Re-colonization of Moria

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The title of this article is conjectural. While the content of this article is based on official information, the actual name of the subject is conjectural, and is yet to or cannot be officially named.

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Between the years 2989 and 2994 of the late Third Age, the ancient Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm was re-colonized by Dwarves from Erebor. The expedition to Moria was led by Balin, former member of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, and was made up of several thousand Dwarves of various backgrounds and professions.

At first, the Balin's folk had considerable success in reclaiming much of Moria from the occupying Orcs, and a new colony thrived for several years. However, after five years, a great host of Orcs attacked the colony, overwhelming the Dwarves until, eventually, none remained alive.

History

In the year 2989, 48 years after the Battle of the Five Armies, Balin, along with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli, and a number of Dwarves embarked from Erebor to the Misty Mountains to reclaim the lost Dwarven realm of Khazad-dûm. Dáin II Ironfoot only reluctantly gave his permission for the venture due to his fear of the Balrog Durin's Bane, which he had seen with his own eyes at the Battle of Azanulbizar but had never spoken of it since. Balin on the other hand believed it was worth the risk and hoped to reclaim some of the treasure of the lost realm such as the Ring of Thrór, which unbeknowst to Balin had actually been taken from Thráin II by Sauron years before.

Re-conquest and settlement of Moria

The first of the battles took place in the Dimrill Dale, during which Flói was killed by an arrow. Nevertheless the Dwarves had the victory, killing many Orcs and advancing into Moria. The Dwarves then dwelt in the Twenty-first Hall of North end for a time until Balin later moved to the Chamber of Mazarbul, which became his seat of rule.

For the next five years, Balin ruled as Lord of Moria and the colony thrived. During this time, Balin and his people recovered Durin's Axe and silver helm. The Dwarves sent word of their success to Erebor, speaking of their prosperity and new colony within Moria in an effort to garner more support from the king and entice more of their kin to join them but few ever did. Durin this time the Dwarves found deposits of mithril and Óin was sent west to reopen the Doors of Durin.

Suddenly, all communications from Moria ceased and the colony went silent, leaving King Dáin and the rest of his people in the dark about the expedition's eventual fate. The Dwarves collectively were aware that a terrible menace called Durin's Bane dwelt in the darkest depths of Moria and feared that it had awoken once again. The colonists for their part did not know that it was an ancient Balrog dwelling in the utter deeps of the mountain and saw no sign of it during their time there.

Demise

In the year 2994, the Dwarves' tentative peace was rent asunder when a horde of Orcs launched a massive counterattack from the east and assailed the colony. Balin was shot by an archer while visiting the Mirrormere and died in the Dimrill Dale; when the Dwarves sallied forth to retrieve his body, they too were attacked on all sides and were forced to retreat back into the mines, barring the East-gate of Moria. As they prepared the inner defenses, the Orcs besieged the eastern entrance to Moria and eventually broke through into the mountain interior.

Before long, the Orcs reached the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and the Second Hall was within their grasp. The bridge itself however proved a lethal obstacle to the Orcs as it had been specifically designed to force attacking enemies to cross it in single file. Yet even with this major advantage, the Dwarves could not hold back the tide of enemies forever and eventually the bridge and the Second Hall were taken by the Orcs; during this, Frár, Lóni, and Náli were among the casualties. Óin and a group of Dwarves tried to escape through the Doors of Durin, but Óin was taken by the Watcher in the Water and his companions fled back into the mountain to rejoin their kin. By now in full retreat, the last of the Dwarves pulled back to the Chamber of Mazarbul and barred the doors. Eventually, the Orcs broke through and slew the remaining Dwarves, ending the re-colonization of Moria.

Aftermath

With the Dwarven colony destroyed, Moria continued to be a place of evil that few dared enter. By TA 3019, King Dáin II had become concerned at the lack of news from Moria, and Glóin was sent to the Council of Elrond partly to ascertain news of the colony. The Fellowship of the Ring passed through Moria not long afterwards and found it desolate, they discovered a partial account of its fall recorded in the Book of Mazarbul.

Translations

Foreign Language	Translated name
Danish	Rekoloniseringen af Moria