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January 23, TA 3019


Gandalf pursues the Balrog to the peak of Zirak-zigil.

Gandalf's fall from the Bridge of Khazad-Dum precipitated an epic battle with the Balrog in the bowels of Moria. They fell long and long, and then Gandalf pursued his enemy through many forgotten passages deeper under the Mine than any Dwarf had ever delved--terrible places made by things for which there was no name, things older than Sauron. At last the Wizard, following the Balrog in despair and hope, was led back to the known realms of Moria, to the fabled Endless Stair which spiraled up and up through the whole edifice until it exited in Durin's Tower on the pinnacle of Zirakzigil. There Gandalf struggled with the Balrog, in the unseen Battle of the Peak, heralded by thunder, lightening, fire, and smoke. Here only the words of Tolkien will do:
Quote:
I threw down my enemy, and he fell from the high place and
broke the mountain-side where he smote it in his ruin. Then
darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time, and I
wandered far on roads that I will not tell.
Most Tolkien authorities believe that Gandalf actually died at this point, to be returned to Middle Earth by the Valar to finish his task.
Quote:
Naked I was sent back--for a brief time, until my task is done.
Gwaihir the Windlord, King of the Eagles, finds him on the mountain, and takes him to Lorien to heal, and he does, but Gandalf the Grey is gone. Gandalf the White has taken his place--the White Rider has come to do battle with Sauron.

Calendar entry by librislove

Images © "In the Halls of Moria" by Alan Lee.