November 2, 2002

Re: The Mines of Moria
Elbereth

The mines of Moria were built by the dwarves and in the Elder Days it was the center of their splendor. In Hollin(where Moria is located)there was a great friendship between the elves and the dwarves so that is why the password to the doors of moria was in elvish. The elves also helped with the designing of the door(the inlaying of the ithildin). The dwarves of Moria were friends of the elves, they did not work with the orcs. It was after the Balrog came and the gates of Moria were shut that evil came there. This was also about the same time of the forging of the One ring and the keepers of the Three hid there rings from Sauron. I hope this is of some help. You can find more information about the dwarves in the appendix of the RotK.