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While in the room with Balin's tomb (the Chamber of Mazurbul) ,
they hear voices and footsteps and are soon under attack by a large
group of Orcs (black Uruks of Mordor) as well as something else,
which Gandalf thinks is a cave-troll.
The Orcs gain entry to the Chamber and an orc-chieftain hits Frodo
in the side with his spear. Aragon picks Frodo up and begins to
carry him, but Frodo asks to be put down - he is all right. Aragon
thought he had been killed.
Gandalf stays back to protect them, and is almost defeated by some
unknown force. The walls and ceiling of the Chamber collapse, providing
the retreating party with a measure of security.
They enter the Second Hall which contains a narrow bridge over
a deep chasm. They are now spotted by the Orcs, accompanied by two
great trolls and something else - "What it was could not be
seen: it was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark
form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater; and a power and terror seemed
to be in it and to go before it." Legolas recognizes it as
a Balrog.
Gandalf stand on the Bridge and tells the Balrog that it cannot
pass. Gandalf destroys the bridge under the Balrog, but as the creature
falls into the abyss, his whip curls around Gandalf and he is also
dragged into the pit.
The rest of the Company escape out of the hall and are soon free
of the Mines of Moria.
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