 | |
| Chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring | |
| Bunt/sandbox | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Perspective | Frodo |
| Navigation | |
| Preceded by | A Journey in the Dark |
| Followed by | Lothlórien (chapter) |
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.
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 the Durin's Bane, a Balrog.
Central to the chapter is the battle between Gandalf and Durin's Bane, through which it explores the persistence of ancient powers in Middle-earth, self‑sacrificing leadership, the limits of strength even among the mighty, and the fragility of fellowship under strain. It marks a moment of profound transition, where grief, danger and the weight of history converge to reshape the company’s path.
Overview
The chapter begins immediately following the end of the previous chapter, with the Fellowship stood in a chamber beside Balin's Tomb.
From a book of records 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 of Mazarbul to Gimli and encouraged the Fellowship to leave the Chamber of Mazarbul immediately.
Suddenly, the Orcs returned. After a fierce battle in which Frodo was wounded, Gandalf stopped the Orcs with a spell. As if in warning of what is to come, however, a very strong presence nearly made it impossible for Gandalf to use his power.
The further they went through the Mines, the hotter it became, and they realised that the lower levels were on fire. They came across a deep chasm that could only be crossed by a narrow bridge. Gimli led the way, and just as Legolas drew his bow, he saw a sight that filled him with horror. A great shadow, shaped like a man but having far greater power, was pursuing them. It was a Balrog, known as Durin's Bane, the beast that had attacked Balin and the dwarves. The Balrog had a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire in one hand and a thong of whips in the other. He leapt across the chasm and raced toward them.
Boromir drew out his horn and blew it. Shortly after, he and Aragorn ran to aid Gandalf, but Gandalf commanded them to return to the rest of the company. Gandalf stood on the bridge and commanded the Balrog to go back, but it rushed at him with its sword. Gandalf countered it with his own sword, and before it could attack a second time he cut the bridge right out from under the Balrog. With a cry the Balrog toppled into the abyss, slashing its whip at Gandalf. Gandalf became entwined in it, and was dragged down as well.