
forces2=Unknown total strength, over 14 [[Moria orcs]] and [[Uruks]], but probably not many more, at least one [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]], the Balrog of Moria|
casualties1=
[[Frodo Baggins]] skewered with a spear and thought dead, though he suffers a mere bruise, [[Samwise Gamgee]] receives small head injury|
casualties2=
14 orcs killed, Cave-troll injured in foot
}}

A skirmish between the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and the hordes of Moria in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

==The Books==
===Description===
The Fellowship, having just read fragments of the [[Book of Mazarbul]] inside the Mazarbul chamber, hear the sounds of an approaching band of [[orcs]]. This group includes both [[Moria orcs]] and large, black [[Uruks]] of Mordor. The Fellowship tries to shut the doors to the chamber, but the orcs are already trying to force their way in. A large [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] beats on the door and forces its foot thru. [[Frodo]] stabs the foot with [[Sting]], causing the troll to withdraw. Orcs shoot arrows through the door, but they bounce uselessly off the walls of the chamber. At last, the orcs manage to burst their way through the chamber door. A fierce skirmish ensues.

[[Legolas]] shoots two orcs through the throat. [[Gimli]] hews the legs from under one. [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]] slay "many" (no exact number is given). During the fight, [[Sam]] is receives a small head injury but kills an orc himself. When the Fellowship has killed 13 orcs, the rest of the orcs flee shrieking. But just as the Fellowship is about to leave the chamber, a large orc-chieftain jumps in and pins Frodo to the wall with a spear. Thinking him dead, the Fellowship carries Frodo away, after Aragorn kills the orc. It is later revealed that Frodo receives a mere bruise, having been protected by his shirt of [[mithril]] mail.

Gandalf remains in the chamber while the rest of the Fellowship flee and faces the [[Balrog of Moria]] for the first time. Gandalf sets a shutting spell on the chamber door but cannot hold it. The spell is broken and Gandalf follows the Fellowship out of the chamber, down the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm]].

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
* The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul is expanded a great deal in the films, to aid the movie's dramatic flow and pacing, and to make the battle something more meaningful for the Fellowship on screen. The entire Fellowship takes part in the skirmish.
The battle begins when a large group of Moria orcs breaks through the chamber door. A furious, fairly prolonged battle ensues. The cave-troll enters the scene early on, breaking into the chamber and nearly killing Sam, who ducks under the troll's legs just in time. The fighting continues, with Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli killing many orcs. Sam is able to kill (or at least knock out) a few with one of his iron pans and kills at least one with his sword. Frodo, Merry and Pippin seem to be participating in the fight as well. Peter Jackson likely wanted to involve the entire Fellowship in the battle to make it something meaningful to each member, as well as to the group as a whole, it being the Fellowship's first real battle together (in the book, the Fellowship doesn't really fight together like this).
* It is source of common debate as to whether or not the "black Uruks of Mordor" described by Tolkien are present in the film.
There are a few orcs that physically look slightly different from the rest, though they wear the same armor. Some have argued that perhaps the Mordor Uruks sent to Moria by Sauron had taken up the Moria orcs' way of life, adopting their armor and weaponry.
* In the film, it is the Cave-troll that chases after Frodo and hits him with a spear, rather than an orc-chieftain.
Jackson likely wanted to bring the Cave-troll into the center of the action, adding greater interest to the battle.

Following a momentary victory, when most of the orcs have been killed or fled the chamber, the Fellowship hear the sound of more orcs approaching and flee through a break in the eastern wall of the chamber back to Twenty-first Hall (see [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] for notes on geographical changes). The action is extended further in the film, as the Fellowship are soon surrounded by hundreds of Moria orcs, before the Balrog enters the hall.
* Gandalf never has his encounter with the Balrog in the Mazarbul chamber in the movie.
Jackson likely wanted to reserve the revelation of the Balrog for a more dramatic moment on film.

===Behind the Scenes===
Coming soon....

===References===
Coming soon....

