Hollin Gate

Description

The Hollin Gate also known as the Doors of Durin or the West-gate is the Entrance to Moria from Nan Sirannon outside Echad Dúnann in Eregion just outside the Walls of Moria.

Lore

Since the early days of Middle-earth, the greatest kingdom of the dwarves lay beneath the Misty Mountains in the halls called Khazad-dûm. In those days, when there was trade between the dwarves and the Elves of both Eregion and Lothlórien, a vital trade route ran through Khazad-dûm from the West-gate (also called the Hollin Gate) and the Great Gate in Dimrill Dale in the east.

The Hollin Gate was special. It was built by the smith Narvi and set with runes and symbols by Celebrimbor, the Elven jewel-smith who also forged the Elf-rings Narya, Nenya, and Vilya. He wrought the signs out of ithildin, a metal that reflects the light of the moon. When moon did not shine, the Gate remained hidden and undetectable to any who looked upon it. Celebrimbor’s runes spelled out a riddle, and the doors would only open to a friend who spoke the answer.

"Ennyn Durin Aran Moria. Pedo Mellon a Minno. Im Narvi hain echant. Celebrimbor o Eregion teithant i thiw hin."

"The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter. I, Narvi, made them. Celebrimbor of Hollin drew these signs."

The inscription stated the password that would cause the Doors to swing open.

The Doors of Durin by J.R.R. Tolkien (as printed in The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Ch. 4 - A Journey in the Dark).