Gandalf vs. the Balrog explained - LOTR Lore

Gandalf versus the Balrog, also known as the Flame of Udûn or Durin's Bane is one of the most memorable moments from the Fellowship of the Ring. How can Gandalf defy a fiery demon? How does Gandalf and the Balrog survive the fall from the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm? Why was Gandalf reembodied, and who did it? You will get all these answers answered in this video.
Support me on Patreon: / lome
Support me through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/Loreo...
Join my KZbin membership:
/ @loreoftheringsyt
Check out my merch: lore-of-the-rings.myteespring...
The Middle-Earth knowledge playlist:
• Saruman the White - Ep...
Lore of the Rings is a channel dedicated to the exploration of Middle-Earth. My goal is to share Tolkien’s world to the masses and to give a mere representation of his works. I hope you find my content enjoyable and enriching. Subscribe now to explore the legendarium together with me.
Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder
I do not claim the rights to artwork created by other artists. All credit goes to the artists themselves. If any artist would like their work removed or given additional credit, contact me and we will sort things out!
♪ - Music used in this video:
Alive Evil - Hainbach
Dol Guldur - Brandon Fiecther and Derek Fiecther
Gollum - Brandon Fiecther and Derek Fiecther
Mines of Moria - Brandon Fiecther and Derek Fiecther
Night of the Werewolf - Brandon Fiecther and Derek Fiecther
Watcher in the water - Brandon Fiecther and Derek Fiecther
I do not own this music, but I have used them rightfully under the Creative Commons license.
#gandalfthewhite #theflameofudûn #battleofthepeak #gandalfvsdurinsbane

[@xyhmo]

He defeated a boss, got a bunch of experience points, and levelled up.

[@boooster101]

But he took an awful lot of time to respawn

[@deanholderde5959]

Yup

[@hindsightpov4218]

“Leveled up”. Ha. I like that.

[@skywarp2414]

The makers of Shadow of Mordor, could make s video game of a dungeon crawling Gandlaf fighting his way thru hirdes of nameless ones to get to the Balrog

[@boooster101]

@@skywarp2414 that would be an incredibly hard task. Maybe as some bootleg mobile game....

[@taskforce6983]

This whole video is wrong. They broke into my mines and knocked over my bridge, but somehow I’m the bad guy

[@undertaker3134]

You were just using squatters rights.

[@SteveDahlskog]

You lived under the mine, the dwarfs building it just gave you ventilation which fire creatures should appreciate. Remember that fire needs oxygen, material and temperature to exist!

[@jeremyleonjonas7657]

Have you ever heard of the tragedy of Durins Bane?

[@breadfan9]

@@jeremyleonjonas7657 In the Third Age, the more easily accessible seams of mithril were exhausted, and the Dwarves dug deeper until they disturbed a Balrog, a powerful fire-demon. It killed King Durin VI, acquiring the name Durin's Bane, and then Náin I, his son.

[@Tridentus]

hastag justice for Balrog.

[@ArchangelTyrael]

Can we just admire Dwarven craftsmanship? A bloody Balrog steps on to it and it holds like it's a feather. I takes magic of a Maiar to break it. Now that I call craftsmanship.

[@kinagrill]

I think it was also a Word Of Command. Gandalf states that the Balrog shall not pass, and the moment it attempts, the bridge obeys the command and crumbles beneath the Balrog as if to punish it for trying to challenge a Word of Command.

[@MobiusPrime2028]

Well said. Mighty were the works of the Dwarves!

[@RoGameReview]

It's fantasy, it does not exist

[@strings1586]

“But you fell” “yes, to fire, and water. On the lowest dungeon atop the highest peak I battled him. The balrog of morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside”

[@kingm3202]

And Gandalf thinks that covers everything that happened and we totally don have anymore questions :/

[@MrTrigun1]

"And smote his ruin upon the mountainside" is still the most bad ass thing said in the movies. Like, it's basically a fight between two immortal super powered angels, which is hardcore enough... but something about that line makes it even more intense.

[@DFrancis99]

9

[@DFrancis99]

@@MrTrigun1 909

[@jkdbuck7670]

@@MrTrigun1 Yes it is. Never would I have even conceived they could make the Gandalf vs Balrog fight as awesome as they did. They made it so that Gandalf didn't fall...he let go....and then he caught up with his sword and began hacking away. The most awesome thing I've EVER seen on the big screen. It was beautiful.

[@fightingspirit6520]

The balrog returns as Balrog the black

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

I actually laughed when I read this. It's so obvious, and yet, none have ever been creative enough to come up with this comment xD Balrog the Black!!

[@tiitto167]

Durin the black, now with black fire. I wonder how the battle would look like if the balrog was attacking Gondor in the war.People was scared shitless when they hear a nazgul, ok what about a balrog.

[@tiitto167]

It's like a chess game when your opponent have 6 pawns left and you got a queen. just a slaughter party. ok it can be possible to play if the king and pawns are where they should be. A mighty force like a balrog, you want it removed or staled in a corner somehow. i say attack it with everything you got, it's no other choice really.

[@christopherbrunson1232]

Fighting Spirit lmao 😂

[@Puppy_Puppington]

He returns as Jack Black. And the wizard as Jack White.

