In the enchanting world of The Lord of the Rings, one of the most captivating symbols is the Doors of Durin, guarding the Dwarven realm of Moria. These majestic doors, featured in The Fellowship of the Ring, epitomize the mystical essence that permeates Middle-Earth. But what is the origin story behind these remarkable doors and the secrets they hold?
The Doors of Durin come to prominence when the Fellowship embarks on their journey through Moria, encountering these grand doors inscribed with an intricate script visible only under the moonlight. Protected by a hidden password concealed within a clever riddle, the design of the doors is vividly depicted in both the original text and Peter Jackson's cinematic portrayal of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
A Unique Collaboration Between Races
In the ancient era of The Lord of the Rings, Elves and Dwarves stood as historical adversaries with a legacy of conflict. However, during the early Second Age, a period marked by less hostility, the realms of Eregion and Khazad-dûm, belonging to the Elves and Dwarves respectively, shared a rare camaraderie. Situated side by side, these kingdoms fostered a unique bond between their inhabitants.
- The Doors of Durin, a collaborative creation of Celebrimbor and Narvi during the Second Age, served as a gateway for trade between Eregion and Khazad-dûm.
- Amid Sauron's assault on Eregion, the doors were sealed, leading to the demise of Celebrimbor.
- Thousands of years later, Gandalf navigated Moria using the Doors of Durin in search of Thrain.
- Although the Fellowship entered Moria through the doors, their passage was obstructed by the Watcher in the Water, resulting in the doors' destruction.
The Elves of Eregion and the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm shared a profound friendship, engaging in trade and mutual visits. This amity was primarily fostered by Celebrimbor, the Lord of Eregion, who admired the Dwarven craftsmanship and collaborated closely with Narvi, the eminent Dwarven smith of Khazad-dûm. Together, they undertook monumental projects in stonework and jewelry-making.
In the middle years of the Second Age, Narvi and Celebrimbor embarked on their most ambitious endeavor: crafting grand doors into the Misty Mountains, promoting goodwill and easy access between the races. Adorned with ithildin, a unique form of Mithril that gleamed under starlight, and flanked by holly trees, the Doors of Durin symbolized unity. After meticulous labor, the doors were unveiled, bridging Eregion and Khazad-dûm like never before.
The Tragic Legacy of the Doors
For centuries, the Doors of Durin stood open, facilitating passage into Moria and fostering prosperity through inter-kingdom trade. Eregion's Elves frequented the mountain halls, reaping mutual benefits with the Dwarves. Celebrimbor and Narvi cherished their companionship, leaving an indelible mark on the Misty Mountains.
However, peace waned in Eregion during SA 1695, as Sauron's forces ravaged the realm in a brutal conflict. Despite a valiant effort by the Dwarves to aid the Elves, the onslaught led to the closure of the Doors of Durin after millennia of operation. Sauron's victory over Eregion, resulting in Celebrimbor's demise, marked the tragic end of the Elven-Dwarven bond.
The Doors in the Era of The Lord of the Rings
In the era depicted in The Lord of the Rings, Moria lay abandoned, and the Doors of Durin faded into obscurity. Yet, in TA 2850, Gandalf's passage through Moria reignited interest in the doors. Reentering Moria through the eastern gate and exiting via the Doors of Durin, Gandalf's actions hinted at future events.
When the Fellowship faced peril in the Misty Mountains, Gandalf advocated for traversing Moria. Despite apprehension, the group followed him after encountering adversities. Arriving at the Doors of Durin, they realized an essential detail overlooked by Gandalf: the doors required a password for entry. Deciphering an Elvish riddle on the door, Gandalf revealed the password, 'friend' (mellon). As the doors opened, the Fellowship's passage was impeded by the Watcher in the Water, leading to the doors' swift destruction, marking the end of an era symbolized by the Doors of Durin.