In what must surely be one of the longest and most exhausting days of their journey, the Fellowship battles Wargs at the foot of Caradhras, makes a desperate run for the dubious sanctuary of Moria, and by the end of the day discovers that Gollum has followed them into the Mines to pursue the Ring. If the Nine Walkers (and some readers) had thought the Quest rather dull to this point, here Tolkien jolts them out of any complacency or perception of tedium.

After the disastrous attempt at Caradhras, the Fellowship debates the merits of Gandalf's plan to enter Moria in an attempt both to shorten the journey and hide from their enemies. They decide to sleep on the question, but the night is interrupted by a running battle with howling Wargs, and the promise of one even worse with orcs yet to come. Desperation leaves the group without a choice; they must make a dash for Moria, arriving at the Doors of Durin just in time to see moonlight and starlight reveal the Ithil letters proclaiming "Speak Friend and Enter."

In one of the story's few comic moments, Gandalf cannot get the doors to open no matter what spell or translation he uses, and in frustration bangs his staff on them. Meanwhile, the others unload Bill the Pony, who to Sam's heartbreak must be turned loose, for he cannot enter the Mine. Ripples in the foul lake just outside the Doors bespeak an ominous presence, which Boromir disturbs by throwing rocks into the water.

Then, as Tolkien says, "Several things happened at once." Gandalf solves the simple riddle and utters "Mellon," Elvish for friend, and the Doors open just as the Watcher in Water extends its tentacles in an attempt to catch the Company, Frodo first of all. Bill the Pony flees in abject terror, beginning his long journey back to Bree. The others rush inside Moria to escape, and the Watcher brings down the Doors and the lovely holly trees which flanked them. Now the Fellowship has no choice but to march through the long dark of Moria.

As if that were not daunting enough, soon Frodo becomes aware of soft padding feet following behind the Company. He suspects what Gandalf and Aragorn know--that Gollum is following the Walkers. This episode marks his first appearance in real-time in the story--up to this point he has only been shown to the reader in history.

The Fellowship moves through the dark corridors of the dwarven halls, bringing Pippin ever closer to a certain well. . . .