[@artificialavocado9652]

After almost 20 years the balrog fight is still amazing and genuinely scares me a little. I love now Jackson didn’t go over the top with it. If it were made today there would probably be explosions everywhere and rocks falls and flying all over the place.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

True!

[@Sindor33]

I can't agree more!

[@waynepurcell6058]

He went over the top with the Balrog itself though lol.

[@seanmoran6510]

Wayne Purcell I wouldn’t say so the imagery was good. He’s skill as a director and failure to create suspense was exposed and found wanting hence the excessive cgi. The flight down the stairs was absurdly done No stand off at the Door while the fellowship moved on is one example!

[@rikk319]

If one scene was meant to be over the top, it was Gandalf vs the balrog. I mean--they fought hand-to-hand for eight days! That alone is pretty over the top.

[@00MagicMatt]

This is very interesting. Didnt realize how much was really going on from this fight. Answers many of my questions like how they both seemed to magically be on top of a mountain after falling into the lake lol

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Exactly! The fight is more detailed than one would think!

[@kiltedkiller8178]

Man alive I ALWAYS wondered how on earth Gandalf got to the bottom of the world to the top.. I realistically thought they would’ve died hitting the water after falling what I think would be 10,000ft at such a high speed!!! I also remember thinking as a kid that maybe the water was somehow a portal to the top of the world 😂

[@adawg3032]

Kilted Killer human terminal velocity is 122 mph but technically at lower depths the pressure is increased therefore offering more wind resistance which would technically slow a falling human shaped object

[@ladvargleinad7566]

You do not take fall damage if you land in water (or lava).

[@00MagicMatt]

@@ladvargleinad7566 lolol

[@benjarvis7485]

“Swords are no more use here.” Kills Balrog with aid of a sword 🗡 lol

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

xD

[@caalcb7]

Gandalf want to take all the exp from killing Balrog for himself and thus enable him to leveled up to Gandalf the white.

[@bugg826]

Swords of man..

[@wandrinyew]

Well you can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.

[@chrisdaigle5410]

@@bugg826 Yes, "YOUR swords are no use" here without the power of a Maia behind it.

[@williamdavis6056]

You omitted something. "Ever he clutched at me, and ever I hewed him, till at last he fled into the dark tunnels... I pursued him, clutching at his heels... Out he sprang, even as I came behind, he burst into new flame." The bursting into new flame is an important part of the fable. The renewal of Durin's Bane.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Explain! I did not see this, in what way is it a renewal? Very interesting!

[@williamdavis6056]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT Well, when the Balrog landed in the pool at the bottom of the abyss his fire was extinguished. Gandalf pursued him relentlessly until they made it to the top of Celebdil, and then upon emerging into the open the Balrog burst into flame once more and was renewed as he was before he fell into the abyss.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

@@williamdavis6056 Ah I actually missed the reigniting! Thanks for telling!

[@JW-jd6sn]

I wouldn't say it was durins bane renewal but more it's last desperate bid to defeat gandalf and it summoning the rest of its power

[@Spazticspaz]

You must remember that initially Gandalf was afraid to come to middle earth because he thought he wasn't strong enough to face the evil. That's why he dreaded and avoided going through the mines of Moria. It WAS part of Aru Illuvitars plan for Gandalf to do what he did. It was Gandalf the Gray's final test. Facing the Balrog was the consummation and arguably the final mission of Gandalf the Gray Stormcrow.

[@drsmithlpn92]

Except that in the book, it was Aragorn that feared going through the mines, Not Gandalf. Aragorn only relented after the near disastrous assent of Caradhras. It was Peter Jackson that changed this plot line.

[@shiningarmour6805]

Yeah, in the books, Gandalf would not stop going on about wanted to go to the mines. He insisted so much, that the Balrog was also considered Gandalf's bane by the end of it.

[@crankenstein20]

Gandalf is such a badass boss, he is my favourite wizard and the best wizard in all fantasy epics of all time. The most iconic wizard that ever existed.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Agreed!

[@4ll3sb4n4n3]

So true! Whenever he is on screen or when I read about him he gives me hope. He's honest about how weary and truly depressing life can get, but that the sun will rise eventually. Make the best out of the time that is given to you. So much wisdom! Gandalf is probably my most favorite fictional character in that regard. More than Yoda or Obi-Wan

[@greva2904]

Well... apart from Merlin.

[@serioussi]

Nah Raistlin Majere

[@Sorvin]

TLDR: Wizard sends party onward, while soloing boss and getting all the exp and loot.

[@neilc3485]

precisely. leveled up to white and got a new staff

[@danielorr7124]

He would get all of the XP anyway if the rest of them were killed, which would probably happen if the party had stayed.

[@Grendizer81]

thanks for that nice chuckle!

[@dalmar23]

More so even. We know he won but no one mentions what he looted from that boss. We only know hes rich now since he has brand new white clothes and new staff.

[@mr.e0311]

Returned as gandalf the platinum.. Coincidence?? Not a chance.

[@WestfaliaStuff]

Grey Gandalf to the party "Run you fools" White shiny Gandalf with awesome staff returns "That was a darn lot of XP'

[@joshuabarrios9452]

He says "fly you fools"

[@turnereddie]

@@joshuabarrios9452 The eagles

[@reneruizfroilanbalane4295]

Well explained.. A low-level killing a boss, grants you enough xp to level up. Drops excellent items to use new skills to learn.

