The Perilous Path Through Moria: Gandalf's Journey and the Balrog

The journey through Moria was fraught with danger for the Fellowship of the Ring, and one of the most significant hazards they faced was the Balrog, also known as Durin's Bane. This formidable creature was the reason Gandalf chose a perilous path through the dark caverns of Moria, highlighting the critical decision he made in the face of uncertain threats.

Why Did Gandalf Choose Moria?

Despite the risks, Gandalf and the Fellowship had no choice but to traverse Moria. There were several compelling reasons for this decision:

The Pathless of Enemy Control: Moria provided a route that was not under the surveillance of the enemy. The mountain path and other alternatives were heavily patrolled, making Moria an apparent alternative.

The Urgency of Time: As the timeline grew increasingly tight, relying on sailing to the Havens and then to Pelargir was not a feasible option. Similarly, the northern passes, like the Redhorn Pass which was rendered impassable by Saruman's magic or other forces, were not viable alternatives.

The Northern Alternative: Redhorn Pass: This northern route had added weeks to their journey and was not significantly better than the Redhorn Pass, which had previously been rendered impassable by heavy snowfall and enchantments.

The Southern Alternative: Dunland and Isengard: Taking the southern path through Dunland, occupied by Saruman's allies, and then navigating past Isengard with its Uruk-Hai and Wild Men, would have been an untimely plan given the treacherous landscape and the concentration of enemy forces.

What Gandalf Knew

Before Gandalf's journey, there was little knowledge about the Balrog in Moria. He understood that the Dwarves had awakened something evil and powerful, leading to Durin's Bane, which had killed Durin and most of the Dwarven people. However, Gandalf's passage through Moria from the east to the west did not encounter the Balrog, and he did not definitively know about the Balrog's presence until they were met by it within the depths of Moria.

When they encountered the Balrog, Gandalf was genuinely surprised. His knowledge extended to the belief that the Dwarves had awakened a powerful evil, but he was not certain it was a Balrog, only that he imagined it could be. He also knew of the orcs present in Moria, likely the remnants of the Dwarven army that had been defeated.

The Outcome of the Encountering

Despite Galdalf's profound surprise and the immediate threat posed by the Balrog, he did not abandon the journey. The Balrog was defeated before it could escape, but not before it killed Gandalf, who then died in the flames of the battle.

By the will of the Valar, Gandalf was then resurrected, showcasing the supernatural support the Maiar can receive. This act of divine intervention ensured that the mission could continue. The Balrog was defeated, and the Fellowship could continue their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, ultimately thwarting the rise of Sauron.