The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Khazad-dûm became the Black Pit of Moria in III 1980 or soon afterwards; the Balrog and Orcs that infested it were largely destroyed in the War of the Ring (III 3018 to III 3019), after which the term would eventually have fallen out of use
Location
The central regions of the Misty Mountains, to the northwest of Lórien
Races
Originally a city of the Dwarves, but during the time this place was known as the Black Pit, it was occupied by Orcs, Trolls and one Balrog (Durin's Bane)
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 21 July 2014
  • This entry is complete

Black Pit

A name for Moria

Map of the Black Pit

One of several possible translations for the Elvish name Moria, given to the Dwarf-realm of Khazad-dûm after its people were driven out by the Balrog known as Durin's Bane. The name Moria comes from two Elvish words, mor meaning 'dark' or 'black', and , which literally means 'gulf' or 'abyss'. The form 'Black Pit' was used by Gimli when he spied the Mountains of Moria as the Fellowship of the Ring journeyed southwards, but the alternative translation 'Black Chasm' is also sometimes used.

The Black Pit of darkened Khazad-dûm is not to be confused with the Black Pits, the dungeons that lay beneath Sauron's Dark Tower of Barad-dûr in Mordor.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 21 July 2014
  • This entry is complete

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