[@jasonpakkala9015]

@@turnereddie He was not talking about the eagles.

[@DD-yv1ym]

why do so many people think he says "run"?

[@jeremycraft2445]

And let's not forget that for all his faults, Boromir (not even one of the Edain!) was willing to charge the Balrog to aid Gandalf! (#BoromirRocks)

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Word up! I love Boromir. And even more Faramir!

[@Brentisimo]

Boromir was a man of great courage and nobility of heart. His inner struggle for the One Ring was more the product of sincere desperation to save his people than of greed for glory or power. I am glad that the books and the extended editions of the movies show Boromir’s goodness of heart.

[@Tridentus]

@@Brentisimo That's designed to show the naivety and lack of wisdom of men in this particular story though. That's how corruption can start in real life, that whole idea where everyone believes themselves to be the hero.

[@thomasleach2384]

Technically there was blood of the Edain flowing in Boromirs veins, as he was of the line of the stewards and therefore of the nobility of Gondor, it was obviously mixed with those of lesser men more than say Aragorns. i think his mother was of Dol Amroth (rumoured to have Elf blood) ;) But no one knows that 100% :)

[@thomasleach2384]

He is also one of my fave characters so flawed, but noble at the same time

[@heavypen]

YES! Redemption is the key theme throughout LOTR isn't it? So easily overlooked especially in a fast-paced production like the film version. Incidentally, Ian McClellan is credited by the other screenwriters (Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens) and by Peter Jackson as their "conscience." I mention that because in an interview, McClellan said that he was worried that - "in the haste to make this film, we might overlook the subtle points that gives Tolkien's story greater, timeless value." Nice work!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Indeed! Redemption is seen multiple times. Very notable is Aragorn's last stand at the Black Gate; redeeming the Númenóreans!

[@levanquer]

Yes, I heard somewhere that Sir Ian insisted at points on using Tolkiens original dialogue instead of the screenwriters changes.

[@kinagrill]

And having writers and directors to actually listen to others rather than go 'nah we wanna do OUR own thing with our politics saturating it and people will love it or we will call then recist women-haters'.

[@leroyrodgers6089]

I actually spent hours trying to understand the back story of Gandalf so that I could understand this scene, the lore behind middle earth is quite honestly the biggest undertaking in history. Ironically Tolkien finished his book. I can only imagine if he were alive how many more small stories he could have told.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Indeed! He never quitted working on his universe :)

[@jamess7576]

I want to point out, it wasn't Eru's plan that failed but the Valar's and Maiar's plan that failed which then brought about Eru to intervene.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

I didn't really think of it that way, but when I think about it now, it makes total sense! Thanks for sharing that! You obviously know much about lotr!

[@Elurin]

But did Eru intervene though? Gandalf was sent by Manwe, King of the Valar, who works out Eru's will on Middle-Earth, true, but as I have always understood it, Gandalf "dies" and returns to Valinor, in Aman. beyond the circles of the World (since the fall of Numenor), is returned by the King of the Valar with new power (not really new since they limited his power as a Maiar when he first arrived in Middle-Earth - he basically got a promotion since his old boss, Saruman, went awol.

[@paulbenedict1289]

Bro, do you even Silmarillion?

[@adityabhalekar3506]

eru's plan?

[@lablondejames200]

Toaster manual?

[@sickning1753]

Imagine fighting a giant being of shadow and flame.. for DAYS!!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

It was not a giant like depicted tho, it was greater than a man! Still it's very atmosphere caused fear.

[@dragonchr15]

but enough about my ex wife...what about the balrog??

[@wattsnottaken1]

Jorn Dorwin fo real I was like, “days ? Really ?”

[@wesleyfilms]

Then winning.

[@waynepurcell6058]

@Wilfri Castillo Not in the book. Bigger than humans but not gigantic. Peter Jackson exaggerated a lot of things in the movies. The original description of a balrog that Tolkien wrote in his notes was more along the lines of a roughly man sized entity that somehow "seemed" larger due to it's malevolent "presence". They also carried a dark shadow aura. There is confusion over the wings too. It's not even "clear" in the book. In the actual book he mentions in one line the balrogs SHADOW (aura) spread about him "LIKE" vast wings. However another line says it spread it's wings from wall to wall. Opinion is split on the wings. I am in the "no wings" camp because in NONE of any other writings where he talks about balrogs does he mention wings. I'd say the "wings spreading from wall to wall" is just an extension of the "SHADOW spreading LIKE vast wings" line. All in all if the actual vision Tolkien kinda had for balrogs were put into the movie a LOT of people would probably be disappointed lol.

[@montablanc1]

Gandalf: "You cannot pass!" Balrog: *Attempts to pass* Gandalf: "And I took that personally"

[@ij1376]

Imagine someone climbing to that same peak and coming across the Balrog's remains like WTF IS THAT??

[@firghteningtruth7173]

Like an L.A helicopter tour coming across a fresh dinosaur body.

[@claudewinters2091]

And then immediately wondering, how did that die? And what in the world can kill that?

[@GalacticChimp]

This is the most incredible deep-dive into the significance of this moment in the book. You’ve made this part of the story come alive like no one else. Thank you.

