Tolkien Gateway  Bridge of Khazad-dûm  Revision as of 09:03, 24
November 2005 by Hyarion (Talk | contribs)  The Bridge of
Khazad-dûm is a narrow stone bridge crossing a chasm within the
eastern gates of the Dwarf-city of Khazad-dûm. It was intended
for defensive purposes - enemies who breached the outer defenses
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.  The bridge is most noted for being the location of
the encounter between Gandalf the Grey 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.  Chapter 5 in
Book II of The Lord of the Rings is entitled "The Bridge of
Khazad-dûm", making this a familiar phrase for Tolkien fans.