|
After some discussion of the alternatives, Gandalf recommends that
they now try a path under the mountains known as the Mines of Moria.
This was once an area that belonged to the Dwarves. However first
they must find the hidden doors.
They spend the night after their attempt to cross the Redhorn Gate
on the trail just below the snow. That night they are attacked by
a pack of wolves, but they are repulsed.
The next day they pass along a dark lake to a point where Gandalf
says the hidden doors are. After some failed tries, he finally guesses
the password and the doors open. Just as they are about to enter
the passage a set of tentacles emerge from the water and almost
capture Frodo. They escape into the tunnel and the tentacles close
the door, trapping the party inside.
Gandalf leads the group through an intricate series of passages,
using his staff to provide light. Frodo senses that something is
following them.
Gandalf tells them that a long time ago these mines were used by
the Dwarves to obtain mithril - a metal like pure silver but very
strong. Frodo realizes that his chain-mail coat is made of mithril.
They continue on to a large room which contains the tomb of Balin,
the dwarf who had returned to Moria about 30 years previously and
was never heard from again.
|