Dark Delving runestone

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(Originally from Jduerksen's post)

The runes on the entrance stones, are the same as the ones on the light stones inside. The very same runes can also be seen on the runestones related to the quest "Words of Light". Curiously, according to the dialogue of the following quest, if one were to rearrange these runes "they make a strange sort of writing. More of an idea, really; an idea of light, and civilization, and truth, and honour, and courage."

As with practically everything with runes on it within Moria, this is written in Angerthas Moria, transliterating as Azanturas.

However, translating it to english is another matter, all I can find is that in Khuzdul "Azan that which makes dim?" [1] or 'dimnesses', depending on who you're talking to.


And from Reddhawk:

Actually, from what I've been able to find, azan itself means "dim" or "dark". The translation given above (Azanturash), should actually be either Azanturas or Azanturah, depending upon the value of the final rune. This final rune is typically an 's', but sometimes swaps meaning with another rune so that it acquires the 'h' sound. The meaning of Azan is attested to in the name Azanulbizar (Dimrill Dale). Alternatively, the name is said to mean "Vale of Dim Streams" and is composed of the elements azan (dim) - ûl (streams) - bizar (valley). I haven't yet found any basis for the word Turas, although I'm willing to bet that it has a meaning similar to "Delving". My guess would be:

Azanturas = Dark Delving


An addition to Reddhawk's comment:

The final rune is 'S' in Angerthas Moria, as stated by Tolkien in the Appendices to Lord of the Rings. However, in Angerthas Erebor, it may be transliterated as 'H'.

Also, 'Azanulbizâr' was later broken up by Tolkien as azanul + bizâr, 'shadowish' + streams, rills, with valley/vale, duban, implied.