Khazad-Dûm

Khazad-dûm (Kh. "Dwarf-mansion"; S. "Hadhodrond"; W. "Dwarrowdelf", gen. W. Phurunargian), also "Mansion of the Khazâd", later also known as Moria (S. "Black Chasm"), the Black Pit, and the Mines of Moria. Khazad-dûm stands as citadel, mansion, and city-hold of Durin's Folk, the elder and noblest of the Seven Tribes of the Dwarves. Founded in the early First Age in caves beneath the Misty Mountains, it overlooks and incorporates the holy vale called Azanulbizar. Khazad-dûm has since been expanded to include seven principal levels which stretch the entire width of the mountain range and extend under the three Mountains of Moria: Caradhras, Fanuidhol, and Celebdil. As a realm, it includes Azanulbizar and all the passages and chambers within the mountains. Early in the Second Age, the Dwarves discovered Mithril (S. "Grey-brilliance"; W. "True-silver") here, and many Dwarves of the Blue Mountains migrated to Durin's home (especially after the end of the First Age with the ruin of Belegost and Nogrod).

Government

Political Organization: Hereditary Monarchy. Administrative Organization: The King holds the Dwarf-mansion in the name of the House of Durin. He appoints assistants based on their age and skill.

Defences

King During V
25,000 Longbeards 15,000 Broadbeards 12,000 Firebears 4,500 Veterans of Belegost and Nogrod

Infrastructure

The Bridge of Khazad-dûm - a long and narrow stone bridge crossing a chasm from the exit-hall to the First Hall and the eastern gates The Bridge of Long Darkness - a long bridge reaching over a seemingly endless chasm. Situated in the northwestern-most part of the 3rd Deep The Bridge of Mists - a long bridge found within the southernmost corner of the 5th Deep. Named for the notorious mists that emerge from the vaporising of the underlying subterranean hot-water springs. The Chamber of Gabilgathol - a chamber on the 4th Level that was erected by veterans of Gabilgathol to honour their fallen fathers. The Chamber of Mazarbul - the chamber of records found on the 7th level to the right of a pathway that branches off the north end of the Twenty-first hall. Durin's Tower - a high structure rising up from the deepest dungeon through Durin's chimney up to the endless stair. The First Hall - the great entrance hall leading to the east-gates. The Hall of Worship - a great Hall in the norwestestern-most corner of the 2nd Deep. Here the Dwarves would gather to worship Eru and Mahal. 140+ Other Chambers

History

The Heirs of Durin reside in one of the most splendid and mysterious halls in Middle-earth. The Dwarf-mansion known to Men and Elves as Moria (S: "Black Abyss") is an extensive complex of caverns and tunnels, holding mines, forges, and an entire city beneath the three mountains of Zirak-zigil, Barazinbar, and Bundushathur. The Dwarves are loath to allow outsiders to discover the secrets of their subterranean city, keeping a close watch on even their closest non-Dwarf friends when they come to visit Khazad-dûm. The two entrances to Moria lie near either entrance to the Redhorn Gate, one of the few passes over the Misty Mountains. The East-gate is imposing and well-marked, while the West-gate, when closed, is nearly invisible and impenetrable to all save the residents of the Dwarven halls. The House of Durin is the oldest and most respected of the seven noble lines of the Dwarves. The King of Moria, while claiming no formal title over and demanding no tribute from the other settlements of Dwarves, has an unspoken authority over all Naugrim. This authority stems from an odd belief among the Dwarves that the spirit of Durin manifests itself in the royal line every few generations. Durin is revered among the Dwarves over all of the other Naugrim fathers, which may help explain Moria's position. Moria's power comes from both its size and economic influence, but one should not overlook the importance of Durin's heritage among the Dwarves, who venerate their ancestors far more than the flighty Elves or the impulsive Men. Within the halls of Khazad-dûm, greatest respect is given, after the King, to the most skillful craftsmen, followed by the greatest warriors and the ordinary laborers. Least of all of the Dwarves of Moria are those Naugrim who venture into the outside world as merchants or laborers. Wealth and lineage are important factors in determining the status as a Dwarf, but age and profession are also highly significant. The Dwarves consider none to be their close allies, for they have had few friends through their sad history. They count the Dúnedain as useful partners but have few dealings with the Northmen or the other lesser races of Men. They harbor resentment in their hearts towards the Elves since the fall of Eregion, when King Durin III refused to extend assistance to the Elves in their struggle against Sauron. They view Orcs with the bitterest of hatred, taking almost any excuse to wage war upon the Dark Races of the Misty Mountains. Due to the low status given to merchants in the Dwarven community, as well as to the Dwarves' inherent suspicion of outsiders, trade with Moria does not occur very often. Among the communities of Men there is a great demand for Dwarven products, but the Dwarves refuse to deal on anyone's terms but their own. This policy has led to exorbitant prices for Dwarven goods, making trade with Moria an exchange for luxuries alone. The economic turmoil following the Plague nearly ended trade with Moria. Only a few hardy Dwarven adventurers maintain any contact with the outside world at all since the Plague, adding to the general air of suspicion between the Dwarves and Men. Furthermore, the Dwarves do not permit simple merchants in their halls, preferring to perform commerce in the cities of Men. Their long, somber caravans are a common sight on the roads of Eriador and northern Gondor. Most sought after are Dwarven metalwork and jewelry. Even the coins of Moria are more desirable than their Mannish counterparts, owing to their purer metal content and intricate design.
The forges of Moria produce the most technically advanced items of metalwork and stonework in Middle-earth. Only the Elves of Ost-in-Edhil could rival the smiths of Moria for their expertise. Fortunately, Moria rests within one of the richest and most diverse deposits of ores and precious stones in all of Endor. The mines of Moria provide a steady flow of priceless treasures to the Naugrim. Most notable of these is mithril, the true-silver that is found only in the Deeps of Khazad-dûm. Unfortunately, the Dwarves are loath to part with their most valuable treasures, and most of their riches are doomed to eternal darkness in some hidden hoard. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm live in one of Middle-earth's strongest fortresses, yet they maintain a sizable army to provide additional security. Occasionally, their delvings will intersect an Orc-hold or the lair of some foul creature undisturbed since the First Age. At these times, the whole tribe will arm to meet the threat. Only a great and magical power could dislodge the Dwarves from their most solid fortress.

Founding Date

Early in the First Age

Alternative Name(s)

Moria

Type

Underground / Vault

Population

160,000

Location under

Khazad-Dûm

Included Locations

• Khazad-Dûm

Owner/Ruler

Durin The V

Owning Organization

Dwarves of Khazad-Dûm