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Things of Middle-earth

Tomb of Balin

Type: Miscellaneous

Description:

The crypt of the Dwarf, Balin, Lord of Moria, in the Chamber of Mazarbul:
The chamber [of Mazarbul] was lit by a wide shaft high in the further eastern wall; it slanted upwards and, far above, a small square patch of blue sky could be seen. The light of the shaft fell directly on a table in the middle of the room: a single oblong block, about two feet high, upon which was laid a great slab of white stone.

'It looks like a tomb,' muttered Frodo, and bent forwards with a curious sense of foreboding, to look more closely at it. Gandalf came quickly to his side. On the slab runes were deeply graven:

Balin's tomb inscription

'These are Daeron's Runes, such as were used of old in Moria,' said Gandalf. 'Here is written in the tongues of Men and Dwarves:

Text of Balin's tomb inscription

'He is dead then,' said Frodo. 'I feared it was so.' Gimli cast his hood over his face.

The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 4, A Journey in the Dark

The Company stood silent beside the tomb of Balin. Frodo thought of Bilbo and his long friendship with the dwarf, and of Balin's visit to the Shire long ago. In that dusty chamber in the mountains it seemed a thousand years ago and on the other side of the world.

The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 5, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 7Aug04, 6Apr10

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