[@Samuelikson]

WoW! I know all that stuff from books, but I've watched this because of quality of this video: knowledge, montage, diction and more - everything is more professional than 90% of tv content. I have not commented for many years but your stuff make me proud of being Tolkien's enthusiast. Great job!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! Your comment is pure motivation!

[@albiefett]

I have to echo the comment here. I love your explanation, professional presentation, and sharing of historic detail of one of the most beloved fantasy encounters from my childhood... And your reading not only shows your passion, but allows us to better relive this experience as if it was our first! 🙏

[@telepathos]

I would also add that Tolkien's writing here is particularly profound. It refers back to some of the philosophy laid out in The Silmarillion. In it, Tolkien establishes Fire as a dual symbol. Fire, for Eru Illuvatar, as a figurative symbol, was a creative force and Eru was the only one who possessed it, which is why it is referred to as the "secret fire"--it is the ability to create life, which no other being has. The contrary type of fire is the destructive fire, embodied by the the forces of evil, particularly the Balrog. It's basically the two main fundamental forces represented by the two figures in this battle, and Tolkien writes it beautifully. The rhetorical parallelism it particularly notable. Gandalf calls himself a "servant of the SECRET FIRE, wielder of FLAME of ANOR." That is, he is a servant of Eru and he wields the Flame of "heaven." In a contrasting parallel statement, to the Balrog he says "The DARK FIRE will not avail you, FLAME of UDUN." That is, the Balrog serves the destructive fire--it cannot create, only destroy, and the Balrog, as the flame of Udun, is the flame of "Hell." Gandalf's "Fire...Flame" "Fire...Flame" formulation represent the direct confrontation with a particularly effective rhetorical device. This is one of my favorite scenes in the book. It is such a rich conceptualization by Tolkien, as a conflict between these two contrasting powers, but it's also a microcosm of the philosophical opposition whose significance goes beyond this scene and even beyond The Lord of the Rings itself. It goes back to the earliest parts of the Silamrillion--the Ainulindale and the Valaquenta.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

It is indeed powerful. He states the authority of Eru, and the Balrog know it!! Well spoken

[@0Raik]

How Gandalf survived? _He had 1 HP left_ How Gandalf became the white? _Exp from Balrog and he LVup!_

[@aaronm97oh10]

balrog dropped potions

[@brianjohnson5272]

Nah, he had the diehard feat and was at -8hp

[@patrickjanecke5894]

Save vs. death at -9 hp.

[@anthonyappleyard5688]

The Balrog is said to be a being of fire when in air, and a being of slime when in water. Thus I guessed that it is fireproof and sweats napalm from its skin.

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Anthony Appleyard that’s crazy

[@andrejsubelj8419]

I always percieved the secret fire quote as a mockery of some sorts. It is stated in the Silmarillion that Melkor spent quite some time searching for the flame imperishable, but could not find it, which was probably his greatest failure - he wasn't able to create life, he could only corrupt it. Considering this, Gandalf is, in a way, mocking Melkor and the Barlog for following him.

[@jrnorberte8405]

Lotr shows us the diff. Kinds of gamer Gandalf : the scumbag who solos a boss fight for epic item grinds, also a premium user Aragorn : a free-to-play lucky bastard who gets an epic items, skills by doing alot of sidequests grind ( anduril from oathbreaker quest, summoning of rohirim from battle of hornberg ) Gimli and legolas : the exp grinders, doing alot of sidequests for exps before going to mainquest. They just out-level others for easy gaming. Also a free-to-play players. Merry and pippin : the premium users who just buy everything from epic items, skills and even quest companions characters, doesn't have time for grinding. Skills gaming - ZERO, credit card swipping - HERO. easy quest, easy boss kill ( witch king of angmar - killed, saruman - killed ) Frodo and sam : just focusing on mainquests, doesn't care for epic loots nor exp grind. They just want to finish the storyquest, thats all. Free-to-play players, most likely kids or students. And lastly boromir : the assh*le who skips tutorials, doesn't read NPC's tips and ends up dying on every quest he do. Quits the game later because he finds it difficult on later parts

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

XD

[@brianjohnson5272]

So very true but you missed sarumon and grima. Sarumon that ftp dick who turns on the party to steal the epic lewt. Grima that f tard who steals another's account to sell on eBay!

[@eschelar]

Priceless.

[@jeremyleonjonas7657]

Honestly, I very much enjoy how the Istari and the Balrog each represent different representations of power: the Istari, power meant to guide and protect, to misguide their enemied rather than destroy them outright; choosing subtlety over presence and power. The balrog representing physically manifested power in the present, ready to shatter their opposition while outright announcing their presence. This differences are shown very clearly when either group is appearing in the lore (both in combat and outside).

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Lovely to see someone that truly understand the lore, lovely comment my friend!

[@Avieni1]

This is such an amazing part of the movies and I'm thankful you did the explanation justice. Incredible video dude.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! Glad to hear that!

[@n3wtoncr0sby72]

7:21 "The Nameless Things are mysterious beings and not much is known about them." Aha...

[@moch.farisdzulfiqar6123]

Lovecraft join the chat

[@MantraHerbInchSin]

I like the text version that starts and ends with "You cannot pass" the repeat ( whatever that is called) is awesome. Ofc it is read in Sir Ian's voice

[@ErikStarck]

In LOTR: fights demigod for days and survives by reincarnation. In Bilbo: flees up some trees for a pack of wolves.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

XD

[@prospekt-jn8pp]

He leveled up..

