The Fellowship's Duration in Moria: A Detailed Account

This article delves into the precise details of how long the Fellowship of the Ring spent in Moria, a cave system filled with perilous challenges and trepidations during their quest to destroy the One Ring. After careful analysis, we determine that the Fellowship spent a total of approximately 43 hours within the dimly lit halls of this ancient dwarf fortress.

Initial Entry and Sleep Periods in Moria

The Fellowship entered Moria on the evening of January 13, immediately after evading a group of menacing wargs. The timing of their arrival would have placed sunset around 5:00 PM at the western gate of Moria. Assuming it was still dark and the Fellowship had an hour to prepare before Gandalf opened the north-west gate, they likely entered Moria around 6:00 PM.

The journey through the dark and expansive halls of Moria was not without interruptions. At least three notable sleep periods are mentioned in the narrative:

Frodo's gaze on Gollum: When Frodo caught a glimpse of his former master, the assertion is that they brief moments were spent. While no specific time is mentioned, this likely took place early into their descent into Moria. Decision-making night: When Gandalf had to choose a path from among three uncharted routes, a brief period of rest would have been required, indicating a sleep period. Pippin's mishap: Pippin's actions which inadvertently triggered a Balrog upon striking a suit of armor into a deep pit, leading to a battle and a brief respite for the Fellowship as they decided their next course of action. This was also a sleep period.

Calculating the Total Time Spent in Moria

In LotR: The Return of the King, the journey through Moria is described in detail:

January 13: Arrived at the west gate at nightfall. Since sunset is around 5:00 PM, it could have taken around an hour for Gandalf to open the gate. They entered Moria around 6:00 PM. January 14: Second march through the hall, ending at the 21st Hall. This took place in the evening, around 8:00 PM, hence they made their second camp. January 15: Fight in the Chamber of Mazarbul, Gandalf's fall, and escape from Moria around 1:00 PM on the 15th. This marks the end of their presence in Moria.

By adding up the hours spent in Moria, we can estimate the total time as follows:

6:00 PM - Midnight (January 13): 6 hours Morning of January 14: Camp until nighttime: 14 hours Night of January 14 - 1:00 PM (January 15): 13 hours

Therefore, the Fellowship spent a total of 33 hours plus a sleep period on the morning of the 14th, leading to a total of approximately 43 hours in Moria.

Challenges Faced and Significant Events

During their stay in Moria, the Fellowship faced numerous challenges, including a terrifying encounter with a Balrog in the Chamber of Mazarbul. Gandalf's daring confrontation with the Balrog, which resulted in his fall, marked a significant turning point in their journey. The Balrog's fiery essence and subsequent battle with Gandalf added a dramatic and impactful element to their quest.

Other notable moments include:

Gollum: Frodo briefly saw Gollum, who had been secretly trailing them, which added tension to their journey. Path decisions: Gandalf's dilemma in choosing the correct path through Moria demonstrated the strategic and tactical challenges that the Fellowship faced. Pippin's wakeful moment: Pippin's accidental activation of the Balrog further complicated their already perilous journey.

Conclusion

The time spent by the Fellowship in Moria, managing their challenges and finding their way through the treacherous landscape, was crucial for their journey. The precise calculation of 43 hours spent in Moria underscores the importance of this location in the unfolding narrative of Middle-earth. This article aims to provide a detailed account for Tolkien enthusiasts and scholars, offering a deeper understanding of the Fellowship's journey through Moria.