The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Two days between the 23 and 25 January III 3019
Location
The peak of Celebdil, among the Mountains of Moria
Race
Division
Orders
Fought between one of the Istari (Wizards) and a Balrog
Settlements
Durin's Tower on the peak of Celebdil
Important peaks

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About this entry:

  • Updated 22 August 2010
  • This entry is complete

Battle of the Peak

Gandalf’s battle on the peak of the Silvertine

After Gandalf and the Balrog known as Durin's Bane fell down into the chasm beneath the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, Gandalf pursued his foe through the depths under Moria and up the Endless Stair beneath Celebdil. That stair climbed up through the heart of the mountain to reach Durin's Tower at its peak, far above the clouds. Emerging from the Tower, the Balrog returned to its fiery form, and so began a climactic battle between the two Maiar.

That battle lasted for two days. Gandalf later likened it to a storm on the mountain-top, out of which rolled the sound of thunder. The battle was fought with lightning and fire and ice, until at last Gandalf was victorious. He threw the Balrog down from the peak, and where it fell, the mountain-side was ruined. Gandalf was himself utterly spent in the battle, and after the fall of the Balrog, he too collapsed into darkness and died.1

For nineteen days Gandalf's body lay on the mountain, until his spirit was sent back to complete his mission in Middle-earth, and thus he returned to life as Gandalf the White. He was carried to Lórien by Gwaihir the Eagle, and from there he set out once again to work towards the final defeat of Sauron.


Notes

1

The description of the battle in The Lord of the Rings isn't completely specific about what happened to Gandalf after he fell: 'Then darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time, and I wandered far on roads that I will not tell.' (The Two Towers III 5, The White Rider) That text could be interpreted in various ways, but Gandalf later tells Saruman, 'I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death.' (The Two Towers III 10, The Voice of Saruman). Tolkien also makes it clear in his letters that Gandalf had literally died after the battle, and was later returned to life.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 22 August 2010
  • This entry is complete

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