Well said, Squatter, I see your point about the name possibly coming from wild rumours. Thing I just thought of: how did Gandalf not realize it was Sauron, even though he'd been into the dungeons of Dol Goldur (where he got the key from Thrain)? It always seemed like Gandalf's use of the name leant it a bit more credibility, but then Tolkien was probably just using it as a scary name for a children's book.
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Only I have looked through the shadow of the Gate. Beyond the shadow it waits for you still: Durin's Bane.
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