The Mystery of Gimli's Ignorance: Unveiling Moria's Fall in LOTR
Gimli's lack of knowledge about Moria's fall stems from the unsuccessful expedition led by Balin This article explores the reasons behind Gimli's ignorance and sheds light on the shadow of disquiet that shrouded the Dwarves until his own journey
Highlights
The Battle of Azanulbizar ended the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, but the Dwarves couldn't return to their lost home of Khazad-dûm due to the Balrog's presence.
Balin embarked on an ill-fated journey to retake Moria, with the hopes of recovering the Ring of Thrór and other valuable treasures. Unfortunately, he met his demise at the hands of Orcs.
Gimli, unaware of Moria's tragic outcome, was left in the dark due to the lack of communication between Erebor and Moria for a quarter of a century. The Dwarves held onto their optimism, unwilling to acknowledge defeat unless concrete information emerged.
In The Lord of the Rings lore, the Battle of Azanulbizar signified the conclusion of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs in the Third Age. Despite the Dwarves emerging triumphant, they were unable to reclaim their ancient dwelling, Khazad-dûm, which had been lost six centuries earlier. Dáin II Ironfoot, cautioning against the Balrog known as Durin’s Bane residing within the depths of the Misty Mountains, expressed that change in the world and a power beyond theirs was necessary before Durin’s Folk could return to Moria.
After the Quest of Erebor, the Dwarves repopulated the Lonely Mountain, ultimately transforming it into Middle-earth's greatest Dwarven city. However, Balin, one of Thorin's company, embarked on a fateful journey to Moria. In the first segment of The Lord of the Rings, Gimli, who was related to Balin, unknowingly followed the same path to Khazad-dûm while on the Quest of the Ring, oblivious to the fate that awaited his fellow kin.
Balin’s Failed Expedition to Moria
After becoming prosperous in Erebor, some Dwarves grew restless and yearned to return to Moria. Balin, disregarding King Dáin's warning about the Balrog, led an expedition in TA 2989 to reclaim the lost city. Their main objective was to recover the Ring of Thrór, along with other treasures of the realm. Balin was accompanied by a large colony of Dwarves, including Óin and Ori from Thorin's company.
Upon reaching Dimrill Dale, they engaged in a brief battle with the Orcs and entered the Great Gates victorious. The Twenty-first Hall became their main base until Balin established his throne room in the Chamber of Mazarbul, proclaiming himself as the Lord of Moria. Over the next 5 years, the colony thrived, discovering valuable treasures such as mithril, helms, and Durin's Axe. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find the Ring, as it had been taken by Sauron from Thráin II.
On 10th November TA 2994,
Why Didn’t Gimli Know About Moria?
had a visit to Mirrormere, a lake situated less than a mile below the East-gate of Khazad-dûm. While observing the lake, an Orc attacked him from behind, resulting in his eventual demise. It is worth mentioning that Durin I (also known as Durin the Deathless) had previously gazed into the same lake and witnessed the stars forming a crown upon his reflection, which inspired him to establish Khazad-dûm. Balin’s remains were placed in a tomb located in the Chamber of Mazarbul, with an inscription in Westron that read: “Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.” Unfortunately, Balin's killer was just the first of numerous Orcs that launched an assault on the Dwarves. Subsequently, the goblins seized control of the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and the Second Hall. A few Dwarves attempted to escape via the Durin, but Óin fell victim to the Watcher in the Water. Ultimately, the remaining Dwarves were trapped in the Chamber of Mazarbul until the Orcs forcefully broke through the secured doors and took their lives.
In the year TA 3019, Gimli and his father Glóin, who had joined Thorin on his quest, embarked on a journey to Rivendell. Their purpose was twofold: firstly, to gather any information about Moria, and secondly, to inform Elrond that Sauron is aware that Bilbo possesses the One Ring. During the Council of Elrond, Glóin disclosed, "Initially, we received promising news: reports indicated that Moria had been entered and a substantial undertaking had commenced. However, all communication abruptly ceased, and no word has since reached us from Moria."
The reason for the Dwarves' disbelief in Moria's fall remains unmentioned. However, it can be speculated that they simply refused to accept Balin's failure until receiving definitive confirmation. The Dwarves' optimism could also be attributed to the distant geographical separation between Erebor and Moria, which likely hindered communication and made travel between the two kingdoms perilous. Additionally, the Dwarves may not have found the 25-year silence concerning, as their lifespan extends up to 250 years. Furthermore, since no survivors from Moria had relayed any news to Erebor, the Dwarves had no direct source of information. It was also unlikely that the Orcs would instigate conflict by spreading the news, as they had already suffered severe losses from previous clashes with the Dwarves.
When the Fellowship of the Ring was established, Gimli willingly joined their ranks. Following their failed attempt to pass through the Redhorn Pass, they contemplated traversing the feared mines of Moria. Eager to discover the fate of his fellow Dwarves, Gimli proclaimed, "I will go and see the chambers of Durin, whatever may await us there." This suggests that Gimli was not entirely ignorant of the possible outcomes and did not actively advocate for the Fellowship to journey through Moria until it became their sole option. In contrast, the film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring portrayed Gimli as significantly more optimistic, believing that Moria could still be thriving.
In Khazad-dûm, as the Fellowship journeyed further, they uncovered Balin's tomb and acquired knowledge of his ill-fated expedition through the Book of Mazarbul, a revered Dwarven chronicle. Recorded within were the final words scribed by Ori: "Escape is beyond us. Our bleak demise approaches [...] they draw near." Swiftly thereafter, the Fellowship found themselves pursued relentlessly by Orcs, Cave-trolls, and the formidable Balrog within the depths of Moria, leading to the tragic loss of Gandalf the Gray.
