LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Bridge of Khazad-Dum

The Fellowship's endless walk through the dark halls of Moria comes to an unexpected halt when they come across the tomb of Balin, Gimli's cousin and former lord of Moria. Gandalf finds a written account of  Moria's history. As Gandalf pages through the record book he comes across several passages referring to 'drums in the deep...we cannot get out...they are coming.' It's not long before the Fellowship hear the drums in the dark. And the 'they' never actually left. They have been waiting in the dark for a long time.

The Fellowship soon come face to face with orcs and cave trolls, engaging in their first actual battle and actually having some moderate success. The hobbits get their first taste of battle and Frodo himself is badly wounded. Actually, he should have been killed, but a gift his Uncle Bilbo saves his life, even though he keeps this hidden from the Company. 

However, nothing can prepare them for the monster that has been hidden deep in the recesses of the mountain. A Balrog. A hideous demon made from smoke and fire. The only way for the Fellowship to get out is over the narrow bridge of Khazad-Dum (Dwarvish for Moria). While crossing the bridge, Gandalf has a blazing standoff with the Balrog and was able to defeat it. At least he thought he did. The Balrog's fiery whip caught hold of Gandalf and dragged him down over the bridge. His final words to the Fellowship, "Fly you fools!" 

Moria is really the first time that the reader experience a place of absolute darkness. Orcs and cave trolls and then the Balrog. The heartbreaking part is that Moria was once this glistening jewel in the culture of the Dwarves and how so quickly the evil of Sauron destroyed all the was good and decent and honorable within its walls. This is especially heartbreaking for Gimli as these are his family and his people and his heritage. The Balrog is one of the most terrifying creatures in fantasy writing. I believe it's close to what actual demons may resemble as well. 

Heidi's Questions:

• In the chamber, why do you think the orc captain went directly for Frodo?

Quite possibly. Orcs aren't really intelligent, but as they are also agents of Sauron. It's very likely that the orcs could have been drawn to the power of Ring and the orc captain may have been compelled in some evil sense to kill Frodo.