The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Dated back to the distant past; fled into hiding at the end of the First Age, but awoken in III 1980; Destroyed 25 January III 3019
Location
Discovered beneath Khazad-dûm, which it subsequently occupied
Origins
A demon in the service of Melkor, the first Dark Lord
Race
Division
Pronunciation
'Udûn' is pronounced 'oo'doon'
Meaning
A reference to Melkor's fortress of Udûn (Utumno), the Balrog's ancient home
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 26 June 2006
  • Updates planned: 1

Flame of Udûn

The Balrog of Morgoth

"You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
From Gandalf's challenge to the Balrog
The Fellowship of the Ring II 5
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm

Gandalf's name for the Balrog that dwelt in the depths of Moria, that he faced on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, and ultimately defeated. 'Flame' is a reference to its nature as a fire-demon, while 'Udûn' was the name of Morgoth's oldest and greatest fortress in the North of the world, more commonly called Utumno, and the Balrog's ancient home.

There is no direct connection between this 'Udûn' and the rounded valley to the northwest of Mordor with the same name. There is an indirect connection, though: that region also took its name from the stronghold of Sauron's master.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 26 June 2006
  • Updates planned: 1

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