For the dozen or so people out there not familiar with it already, “The Fellowship of the Ring” is the second book of J.R.R. Tolken’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. One of the most memorable settings in the trilogy is the Mines of Moria from the “Fellowship of the Ring.” The Mines are best known as the place Gandalf faced the (Minotaur-like) monster the Balrog at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.
The Mines of Moria sprawl through a mountain like an ant hill. Though called “mines” they are mostly huge hollowed out caverns and grand halls linked by wide hallways, huge staircases, and even bridges.The Mines are so expansive that at one time they contained an entire civilization and a hoard of their enemies. The Mines reach from one side of the mountain to the other, and from the very peak down to the opening of the netherworld.