The door of durin.

[Nerwen]

Originally Posted by Galin

That another way to look at it, yes... but that doesn't account for the names Durin and Narvi written in the picture... so why not just add Moria to the same explanation one must use for the 'Dwarf-names'.

Also, one can claim Moria was a purposed use of a name (in writing even), by Tolkien, as this was known to the reader.

You know, this thread is giving me a distinct sense of déjà vu... but that's a good point about the names, Galin. Now why doesn't that bother anyone?

Anyway, with all due respect, Selmo, I think using the "translator-conceit" to get out of the difficulty is preferable to an explanation that, in my view, tends to undermine much of the story.

EDIT:X'd with Galin and Kuru.