Durin's Bane

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"Durin's Bane" refers to the particular Balrog of Morgoth that had fled following Morgoth's defeat during the War of Wrath to live and slumber deep within the depths of the Dwarven kingdom of Moria.

Although its true name and history are largely unknown, this Balrog became an important figure during the War of the Ring, eventually being awakened by the Dwarves of Moria, wreaking destruction upon them. Moria became left to the Balrog, and became known as a place of darkness and fear for hundreds of years, and it was not until the Fellowship of the Ring had passed through Moria and inadvertently awakened the Balrog that it was finally slain in a great duel with the wizard Gandalf.