The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 5: THE BRIDGE OF KHAZAD-DÛM
Overview
In Balin’s tomb the Fellowship read the Book of Mazarbul and learn Moria’s colony perished. Orcs and a cave-troll assail them; Frodo survives a spear thanks to hidden mail. Fleeing toward the East-gate, they confront a Balrog. Gandalf breaks the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, falls with the Balrog’s whip, and the Company escapes mourning.
Summary
Beside Balin’s tomb, Gandalf deciphers the ruined Book of Mazarbul, revealing Balin’s brief rule, the finding of mithril, his death at Dimrill Dale, the Watcher taking Óin, and the colony’s last stand: “We cannot get out… drums in the deep.” Realizing Moria’s doom, Gandalf resolves to depart eastward.
Drums and horns erupt. Orcs and a cave-troll assault the Chamber of Mazarbul. Boromir and Aragorn hold the door; Frodo wounds the troll’s foot; the Company cuts down attackers. An orc-chieftain spears Frodo, but Sam breaks the shaft and Aragorn smites the helm, driving foes off. Gandalf orders a retreat.
Gandalf attempts a shutting-spell at the door, meets a dreadful counter-spell, and collapses the chamber, sealing pursuit. Weary, he leads the Fellowship downward through dark stairs toward the First Deep, where red fire and a fissure bar the hall. Drums resume behind them as they race for the Bridge and East-gate.
At the Second Hall’s end, trolls lay stone gangways for orcs, but a greater terror advances: a Balrog, Durin’s Bane. Gandalf commands the others to flee and confronts it on the narrow bridge, declaring, “You cannot pass.” He shatters the bridge; the Balrog plunges, but its whip ensnares him. Gandalf falls, crying, “Fly, you fools!”
Stunned, the Company obeys Aragorn, who leads them out through the shattered East-gate. They reach Dimrill Dale under sunlight, hear the fading drums, and break down in grief for Gandalf as smoke drifts from Moria.
Who Appears
- GandalfDeciphers the Book of Mazarbul, leads the escape, confronts the Balrog, breaks the bridge, and falls.
- AragornHelps defend the chamber, rescues Frodo, attempts to aid Gandalf, then leads the Fellowship out.
- Frodo BagginsStabs the troll’s foot; survives an orc-chieftain’s spear thanks to hidden mithril; flees wounded.
- BoromirBraces the door, battles orcs, is thrown by the chieftain, then helps cover the retreat.
- LegolasSlays orcs with arrows; recognizes the Balrog; helps drag Gimli from Balin’s tomb.
- GimliMourns at Balin’s tomb; fights orcs; names the Balrog as Durin’s Bane.
- Samwise GamgeeWounds an orc, breaks the spear pinning Frodo, supports him during the escape.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckFlees with the Company; is shepherded by Aragorn during the retreat.
- Peregrin TookRetreats from the chamber and crosses the bridge among the first.
- The Balrog (Durin’s Bane)Ancient fire-shadow of Moria; confronts Gandalf on the bridge; falls, dragging him down.
- Orcs of MoriaMassed attackers with a cave-troll and a chieftain; pursue to the halls and gates.