[@Tridentus]

Styles make fights I suppose (sarcasm).

[@michaelcoulter1114]

Lol, against a mortal foe, like goblins, orcs and wolves, Gandalf can't use his true power, only against a Power can he extend his true strength.

[@DamonNomad82]

A truly frightening "what if" scenario: What if the Balrog had gotten the One Ring?

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

The One Ring increases the most apparent abilities of its wearer. What was Durin's bane most apparent power? That's not easy to tell. It really depends What Durin's bane wished, and that we do not know. It's easier to tell what Aragorn would have done if he got corrupted. He would march on Mordor and wreck havoc.

[@purplefood1]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT It's hard to imagine it wouldn't give the ring up to Sauron.

[@marcusromulus5646]

@@purplefood1 It served Morgoth, not Sauron, who was just a lowely lieutenant. It probably wouldn't even acknowledge the ring.

[@purplefood1]

@@marcusromulus5646 Yeah but Sauron is arguably Morgoth's most powerful Lieutenant. There's no way he woudn't have some level of control over them

[@marcusromulus5646]

@@purplefood1 We are also assuming Morgoth had any real control over them. Maybe they only follow strength, and require many 'lessons' in following, so getting beatings regularly. Maybe Sauron isn't powerful enough to force them. Especially not without the ring anyway Besides, at the height of his power Sauron was bested by a half maia and a wolfhound whose was certain to die by a werewolf which Sauron counted as.

[@midnightbearhug1027]

I just found your channel and I want to encourage you because you have a unique voice and perspective on the lore. This video was great. I think you will eventually stand out even more among the other channels that delve deep into Tolkien’s work. You have a place among them. Thank you. Great job.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thanks for your lovely feedback! Been working long on a video now, and it should hopefully be out during the end of the week! Comments like yours is truly inspiring, and keeps me motivated! Thank you once again!

[@NemieVlog]

Aside from fighting the Balrog of Morgoth, Gandalf also saw the nameless creatures that even Sauron doesn't know of their existence.

[@asmorzea6295]

Definitely one of the most comprehensive looks at this battle I've seen. Well done!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Makes me happy to hear that :)

[@funnyheadpuppy]

awesome exposition and inserting a variety of artistic renditions of scenes

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! This hits spot on, on what I wanted to achieve!

[@brandoncooper7432]

This is the best explanation of this encounter I've ever heard. Great job!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Lovely to hear that :)

[@lachlansmith9540]

Nothing like breaking the immersion of this epic video with an ad! Thanks KZbin!

[@malcolm_lad2382]

I’m really not the type too get emotional at movies but ever since a little kid and now coming back at 18 years old this Is still one of the most heartbreaking scenes in recent cinema. It’s shot perfectly.

[@joshuapatrick682]

The Flame that kindles and lightens and warms vs the Fire that consumes, corrupts and destroys...

[@MrBachianas]

Great stuff mate. Makes you want to read the Silmarillion again!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thanks for the feedback! The Silmarillion is an excellent treat. I read the lord of the rings every summer!

[@garymcderp1146]

I remember watching the Two Towers for the first time and having my mind blown by the opening sequence. The epic shots and music of it instantly threw me back into Middle Earth. What a way to kick off part 2!

[@DamonBowles]

Great explanation. By pure coincidence, just reached The Bridge of Khazad-dum in the books. My third reading, but an absolute classic.

[@activeal]

Beautiful job of explaining this very intense LOTR event. Thanks!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@crazycarl00]

My friend, this is an excellent breakdown of the Balrog situation. Thank you.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad you liked it!

[@markdup1]

Beautiful Illumination - and such a wonderful accent! This was more of an experience than a mere video. Thank you sir.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! Makes me happy to hear!

[@otty3977]

I really really liked your video, but also the narration. What an awesome job.

[@SirWung]

Great video and very interesting! :) Only got one thing to say. Khazad-dûm should be written with a small d instead of a large D 2:00 :) Keep up the great work!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thanks for correcting that mistake! Glad you liked the video Sir_Wung!

[@osricwolfing4553]

Balrogs did not have literal wings. The shadow about the Balrog spread out like wings, and the shadow was shortly thereafter referred to as its wings, but the Balrog was man-high, maybe taller, though it had an enormous presence. It was a being of shadow with long hair (a mane) and a fire burning inside it that apparently flamed up and dwindled. If you read Tolkien closely, you will see that he often uses metaphors to describe characters and their movements - a flash of silver, a wind in the grass, and many other examples. The image of a huge traditional winged fire-demon is understandably more appealing than a long haired "shadow person" about the size of a man, and people who want to imagine winged Balrogs will bristle and dig in their heels, but the fact is that it wasn't a winged monster. It fell into the abyss, and it fled from Gandalf on foot. When they fought on the peak, the Balrog didn't use these supposed wings to his advantage (to our knowledge). Nowhere in any published work did Balrogs fly around.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Indeed! That's why I didn't mention the wings in detail; it's up to the individual reader to interpret it. I agree with you though, reading through other passages that Tolkien wrote can aid us in understanding. Cool that you pointed this out, you clearly know Tolkien!