==Related Links==
Site of Battle: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]

Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul

2006-04-18T00:19:49Z

71.120.192.40: /* Portrayal */

{{battle|
image=[[Image:Fotr1117.jpg|300px]] The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul as depicted in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]|
name=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
conflict=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
date=January 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=The [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] in [[Khazad-dûm]]|
result= no victory for either side|
side1=The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|
side2= The hordes of Moria, the [[Balrog of Moria]]|
commanders1=[[Gandalf]]|
commanders2=The [[Balrog of Moria]]|
forces1=9 combatants|
forces2=Unknown total strength, over 14 [[Moria orcs]] and [[Uruks]], but probably not many more, at least one [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]], the Balrog of Moria|
casualties1=
[[Frodo Baggins]] skewered with a spear and thought dead, though he suffers a mere bruise, [[Samwise Gamgee]] receives small head injury|
casualties2=
14 orcs killed, Cave-troll injured in foot
}}

A skirmish between the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and the hordes of Moria in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

==The Books==
===Description===
The Fellowship, having just read fragments of the [[Book of Mazarbul]] inside the Mazarbul chamber, hear the sounds of an approaching band of [[orcs]]. This group includes both [[Moria orcs]] and large, black [[Uruks]] of Mordor. The Fellowship tries to shut the doors to the chamber, but the orcs are already trying to force their way in. A large [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] beats on the door and forces its foot thru. [[Frodo]] stabs the foot with [[Sting]], causing the troll to withdraw. Orcs shoot arrows through the door, but they bounce uselessly off the walls of the chamber. At last, the orcs manage to burst their way through the chamber door. A fierce skirmish ensues.

[[Legolas]] shoots two orcs through the throat. [[Gimli]] hews the legs from under one. [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]] slay "many" (no exact number is given). During the fight, [[Sam]] is receives a small head injury but kills an orc himself. When the Fellowship has killed 13 orcs, the rest of the orcs flee shrieking. But just as the Fellowship is about to leave the chamber, a large orc-chieftain jumps in and pins Frodo to the wall with a spear. Thinking him dead, the Fellowship carries Frodo away, after Aragorn kills the orc. It is later revealed that Frodo receives a mere bruise, having been protected by his shirt of [[mithril]] mail.

Gandalf remains in the chamber while the rest of the Fellowship flee and faces the [[Balrog of Moria]] for the first time. Gandalf sets a shutting spell on the chamber door but cannot hold it. The spell is broken and Gandalf follows the Fellowship out of the chamber, down the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm]].

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
* The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul is expanded a great deal in the films, to aid the movie's dramatic flow and pacing, and to make the battle something more meaningful for the Fellowship on screen. The entire Fellowship takes part in the skirmish.
The battle begins when a large group of Moria orcs breaks through the chamber door. A furious, fairly prolonged battle ensues. The cave-troll enters the scene early on, breaking into the chamber and nearly killing Sam, who ducks under the troll's legs just in time. The fighting continues, with Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli killing many orcs. Sam is able to kill (or at least knock out) a few with one of his iron pans and kills at least one with his sword. Frodo, Merry and Pippin seem to be participating in the fight as well. Peter Jackson likely wanted to involve the entire Fellowship in the battle to make it something meaningful to each member, as well as to the group as a whole, it being the Fellowship's first real battle together (in the book, the Fellowship doesn't really fight together like this).
* It is source of common debate as to whether or not the "black Uruks of Mordor" described by Tolkien are present in the film.
There are a few orcs that physically look slightly different from the rest, though they wear the same armor. Some have argued that perhaps the Mordor Uruks sent to Moria by Sauron had taken up the Moria orcs' way of life, adopting their armor and weaponry.
* In the film, it is the Cave-troll that chases after Frodo and hits him with a spear, rather than an orc-chieftain.
Jackson likely wanted to bring the Cave-troll into the center of the action, adding greater interest to the battle.

Following a momentary victory, when most of the orcs have been killed or fled the chamber, the Fellowship hear the sound of more orcs approaching and flee through a break in the eastern wall of the chamber back to Twenty-first Hall (see [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] for notes on geographical changes). The action is extended further in the film, as the Fellowship are soon surrounded by hundreds of Moria orcs, before the Balrog enters the hall.
* Gandalf never has his encounter with the Balrog in the Mazarbul chamber in the movie.
Jackson likely wanted to reserve the revelation of the Balrog for a more dramatic moment.

===Behind the Scenes===
Coming soon....

===References===
Coming soon....

==Related Links==
Site of Battle: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[North End]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]