The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The East-gate was constructed during the First Age as part of the original Khazad-dûm; the West-gate (at least in its later form)1 dated from the reign of Durin III, and was made sometime between II 750 and II 1697
Location
To the east and west of Khazad-dúm
Race
Dwarves (though the West-gate was made with the assistance of the Elf Celebrimbor)
Division
Culture
Family
Khazad-dûm was ruled by the House of Durin
Settlements
Khazad-dûm, later called Moria
Source
The Sirannon rose near the West-gate, while Celebrant flowed out of Kheled-záram near the East-gate
Important peaks
The gates lay to the east and west of the Mountains of Moria
Pronunciation
Moria is pronounced 'mo'ria'
Meaning
Other names
The East-gate was also known as the The Dimrill Gate or The Great Gates; the West-gate was also known as the Doors of Durin, Elven Door, Gates of Moria, Hollin Gate or the West-door

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About this entry:

  • Updated 30 December 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

Moria Gate

The doors of Khazad-dûm

Map of the Moria Gates

Also appearing in the form 'Moria-gate', a term used for either of the two gates of Moria. One opened westward to the old Elvish land of Eregion, the other eastward onto the valley of Nanduhirion.


Notes

1

The West-gate was made during the (undated) reign of King Durin III in Khazad-dûm. It was constructed with the aid of the Elves of Eregion, which places its making sometime between the founding of that realm in II 750 and its fall in II 1697.

There may very well have been an earlier West-gate, and indeed the fact that the Dwarves were able to make contact with Eregion strongly implies that such a gate did exist. That earlier gate would never have been known as 'Moria Gate', however. Indeed, neither the West-gate nor the East-gate would have been given that name until after the fall of Khazad-dûm. That took place in III 1981, when Thráin I fled from Durin's Bane and led his people away from their ancient home. Only after that time did Khazad-dûm become known as Moria.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 December 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

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