Did Gandalf Know That Balin Was Alive in Moria Before He Went There?

During the realm of The Lord of the Rings, the quest to save the city of Moria, also known as Khazad-d?m, was fraught with uncertainties. A key question that often arises in discussions about this epic journey is: Did Gandalf know that Balin, son of Fundin, was alive in Moria before he set out?

The Last Sight of Balin and the Dwarves

When Gandalf last saw Balin and the Dwarves, they appeared to be doing well, presenting no signs of danger. It's plausible that Balin and his companions were indeed eradicated, with no survivors to alert Gandalf or the wider community. This is a common assumption by many readers, as there is no clear indication in the narrative that Balin was in Moria when their last meeting took place. This disbelief serves as a crucial premise for Gandalf's journey to Moria, where the unexpected discovery of the past events and the current state of the Dwarves unfolds.

The Journey to Moria and the "Watcher"

As Gandalf journeys to Moria, he encounters the watcher, a recurring motif in Tolkien's works that signifies the mysterious and somber nature of the region. The watcher's presence likely suggests that things are not well within Moria. This realization likely made Gandalf believe that Balin and the Dwarves were either dead or trapped and struggling for survival. This somber anticipation is further emphasized by Gandalf's internal thoughts and dialogues, leading him to express his fears and hopes.

In his famous speech from The Fellowship of the Ring (FOTR), Gandalf envisions a chance that Balin might be found somewhere in the deep halls of his fathers, stating, "There is even a chance that Dwarves are still there and in some deep hall of his fathers Balin, son of Fundin, might be found. However it may prove one must travel the path that needs to be chosen – A Journey in the Dark." This passage clearly indicates that Gandalf was not certain about Balin's fate until he reached Moria.

The Uncertainty at the Council of Elrond

The Council of Elrond is a pivotal moment in the narrative, and it's important to clarify that Gandalf's knowledge about Balin's journey to Moria didn't originate from Gloin at the Council of Elrond. In fact, Gloin's revelation, Gloin tells the Council at Rivendell, comes after Gandalf learns about the Dwarven quest from another source.

In the original book, it's clear that Gandalf wasn't aware of the Dwarven quest at the Council of Elrond. Gandalf only learned of Balin's journey when he encountered the Dwarves on his own path and then shared the news with the Council upon his return.

A Revelation of the Balrog and Gandalf's Realization

One of the most significant moments in the narrative is when Gandalf confronts the Balrog and the Balrog's presence in Moria becomes apparent. In his own words during the flight from the Chamber of Mazarbul to the bridge, Gandalf describes the intense feeling of the challenge posed by an unknown force:

"Then something came into the chamber – I felt it through the door and the orcs themselves were afraid and fell silent. It laid hold of the iron ring and then it perceived me and my spell. 'What it was I cannot guess but I have never felt such a challenge. The counter-spell was terrible. It nearly broke me.'"

Further confirmation comes from Legolas, who recognizes the Balrog in the Chamber of Mazarbul. His exclamation, 'Ai! ai! A Balrog! A Balrog is come!' and Gimli's recognition of Durin's Bane, leave no doubt about the presence of a Balrog. Gandalf then reflects, 'Now I understand,' realizing that a great evil has followed them.

This moment marks a significant shift in Gandalf's understanding of the situation, revealing a depth of knowledge about the Balrog that he hadn't previously suspected. The journey to Moria, therefore, was filled with uncertainty and surprise, especially for Gandalf, who did not know of the Balrog's presence until he faced it directly.

Key Points:

Gandalf's last known meeting with Balin did not indicate that he was in Moria. The Council of Elrond did not inform Gandalf about the Dwarven quest to Moria initially; he learned it later. The discovery of the Balrog was a revelation for Gandalf, confirming the presence of a powerful evil in Moria.

Understanding these key points helps to fill in the gaps of Gandalf's journey and the mysteries of Moria, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the reader's appreciation for the complexities of Middle-earth.