The Mines of Moria – The Watcher in the Water

© Lotrscenerybuilder 2007

It looked to Frodo like the remains of an ancient road, that had once been broad
and well planned, from Hollin to the mountain-pass.
The Moon, now at the full, rose over the mountains,
and cast a pale light in which the shadows of stones were black.
Many of them looked to have been worked by hands,
though now they lay tumbled and ruinous in a bleak, barren land.

Rounding the corner they saw before them a low cliff,
some five fathoms high, with a broken and jagged top.
Over it a trickling water dripped, through a wide cleft that seemed
to have been carved out by a fall that had once been strong and full.
“Indeed things have changed!” said Gandalf. “But there is no mistaking the place.
There is all that remains of the Stair Falls.”
(from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 373, 392)

Gimli: “The walls of Moria!”

Gandalf: “Well. Let’s see… Ithildin!
It mirrors only starlight… and moonlight.
It reads: ‘The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria.
Speak, friend, and enter’.”

Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen!
Fennas nogothrim, lasto beth lammen!”

Gimli: “Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy
the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves!”
Roaring fires!
Malt beer!
Ripe meat off the bone!”

The others swung round and saw the waters of the lake seething, as if a host of snakes were swimming up from the southern end. Out from the water a long sinuous tentacle had crawled; it was pale-green and luminous and wet. Its fingered end had hold of Frodo’s foot, and was dragging him into the water.
(from: The Fellowship of the Ring, page 401)

Aragorn: “Into the cave!”