Are the doors of Moria impractical?

Lord of Gondor · **Joined:** Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:30 pm **Posts:** 67

When the dwarves of Moria traded with Eregion in the second age, goods must have passed through the doors of Moria. But in both the books and films, they seem rather small, certainly compared to the size of gates to the Lonely mountain. Would such doors really be big enough for the all the trade and visitors to Moria to pass though, especially considering the size of the great dwarf-realm within?

Its a very odd question, but this has been nagging at the back of my head for some time, so I'd like to know if anyone can explain this.

Monotone_Matt · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2012 10:00 pm

I can't remember where I heard it or if it's even true, but I seem to recall that there were many entrances to Moria, not just the gates that the Fellowship pass through. So maybe the other entrances were bigger but fell into disrepair or were destroyed by the goblins?

Edit: yeah the wikipedia entry on Moria mentions quite a few entrances, including the West gate (where the Fellowship entered Moria, which was originally built as a trade entrance for the elves), the East gate (through which the Fellowship flee) and the 'Great Gates' (which are damaged by the Third Age).

whafrog · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2012 11:59 pm

Lord of Gondor wrote:

Would such doors really be big enough for the all the trade and visitors to Moria to pass though, especially considering the size of the great dwarf-realm within?

Funny, I remember thinking that the first time I read the books. Then I just took it for granted as a quirk. Even the road to the gates itself seemed a small thing to handle all the supposed traffic. But I think most of the trade was out the eastern gate, and having any trade at all or friendly relations between dwarves and elves was probably a monumental thing. After Eregion was destroyed, Arnor was never very populated and few would make the long journey.

Lord of Gondor · **Joined:** Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:30 pm **Posts:** 67

Monotone_Matt wrote:

yeah the wikipedia entry on Moria mentions quite a few entrances, including the West gate (where the Fellowship entered Moria, which was originally built as a trade entrance for the elves), the East gate (through which the Fellowship flee) and the 'Great Gates' (which are damaged by the Third Age).

Ah good- I knew I must have missed something somewhere. You have put my mind to rest!

Monotone_Matt · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2012 10:19 pm

Glad I could help you out mate!

Draugluin · **Posted:** Sat Sep 15, 2012 4:26 am

I think that the most likley thing is that the dwarves had a small town outside of the West Gate that was pretty much just a market for trade between dwarves and elves. When Eregion was destroyed, the town would have been too.

Are the doors of Moria impractical?

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