From TA 2989 to TA 2994, the re-colonization of Moria was an attempted expedition led by Balin to re-take the ancient Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm. An initial effort was successful in reclaiming some of Moria from the Orcs. However, the Balrog known as Durin's Bane emerged, and, with a great host of goblins, attacked and overwhelmed the Dwarves, leaving none alive.
History[]
48 years after the Battle of the Five Armies, Balin, along with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli, and a large colony of Dwarves embarked from the Lonely Mountain to the Misty Mountains to reclaim the lost dwarven city of Moria. Dáin II Ironfoot reluctantly gave his permission for the venture, fearing Durin's Bane, which he had seen with his own eyes at the Battle of Azanulbizar. Balin hoped to reclaim some of the treasure of the lost realm such as the Ring of Thrór (actually taken from Thráin II by Sauron). The initial battles took place from the Dimrill Dale to the Chamber of Mazarbul in which Flói was killed before the Dwarves reached the First Hall. Nevertheless everything went well as the Dwarves were fiercely determined to take back their home, slaying every orc in their path, eventually some of Moria was reclaimed and they dwelt in the Twenty-first Hall of North end until Balin moved to the Chamber of Mazarbul, which then became his seat of rule. For the next five years, Balin ruled as Lord of Moria. The orcs became a mere nuisance in those years and were not a serious threat. During this time, Balin and company found Durin's Axe and some sort of 'helm', possibly the crown of Durin I. The Dwarves sent word of their success to Erebor, speaking of their prosperity and new colony within Moria, but after sometime went quiet, leaving King Dáin and the rest in the dark about the expeditions eventual fate.
The Dwarves were aware that a menace called Durin's Bane dwelt in Moria, but did not know that it was an ancient Balrog dwelling in the utter deeps of the city. By the year TA 2994, "Durin's Bane" appeared, and a horde of orcs launched a massive counterattack from the east. Balin was shot by an archer and died in Dimrill Dale and many other Dwarves perished and retreated into the mines. Bloody fighting took place all over Moria, but the strength of the Dwarves were ultimately no match for the sheer number of orcs and the power of the Balrog. Soon the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and the Second Hall were taken by the goblins. Frár, Lóni, and Náli were among the casualties in the Second Hall. Óin and a group of Dwarves tried to escape through the Doors of Durin, but Óin was taken by the Watcher in the Water. The last Dwarves barred the doors of the Chamber of Mazarbul, and were able to build a tomb for Balin. Eventually, the orcs broke through and slew the remaining Dwarves, ending the re-colonization of Moria.[1][2]
Aftermath[]
With the Dwarven colony destroyed, Moria continued to be a place of evil that few dared enter. By TA 3019, King Dáin II had become concerned at the lack of news from Moria, and Glóin was sent to the Council of Elrond partly to ascertain news of the colony. The Fellowship of the Ring passed through Moria not long afterwards and found it desolate, they discovered a partial account of its fall recorded in the Book of Mazarbul.[3]
Translations[]
| Foreign Language | Translated name |
| Danish | Rekoloniseringen af Moria |
References[]
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter II: "The Council of Elrond"
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter IV: "A Journey in the Dark"
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter V: "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"