THE RINGS OF POWER Gave the Doors of Durin a Backstory That’s Both Beautiful and Tragic

As a lifelong fan of Tolkien’s epic saga, I find myself deeply moved by the tale of the Doors of Durin – a symbol not just of friendship between elves and dwarves, but also of the darkness that lurks beneath even the most noble alliances.


In the initial season of “The Rings of Power,” we delve into the heartwarming origins of the Doors of Durin, a legendary entrance famously encountered by Frodo and his group in “The Fellowship of the Ring.” This enchanted gateway is a result of a unique relationship between Elrond and Durin IV. As the story unfolds, it is poised to function as the West-gate of Khazad-dûm. It serves not only as a symbol of unity between two noble races but also as an enduring reminder of an unexpected bond. However, in the second season, we witness the somber aspect of this otherwise heartwarming storyline. The Doors of Durin now stand as a symbol of friendship between elves and dwarves, yet they also serve as a chilling testament to the malevolent presence whose watchful and deceptive gaze oversaw their creation.

J.R.R. Tolkien penned that Celebrimbor and the renowned dwarf smith Narvi collaborated to create the Doors of Durin. In season two, episode five of ‘The Rings of Power’, this partnership was depicted. The scene emphasized the importance of their combined effort. With a pleased expression, Celebrimbor remarked, “Dwarves and elves working together? It was said to be unheard of. Yet our collaboration has brought about this marvel. And today we begin anew, aiming to immortalize our friendship in stone.

The Doors of Durin are virtually impregnable, revealing themselves solely under the glow of moonlight, and protected by a secret code recognized only by intimates. This entrance serves as an emblem of the enduring bond between elves and dwarves.

That friendship will see its ups and downs, just as Elrond and Durin IV have. But it will always prove true when it matters most. Elves and dwarves will soon fight side-by-side against Sauron in the The War of the Last Alliance. And they will come together in the Third Age when the world needs them. Gimli and Legolas will join Frodo on his journey to Mordor. That journey that will bring them to much more than the Doors of Durin. It will lead to a lifelong bond.

In addition to enriching the storyline of the passages, “The Rings of Power” has delved into the intriguing origins of mithral. During season one, the series presented an innovative narrative about a clash between a noble elven warrior and a balrog, servant of Morgoth. This epic battle took place above a tree believed to house one of the legendary Silmarils, crafted by Celebrimbor’s grandfather Fëanor, the most skilled elf smith ever. As a bolt of lightning struck the tree, the elven warrior channeled “all his light” in an attempt to save it, while the balrog focused all its malice into its destruction. According to legend, this combined energy is said to have resulted in the creation of mithral, which Gil-galad described as possessing qualities equally pure and good as well as strong and unyielding like evil.

Mithral served as a unifying element between elves and dwarves. Elrond sought this unique metal to safeguard the elven realm of Middle-earth. However, its presence inadvertently exposed both races to Sauron’s insidious alliance. The malevolent Sauron is manipulating the world through rings imbued with power. “Annatar” was present during the collaboration between the two races as they crafted the Doors of Durin, which interestingly incorporated mithral. Celebrimbor, in turn, utilized ithildin – a rare, highly refined form of mithral – to create his enchanting moonlight inlay.

The collaborative creation of elves and dwarves – a symbolic artifact sealing their connection in stone for eternity, the door shielding Khazad-dûm’s dwarves until they are forced to leave due to Sauron’s ring-induced greed – embodies both virtue and wickedness within it. Much like all of Middle-earth itself.

It’s fortunate for both elves and dwarves in Middle-earth that the bond of friendship is something no force can ever conquer.

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2024-09-12 11:33