[@davemc2606]

Correct. It was shadow not actual wings....

[@whitealliance9540]

This was very... Very fun to watch with your narration. I think i had a a little too much fun haha! I know all the words! Great style, retelling of a movie scene with more background. Very good

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you for your feedback, it made my day! Theres more narration to come!

[@whitealliance9540]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT great vid im subbed friend. I am studying up on lore . but this video has creativity i enjoyed what you did here

[@montyaitui326]

You are a wonderful story teller🤝👏thank you for explaining this scene..Keep up the good work😉,.& I'm looking fwd to seeing more of your videos 😛😊👌

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you for your feedback! I have been working on a project for 2 months now, it will probably be done in a months time. I think it will satisfy you!

[@ElroyMF1]

Galadriel sent Gwahir and gave Gandalf his new staff and raiment.

[@_Gandalf_The_White]

Great video :D

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad to see that you liked the explanation of your great feat! Surely you saved Middle-Earth's fate!

[@taskforce6983]

I don’t appreciate you entering my mines without my permission. I’m still waiting for an apology

[@jeffhallam2004]

I like how you quote the book but also include the movie content and the differences! Another great video!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

It's important to maintain Tolkien's original work, but also to look at P. Jackson's side of it!

[@jeffhallam2004]

Lore of Middle-Earth indeed but your book detail is so important!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Indeed! It's very underrated! Also the masses mostly know the movies, not the books. I want to advertise Tolkien's mind!

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

@Lore of Middle-earth Excellent narration. Very enjoyable and informative video. Thank you for making it

[@vladimpaler3498]

Certainly no mortal warrior(s) could have overcome a Balrog. Even when slain by high elves the elf is slain as well. A balrog running loose would have been devastating. I enjoyed this even though I knew it all, having read the LOTR 7 times, and The Silmarillion almost twenty. My only disagreement is with it being Iluvatar that refurbished Gandalf and sent him back. I always thought it was one or more of the Valar. Usually when Eru lays hands on Arda directly there is a cataclysm.

[@valentinom.4292]

Maybe it was Mandos who sent him back, convinced by the other Valar, specially Nienna, as she was Gandalf's "teacher" and she's the representation of mercy.

[@tox1cfuse347]

lmao, I just read this chapter in the book. I watched the movies first and am only just reading the books, I like the missing scenes and wish they could've put the entire book in the movies lmao

[@jasonlivesey6033]

Loving the videos I’ve not long fell upon your channel. I don’t understand the dislikes, keep up the great work fella.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Welcome! Glad that you enjoy them! Soon new video out :)

[@drsmithlpn92]

Thank you for this very interesting and enlightening video. I knew a lot of what you presented but I still learned from this video. Thanks for your research for this video. May the wisdom of the elves continue to feed you.

[@wayzel1]

"I am a servant of the sacred fire" reference to the flame imperishable the power of Eru. " wielder of the flame of Arnor" reference to the fact that Gandalf possesses the Elven ring of fire Narya. "The dark fire will not avail you flame of Udun" The dark fire is an obvious reference to the Evil of Morgoth/Melkor however "flame of Udun" could mean to things. Udun is the northwestern plain of Mordor and staging area in front of the Black Gate but Udun also translates to "Hell" in Sindarin Elvish so more likely he means "flame of hell". Just thought I'd correct your interpretation of these monumental words.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Flame of Udûn simply means flame of Utumno, which means umaiar that followed Morgoth during the music of Ainur. The Narya interpretation is just as likely as what I said; both theories are widely speculated. However I would not say that you "correct" my interpretations. You basically said just the same as I mentioned in the video with exception of Narya. Remember that there are multiple interpretations for these words! Thanks anyways tho!

[@arealassassin]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT No, there are not. The books make it very clear. Also, you need to work on your pronunciations- example Celebdil is "Kell-ebdil", not "Sell-ebdil". This basic information is outlined in the chapter "Notes on pronunciations" in The Silmarillion. Have you not read it? Please try to convey correct information if you wish to act as an authority on Tolkien's works.

[@kkaaiserrr]

Lore of Middle-Earth do think both your interpretations makes sense . Still you did not mentioned Gandalf's ring, Narya. And being the ring of Fire it might have played a role during the fight. What are your thoughts on this? Loved the video btw

[@marcusromulus5646]

Something i have noticed, most likely because of the movies or even something else. Gandalf actually says ".....wielder of the flame of Anor..." but the movies say "Arnor". Which doesn't make sense since the name of the 'sacred fire' is Anor. Makes more sense than wielder of the fire of a kingdom that died over 1400 years ago, since Arnor is the Northern kindom of the 'Faithful' Numenorians . Edit: Anor is also the Elvish word for sun so maybe that is the 'sacred fire' mentioned. But i always thought the Valar made the sun and moon, not Eru.

[@john211murphy]

Gríma Wormtongue killed Saruman by slitting his throat with a dagger, on the doorstep of Bag End. Gandalf survived an encounter with a Balrog.

[@Nemesios777]

amazing video man !

[@enokdnb7388]

What I love is that it's implied they had been fighting for DAYS. Nonstop.

