📖👀 Chapter 5 (📔Book II): The Bridge of Khazad-dûm

[Rivendell_librarian]

For me, this chapter is the most dramatic of the whole trilogy since the whole Fellowship of the Ring are involved. Balin's tomb evokes something of the wonder of the tomb of Tutankhamun - just imagine a Time Team special programme. I love the way Tolkien describes the ancient battered tome of the tomb. We cannot get out, The end comes and then drums, drums in the deep. Legolas says "they are coming" and Gimli "we cannot get out" and then the sound of distant drums!

In the midst of the drama there is some mystery. Did anyone in the Fellowship know what was actually meant by Durin's Bane? Appropriately, it is Gimli who first sees the Balrog but it is Legolas who says what it is. Did Gimli know Durin's Bane was a Balrog or did he first realize it at this moment of revelation? Aragorn and Boromir bravely (pointlessly?: "swords are no more use here") stand behind Gandalf on the bridge. Gandalf breaks the bridge with his staff. The Balrog cannot defy gravity (does it have wings that enable it to fly? - apparently not) but has the apparent last laugh by catching Gandalf around the knees with his flaming whip and pulling him down with him. A truly dramatic moment. "Fly you fools" Gandalf cried, and was gone.

Aragorn immediately takes command: they all fly as Gandalf commanded. They looked back. Dark yawned the archway of the Gates under the mountain-shadow. Grief at last wholly overcame them.

A truly great piece of writing.

 

[Muskrat]

I love Tolkien’s small vignettes, almost paintings, where nothing is happening, but the scene is unforgettable. The one in this chapter happens when Gandlf relieves Pippen on watch. Pippen falls asleep seeing the wizzard in front of the three passages, smoking his pipe. These little pictures are everywhere in the book, and they are as vivid to me as the action.

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

The Gandalf/Balrog door scene made me think of:

"Knock, knock"
"Who's there?"
"Balrog"
(the sound of running feet)

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

I love Tolkien’s small vignettes, almost paintings, where nothing is happening, but the scene is unforgettable. The one in this chapter happens when Gandlf relieves Pippen on watch. Pippen falls asleep seeing the wizzard in front of the three passages, smoking his pipe. These little pictures are everywhere in the book, and they are as vivid to me as the action.

This marvellous vignette comes in the previous chapter, A Journey in the Dark. These two chapters go together with no break at all between them. Pippin has let a stone drop into the well: it was a long time before it hit the water but this apparently alerted the orcs of Moria to their presence. Gandalf needed a smoke to consider which path to take. I think Tolkien conveys Gandalf's vulnerability well here. He stands firm against the Balrog despite his age (gnarled hands).

I love how this chapter ends with the rest of the Fellowship looking back at the dark yawning archway from which thin black smoke trailed out, evoking Gandalf's fall from the bridge into darkness with the fiery, smoky Balrog. Gandalf gave off thin trails of smoke from his pipe.

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

Another important feature of this chapter is this is the first time this "adventure" becomes really serious for the hobbits in that someone they know well, apparently dies. Yes, they had narrow escapes in the Old Forest, the Barrow Downs and on Weathertop - but Gandalf disappearing into darkness apparently forever - well for them this has become all too real. This is not just an adventure: the future of Middle Earth depends on them - and should they fail ...

 

[Radaghast]

The entire Moria sequence is my favorite in the book (meaning LotR, not just FotR).

 

[Ent]

Yes, this entire section will have several appearances in my book. Tolkien uses it extensively as a vehicle for his inclusion of "moral and religious elements, but not explicitly."
All the scenes painted, some mentioned above, are incredible.

'Let the guide go first while you have one.'

I'm uncertain about the issue of 'conspiracy,' as it could take many forms.

However, with regard to Aragorn and conspiracy, I will do some lengthy pondering. 'Twas Aragorn who more than once warned (strenuouisly) they not take that path, because he was concerned for Gandalf. It was but a bit of 'prescience.'

In fact, we might say 'providence' - and also a bit of a 'test of faith' for Gandalf, which the entire scene, culminating in his death at the hand of the Balrog, delivers so well. (which my book will deal with fully.)

Note to ponder: had Gandalf not died at the hand of the Balrog, there would be no Gandalf the White able to oppose and depose Saruman. Everything works together to position Gandalf precisely where and as he needs to be. Providence unfolding. How did Aragorn come to his 'uneasy feeling' on Gandalf's behalf? Providence. Why? To provide Gandalf warning, yet test his faith.

This is what is meant in this particular passage:: "A Balrog,' muttered Gandalf. 'Now I understand.' He faltered and leaned heavily on his staff. 'What an evil fortune.! And I am already weary.'

In the second paragraph following, after his moment of weakness of faith (shown by his 'faltering' and momentary looking at himself rather than his source), we read:
"Over the bridge!" cried Gandalf, recalling his strength. This 'recalling' is not just a physical, but a mental/spiritual recalling.
He says "Fly! This is a foe beyond any of you. I must hold the narrow way."

He undrstands more broadly now, how all events led to this moment. Providence.

This is why his word to the Balrog: "You cannot pass" - rather than PJ's obtuse and objectionable "You shall not pass" - is so critical. Gandalf has recovered from his moment of weakness and 'self-reflection,' recalled where his strength comes from, and is ready.
- reminder - 'cannot' is a term of ability. 'shall' is a term of permission. Tolkien has Gandalf reminding the Balrrog he has no ability to pass. Not that he does not have permission (from Gandalf alone - Gandalf has in himself no such power, authority or charge to use.)

- "I am a servent of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass." Gandalf knows his position. and his source. Note he's not 'shouting' at this pint. He's simply 'saying.'
- "The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the shadow. You cannot pass." The flame of Udun has no power to overcome the flame of Anor. Gandalf knows this. Thus, he's 'simply saying.
- this is the 3rd time he's advised the Balrog "you cannot pass." The number three is very important in 'religious' circles.

There is a world of meaning wrapped up in the whole of the Moria events, including Gandalf's offer of MERCY to the Balrog - 'just go away, or things might not go well for you.' Also an opportunity for 'Repentance'. "Remember, Balrog - what you wield is not a gift from and with the power of Eru. Consider well, and turn from your course."

These things and more are wrapped up in this scene, including through his death and return as "The White," the ability to overcome and offer Saruman the same grace of an offer of repentance. "Consider well." "Will you not come down?"

But I will refrain from unfolding more of it here.

Indeed, Tolkien labored, "considering every word."