Bridge of Khazad-dûm

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The name Bridge of Khazad-dûm refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see The Bridge of Khazad-dûm (disambiguation).
Bridge of Khazad-dûm
Bridge
John Howe - The Bridge of Khazad-dum.jpg
"The Bridge of Khazad-dûm" by John Howe
General Information
Other namesDurin's Bridge[1]
LocationEastern Moria, before the Great Gates
TypeBridge
DescriptionNarrow bridge of stone over abyss
History
Destroyed15 January, T.A. 3019 (partially)[2]
EventsStand-off between Gandalf and Durin's Bane
GalleryImages of the Bridge of Khazad-dûm

The Bridge of Khazad-dûm was a narrow stone bridge crossing a chasm within the eastern gates of the Dwarf-city of Khazad-dûm.

History

It was built so narrow for defensive purposes — enemies who breached the outer defences would be forced to cross a span of about fifty feet in single file. The depth of the chasm was incredible and the ceiling was high; on the outer side of the bridge was a flight of stairs leading to the exit, through the First Hall and the Great Gates of Moria.[3]

The bridge is most noted for being the location of the encounter between Gandalf and the Balrog. It was broken by Gandalf during the fight but would most likely have been repaired by Dwarves after the War of the Ring, since it was on the main approach to the city from the east.

References