November 9, 2002

Moria, Elves, and Eregion
Deek Bessette

Moria was next to the elven kingdom of Eregion, also known as Hollin, which was ruled by Galadriel's relative Celebrimbor, the maker of the rings of power. It was Celebrimbor who was fooled by Sauron into teaching the Dark Lord the secrets of ring-making. Celebrimbor and the elves of Eregion were on very good terms with the kingdom of Moria. The elves and dwarves seemed to have a gift of craftsmanship that bonded them in that age. It was not until the dwarves awoke the Balrog that the the west-door of Moria to Eregion was closed... it was not out of anger, but for the possible fact that the Balrog and his allies had conquered the area. unfortunately for the elves, Sauron's armies would devastate Eregion and kill Celebrimbor just as Durin of the dwarves was slain by the Balrog.