[@debbieburton938]

I read lotr back in 1987 when I was 14... I always wished they would make it into a film.. But the balrog looks EXACTLY what I had in my head but they got gandalf and golum bang on to... They all looked exactly like I had in my mind... And I remember when I read this bit of the book I had to put it down I got really upset... So I left it for a day

[@arealassassin]

Your discovery and experiences of Tolkien's world exactly mirror mine! And yes- the visuals were bang on! It would seem that Tolkien's writing is such that it gives a very vivid, precise illustration of what is being portrayed.

[@debbieburton938]

@@arealassassin my favourite characters other than gandalf were.. Aragorn and the ents 😊

[@psychonaut1829]

So Gandalf's original body is still frozen on the mountain?

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

No, he uses the same body.

[@TomFooleryTheAustere]

Yup. With bright green boots on.

[@mochaisdashit4]

@@TomFooleryTheAustere lmaooo

[@imopman]

Great analysis , thanks , subscribed !

[@coybackus7665]

the legendary "you shall not pass quote" is made in full at the intro of 2 towers. you only see the partial in fellowship.

[@wendyliu2855]

His thighs must be burning after all those stairs

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Well said!

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Lmao. No wonder the balrog got his flame back

[@pedrolopez8057]

Gollum was never redeemed. Though he came close once, which was a tragedy.

[@Starscream-014]

Gollum was redeemed. He's the one who actually destroyed the one ring.

[@joshuadixon9368]

@@Starscream-014 By happenstance. Gollum's story is possibly the saddest story of any you will read. Corrupted by something over which he had no control... all the way to the end.

[@samueltheblonde]

Which is sad. I honestly thought he would be redeemed after he told Gollum to leave, and never come back. But then it's shown that the Ring is a part of Smeagul.

[@8440k]

I swear Gandalf's 1V1 with the Balrog is freaking amazing! This was written in the 1950s or earlier, and it is still amazing!! Wow!! This is amazing!

[@bradydavis5791]

My favorite scene in LOTR: When Gandalf fought the boxer from Street Fighter.

[@adamt.7376]

Can anyone tell me this: if Balrogs had big wings, how could a Balrog climb the staircase to Ziragzigil? :)

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

The balrogs were not giant. And they could most likely take the hue they wanted to, for they were Maiar.

[@rastafly7088]

They don't have wings in the books

[@dannyvestal299]

Never realized this battle lasted 8 days!! Holy crap! That was a very awesomely detailed story! Really appreciate your insight! Thank you sir!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for your positive feedback :)

[@philistine3260]

Based on the video: They've been falling for an unknown period of time. Then they fought for 8 days at the bottom. Then Gandalf was chasing Balrog through caves and up some reaaaaly long stairs. Then they fought at the peak for 2 days. "Never realized this battle lasted 8 days!!"

[@vicmarmo9334]

New subscriber :) answers exactly what I was wondering

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Welcome! Glad to be in service!

[@randallpetroelje3913]

Beautiful artwork and narration!! You rock solid!! Thanks.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Support my channel! Leave feedback on improvements/what went well. Support me via Patreon: www.patreon.com/LOME

[@xxxxxx-ef7ni]

balrog didnt answer gandalf cause he is an ancient creature and does not understand english

[@mr.e0311]

You don't know how old Gandalf is... Thats what I got from your comment. And no Wikipedias answer is wrong. So is the one that pops up in a google search.

[@professorx3060]

Gandalf and Balrog are both the "same age". It's not English, it's referred to as the language of western men

[@bambithedog1019]

Joke /dʒəʊk/ noun A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline. "she was in a mood to tell jokes"

[@brianjohnson5272]

But it thought the ainur lived in the west?

[@minieleanor]

🤣🤣

[@oldcodger9388]

Nice job with this video. Very well done, both intellectually and emotionally.

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! Lovely comment that made me smile :)

[@joshuapatrick682]

Legendary! How many High Kings and princes of the Noldor fell to these fiends?! Sure some were able to emerge victorious but many died in the Process.

[@jonwaggle]

Dark souls lore finally makes sense...

[@nathanbouchard2586]

The flame of arnor i belive is the elven ring of power he weilds

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

It could also be this!

[@Alejandro_87]

Anor is the Elvish word for the Sun, so literally the flame of Anor would have alluded to the light of the Sun, which had originated in the fiery fruit of Laurelin, one of the Two Trees of Valinor. Gandalf was a Maiar, he had an inner light and I believe the Balrog sensed it similarly like when the Ringwraiths saw an Elven Lord as a being of burning light....Narya's powers were to inspire others to resist tyranny, domination and despair, as well as having the power to hide the wielder from remote observation, except by the wielder of the One, and giving resistance to the weariness of time. Also, I think it highly unlikely that Gandalf would reveal that he had an Elven Ring of Power. The 3 Elven rings were created by Elven hand, they were not offensive weapons..

[@professorx3060]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT Gandalf is referring to his ring, the third elven ring. It is the secret fire, because it is the ring of fire and only 3 people know that Gandalf has it Edit: the two other rings are in possession of Elrond and Galadriel

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

@@professorx3060 The reason that the Flame of Anor is the Flame Imperishable is because it has some setting towards the Balrog. Narya does not. For all we know, the Balrog do not even know of the existence of the elven rings.

[@professorx3060]

@@LoreOfTheRingsYT I think that the Flame of Anor is Narya, but it makes sense that it doesn't mean anything to Durin's bane. Maybe it is Flame Imperishable, but nobody is sure.

