Moria (scene)

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The name Moria refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Moria (disambiguation).
Moria
Scene from
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Scene number27 (theatrical)
33 (extended)
Duration 04:52 (theatrical)
06:25 (extended)
Event The Fellowship enter Moria
Characters Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Sam, Merry, Pippin
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A Journey in the Dark

Moria is the twenty-seventh scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and the thirty-third of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition). This scene was extended in the latter edition.

Synopsis[edit | edit source]

The Fellowship approach Moria. Gandalf discreetly asks Frodo how his shoulder feels (it was stabbed by the Witch-king at Weathertop) and tells him to beware, saying that he fears evil will be drawn towards Frodo both from outside and inside the Fellowship.

They all come upon the walls of Moria. Gandalf notices Ithildin which shines in the light of the stars and moon to reveal the outline of a doorway and writing above the archway. He tells them it reads "The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter". Confident he knows the password to open the doors, Gandalf speaks, however they do not open. The Fellowship are forced to wait while Gandalf figures out how to open the doors.

Meanwhile, Aragorn helps Sam to ready Bill the Pony to be sent back homeward, saying that the mines are not the place for him to be in. Merry and Pippin begin to throw rocks into the water; Aragorn sees this and stops them, telling them "Do not disturb the water", while studying the water somewhat curiously as it begins to ripple in places.

Frodo realises that the writing above the archway is a riddle, saying "Speak 'Friend' and Enter". He asks Gandalf what the Elvish word for "friend" is; in response, Gandalf says "mellon". The doors open, and they all enter. Gimli tells Legolas he will soon be enjoying Dwarven hospitality. Gandalf lights the chamber up, revealing a multitude of skeletons on the floor. Boromir recognises the mines are now a tomb, and tells them all to get out.

As the hobbits back out of the mines, Frodo is wrenched into the air by a large tentacle. Sam attacks the tentacle and calls for Aragorn, who, along with Boromir and Legolas, rescue Frodo from the grip of the creature. Gandalf urges them all into the mines. Just as they all pass through the doors, the creature destroys the entrance trapping them inside.

Differences[edit | edit source]