November 6, 2002

Mines of Moria
Chris

I'd like to respond to Dora-chan's question about Moria (or Kazhad-Dum sp?). The seven father's of the dwarves were created by Aule (the smith of the Valar) before the awakening of the elves. The Valar were forbidden to create beings and Eru was angry with Aule at his creating the dwarves before the elves awoke. However, Eru did not want them destroyed so he had Aule lay each of the seven in deep places throughout Middlearth. Durin (the deathless) was the dwarf lord who awoke in Kazhad Dum (Moria was the name given the city/kingdom after it's fall). The dwarves created Moria all on their own but had much trade throughout Middlearth with the Eldar during the first and second ages. While the elves built in stone and did live underground (such as Meneroth in Doriath, which was built by the dwarves of the Blue mtns.) they did not build underground as a rule, although the Green elves stronghold in Mirkwood would appear to be another exception but I don't know who built that city. The reason for the elvish on the door of Moria was because of the trade relationship between the remaining Noldor left in Middlearth during the second age (led by Celebrimbor, master elvensmith and grandson of Feanor). The Noldor were more closely attuned to the dwarves in terms of their love of crafting things with their hands and they taught each other much. This open relationship allowed free exchange to the point where to gain entrance to the dwarf kingdom all one had to do was approach the the doors "speak friend and enter". It was Celebrimbor who forged the rings of power (except for the one) with the help of Sauron the formed the basis for the happenings of the third age and the end of the second age. Kazhad Dum became Moria when the dwarves delved too deep into the earth looking for mithril (was was the basis for much of the wealth of Khazhad Dum)and awoke a Balrog. I realize I probably gave more information than anyone wanted to hear, but there were alot of factors that could be addressed in the question of the history of Moria. I would suggest reading the Silmarillion to get better information on this topic.