The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
First recorded in III 2994, but apparently much older than this.
Location
The pool outside the Doors of Durin, at least in the later Third Age.
Race
Unknown1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 17 November 2002
  • Updates planned: 1

Watcher in the Water

Guardian of the West-gate

A mysterious and horrific beast that lurked in the swollen waters of the Sirannon, beneath the western walls of Moria.


Notes

1

The Watcher is a unique being, nowhere else alluded to, and in fact we cannot even say for certain that it was a single creature. It's generally depicted as a many-tentacled squid-like monster, but in fact Tolkien never states this certainly. Indeed, when Frodo asks Gandalf 'What was the thing, or were there many of them?', Gandalf's only answer is 'I do not know.' (The Fellowship of the Ring II 4 A Journey in the Dark).

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 17 November 2002
  • Updates planned: 1

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