The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 4: A JOURNEY IN THE DARK
Overview
Driven from Caradhras and hunted by Wargs, the Fellowship turns to Moria. At the West-door Gandalf solves the riddle, but the Watcher attacks and seals their escape, forcing them inward. In the dark they press on amid hazards and lore of mithril, ultimately finding Balin’s tomb, confirming the dwarves’ downfall.
Summary
At dusk, after failing at Caradhras, Gandalf convenes a council. He proposes the Mines of Moria despite dread and Boromir’s objections; Aragorn reluctantly agrees, Gimli is eager, and Frodo defers a vote. Wolf howls rise, confirming danger. Through the night Wargs assault their hilltop; with sword, bow, and Gandalf’s fire, the Company routs them at dawn.
Pressing toward Moria, they find the Sirannon dry and its valley dammed into a dark lake before the West-wall. Gandalf leads them along the northern shore to the ancient holly trees marking the Elven Door. Regretfully, Gandalf bids farewell to Bill the pony, despite Sam’s grief. By moonlight Gandalf reveals the ithildin-inscribed Doors of Durin but fails with spells until he recalls the riddle and speaks “mellon,” opening the way.
As the doors part, a tentacled Watcher seizes Frodo; Sam frees him, and the writhing arms slam the gates, blocking retreat as Bill flees. Gandalf leads them up and inward by the light of his staff. They march through oppressive dark, avoiding chasms and wells. In a guardroom Pippin drops a stone into a deep shaft, provoking distant, troubling knocks, and Gandalf sharply rebukes him.
After rest, Gandalf chooses an ascending passage. They make better progress along a major road, and Frodo repeatedly senses soft, following footsteps. Reaching a vast pillared hall, Gandalf briefly reveals its immensity with a flash of light and decides they should rest until morning.
As they resume, Gimli sings of Durin’s lost splendour; Gandalf explains mithril’s worth and the dwarves’ downfall through delving too deep. Morning light filters from high shafts. Exploring a lit chamber, they find a stone table inscribed: “Balin son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.” Gimli mourns as the Company realizes Balin is dead and Moria’s doom confirmed.
Who Appears
- GandalfLeads the council to choose Moria; opens the Doors by riddle; repels Wargs; guides through the dark.
- Frodo BagginsRing-bearer; supports Gandalf’s counsel; seized by the Watcher; senses unseen footsteps; discovers Balin’s tomb.
- GimliEager for Moria; aids Gandalf; identifies Durin’s emblems; sings of Durin; mourns at Balin’s tomb.
- AragornWarns Gandalf to beware; fights Wargs; supports Gandalf’s leadership and keeps rear guard in Moria.
- BoromirOpposes Moria, suggests the Gap; battles Wargs; disturbs the pool; remains wary of the dark road.
- Samwise GamgeeGrieves parting with Bill; cuts Frodo free from the Watcher; keeps practical focus in the dark.
- LegolasSlays the first Warg with an arrow; aids in defense; keen-eyed amid the darkness.
- Peregrin (Pippin) TookFears Wargs; drops a stone into a well, prompting ominous knocks; takes first watch.
- Meriadoc (Merry) BrandybuckUrges hearing the worst; nearly rushes into danger; inadvertently points Gandalf toward the riddle’s answer.
- Bill the PonyReleased at the West-door; flees during the Watcher’s attack; Sam mourns his loss.
- Watcher in the WaterTentacled creature in the lake; seizes Frodo and slams the Doors, sealing the Company inside.
- BalinDwarven lord of Moria; revealed dead by his tomb, confirming the colony’s fate.