Bridge of Khazad-dûm

The Bridge of Khazad-dûm was a narrow stone span deep within Moria, the ancient Dwarf-realm beneath the Misty Mountains. It was the scene of one of the most famous moments of the War of the Ring: the fall of Gandalf in his battle with the Balrog known as Durin's Bane.

Description

The bridge was a slender arch of stone, some fifty feet long, that leapt across a deep chasm before the eastern doors of Moria. It had been built by the Dwarves of Durin's Folk as a defence, narrow enough that enemies could cross only in single file, leaving them exposed to the defenders beyond. Beyond the bridge lay the First Hall and the Great Gates that opened toward the eastern slopes of the mountains.

The Fall of Gandalf

As the Fellowship of the Ring fled through Moria, pursued by Orcs and by the Balrog roused from the deeps, they came to the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. There Gandalf turned to hold the narrow span against the demon of fire and shadow while the others escaped.

Standing upon the bridge, Gandalf defied the Balrog, declaring himself a servant of the Secret Fire and commanding it not to pass. He broke the bridge beneath the creature with a stroke of his staff. As the Balrog fell, its fiery whip caught Gandalf and dragged him down into the abyss after it. His last words to his companions were, "Fly, you fools!" The two fell together into the deep, where their long battle continued; Gandalf was slain but later returned as Gandalf the White.