[@kerrymcauliffe9906]

Gandalf does NOT say he is the secret fire. He says he is a *servant* of the secret fire. Quite a difference.

[@tnh723]

This is truly one of the very best videos on the lord of the rings! Thank you thank you so much! How I wish my 11 year old daughter would one day pick up these wonderful insights as well. With your help it is possible. Keep it up :-)

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the kind words!

[@darklordsauron398]

I wonder how gadalf defeated a Balrog a high maia level and he cannot destroy Sauron who is in same level with him?

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

How could he? The only way to destroy Sauron was to destroy the Ring or to replace him as the Dark Lord, Gandalf wasn't capable of either. In a 1v1 Gandalf would probably still have suffered a defeat, for he feared Sauron, and many times he states that Sauron is more powerful than him. Different Maiar had different power.

[@jeremysims91]

Wouldn’t matter anyway Sauron bound himself to the Ring. Destroying the Ring is the only way to defeat him.

[@danielhamilton351]

You got this backwards; Sauron is the high level Maia while the Balrog is a low to mid level Maia. The only Balrog who could possibly match Sauron is Gothmog, the leader of the Balrogs who was equal in rank to Sauron more or less in Morgoth's hierarchy.

[@whitealliance9540]

@@danielhamilton351 i wish more people who studied these books made videos. There is such a wealth of info that Tolkin gave. I would like to see how these maia got corrupted or a story about when the elves got to the west... I just love it

[@danielhamilton351]

@White Alliance Yes the fallen Ainur, both Maiar and the one fallen Vala is always interesting lore material for sure.

[@ThatFire9oNe6]

I cant stop laughing at 3:05. Him reading Gandalfs lines and rewinding it back to Gandalf saying "You cannot Pass". 😂🤣😭

[@dustinmosley5965]

When Gandalf says he is the secret fire he is referring to one of the rings of power given to the elves, that was than passed onto Gandalf.

[@MoonlightDawnMoolightDawn]

Incredible presentation!! Thank you!! - I've read the books, watched the films --- enjoy both but also enjoying your channel - subscribed!!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for your positive feedback!

[@Makkaru112]

Tell me the titles you read. Did they include Ring Of Morgoth? Children Of Hurin? Beren And Luthien? Book Of Lost Tales, The Silmarillion?

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

@@Makkaru112 Silmarillion, unfinished tales, the siege of Gondolin, etc. Haven't touched upon lost tales completely, just briefly.

[@Joe-xo4yg]

Olorin is a badass 🙃

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Indeed!

[@billshull9468]

Umm the orcs and trolls FLED when the Balrog came out.

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Bill Shull we’re using the book as the main reference. Just an FYI....

[@ratslayer279]

Amazing vid, now it all makes much more sense

[@ericdudley4169]

Thank you. This was enlightening and wonderful.

[@Spiggle25]

Gandalf: *single handily fights the Balrog to let everyone get away* Also Gandalf: “Dang, that’s a ton of XP!”

[@AussieDisciple]

Gandalf was meant to be a 'type' of Jesus Christ........

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Yup. Tolkien just clad him among the istari so that it did not become too obvious.

[@mediaserver1330]

If ever there was a Christ figure in a book (other than the Bible), Gandalf was it. Gandalf sacrificed himself for others, died, and was resurrected. After his resurrection the restrictions on his power were removed, and he became Gandalf the White. Pretty much right on the nose for symbolism. Tolkien was a devout Catholic and borrowed heavily from the Bible.

[@digenesakritas1107]

@@mediaserver1330 He wasn't the only one that was resurrected Glorfindel was too after he went through the same trials! But you're right Gandalf was more the Christ figure!

[@alaskanh.o.g.4lyf948]

Good video and well explained and presented. You sir, have gained a sub

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@HawkFest]

Thanks, a good summary and I didn't know/remember those details about the fight and its issue, cool. 3:55 more precisely, *Olórin wa chosen by the Vala Manwë and served him* in order to help the fight against Sauron in Middle-Earth (Sauron is another Maia, as are Gandhalf and the Balrog. Sauron initially served the Valar Aulë, but he became corrupted by Morgoth - who formely was the Valar Melkor -, and from then on served him). In Valinor, as a Maia Gandalf was in service to _"The Creator"_ Eru Ilúvatar. More specifically, he was of the people of the Vala Manwë. *However, Eru himself took no side* (since he was the creator of all things including Melkor). Hence, when *_the Valar_* (not Eru) *decided to send the order of the Wizards (Istari)* across the Great Sea to Middle-earth in order to counsel and assist all those who opposed Sauron, *_Manwë_** chose Olórin* who was said to be the wisest of the Maiar. In Middle Earth, he became known under many names, Gandalf being the one given by the Noldor (in noldorin language derived from the sindarin). It's also Manwë who sends back Gandalf after the fight gainst the Balrog, rather than Eru.

[@BlueBoxRevan]

Fantastic videos!!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you very much!

[@Jmastaaflex]

Great video - thanks!

[@m42ur]

Your voice and how you read it brings me chills. Great work!

[@LoreOfTheRingsYT]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad to hear that!

[@igorzz10]

Your pronunciation of names is really awesome!