How did Gollum escape Moria? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Manwe Sulimo · 12-06-2002, 06:00 PM

I just thought of this when answering the "When did Gollum find the fellowship" thread.

How did Gollum get out of Moria after the Fellowship? Unless he snuck over the Bridge before them, he couldn't have gotten back out (unless he knew the Dwarven tunnels very well--which he didn't). The Bridge was destroyed by Gandalf and the Balrog, so Gollum (or the orcs for that matter...hmmm...) couldn't have followed.

Speculations, anyone?

the mortal elf · 12-06-2002, 09:09 PM

[img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] hmmm...maybe Gollum was needed for the rest of the story so he magically was whisked over the chasm by Tolkien?

How far across was the Bridge of Khazad Dum? If part of the bridge remained intact, he could have jumped from it to the wall of the other side and climbed up like a spider as he does in Emyn Muil (sorry, I can't put special accent things on my words) Or maybe he got a bunch of his orc friends to toss him across [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Gwaihir the Windlord · 12-06-2002, 09:40 PM

Yes, you're right; the bridge wasn't totally destroyed. It was simply cracked in the middle. Gollum could have jumped it; dangerous and desperate, but then he himself was desperate to find his Ring. He probably waited in the Shadows until all the orcs had receded back into their deep lairs, and then emerged and sprung over.

[ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: Gwaihir the Windlord ]

Tarthang · 12-07-2002, 01:29 AM

I imagine there may have been other way's to reach the front door. Remember that Aragorn was rather anxious to reach the safety of Lothlorien before the orcs of Khazad Dum were able to regroup and chase after the Fellowship.

All Gollum had to do was follow the pursuing orcs, through any other existing passageways to the door. Or wait until the orcs had devised a means of crossing over the broken section of the bridge. Then again, perhaps the orcs had added other exits (and again Gollum only need follow behind the orcs).

kharank · 12-07-2002, 11:19 AM

I've always thought that, with his ability to scale walls, Gollum could have crawled out of one of the light shafts we are told are present in the larger halls. This would have brought him out onto the mountain side.

If the movie image of orcs scaling pillars is correct, they could also have used this method. However, I feel that the orcs would have found a way to bridge the gap.

Legolas · 12-07-2002, 11:36 AM

Why didn't Gollum have knowledge of the tunnels? I'd imagine he had been through them a few times, having lived under the Misty Mountains for some 400+ years.

Manwe Sulimo · 12-07-2002, 01:45 PM

Yes, he'd been living in the Misty Mountains, but near Rivendell. He had no reason to go south, and even if he did, Moria was full of orcs and goblins and Balrogs (oh my!).

HerenIstarion · 12-09-2002, 01:51 PM

I think you shall find the Bridge of Khazad-dum interesting

Earendil evening star · 12-09-2002, 02:42 PM

Didn't gollum scale down the cliff side near where sam and frodo stopped after the part with the elven rope?
Did sam not describe him as looking like a spider?
or is that just my imagination?

HerenIstarion · 12-09-2002, 02:46 PM

Welcome to the Downs, Earendil [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
may your rest be peaceful

It is not your imagination, just the bit discussed here occured earlier, when the fellowship left Moria. The situation you refer to took place when the Fellowship broke up and Frodo and Sam ventured on seeking entrance to Mordor

Keneldil the Polka-dot · 12-10-2002, 04:13 PM

I just read "the Bridge of Khazad-dum" (thanks for the link H.I.). Who would have thought one skinny bridge could generate three pages of posts? Anyway....

I lean toward the idea of more than one way across the chasm. Specifically, removable bridges..(see above referrenced thread). Gollum may have found one of these.

Another question....how did Gollum get into Moria in the first place? The gate the Fellowship went in was destroyed by the Watcher right after they went through it. If Gollum knew a different way in, he could have used the same way to get out.

HerenIstarion · 12-13-2002, 11:05 AM

He came from the East

12-06-2002, 06:00 PM	#1
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	How did Gollum escape Moria? I just thought of this when answering the "When did Gollum find the fellowship" thread. How did Gollum get out of Moria after the Fellowship? Unless he snuck over the Bridge before them, he couldn't have gotten back out (unless he knew the Dwarven tunnels very well--which he didn't). The Bridge was destroyed by Gandalf and the Balrog, so Gollum (or the orcs for that matter...hmmm...) couldn't have followed. Speculations, anyone? __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

12-06-2002, 09:09 PM	#2
the mortal elf Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Posts: 201	[img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] hmmm...maybe Gollum was needed for the rest of the story so he magically was whisked over the chasm by Tolkien? How far across was the Bridge of Khazad Dum? If part of the bridge remained intact, he could have jumped from it to the wall of the other side and climbed up like a spider as he does in Emyn Muil (sorry, I can't put special accent things on my words) Or maybe he got a bunch of his orc friends to toss him across [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ My imaginary friend says you have problems.

12-07-2002, 11:19 AM	#5
kharank Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 31	I've always thought that, with his ability to scale walls, Gollum could have crawled out of one of the light shafts we are told are present in the larger halls. This would have brought him out onto the mountain side. If the movie image of orcs scaling pillars is correct, they could also have used this method. However, I feel that the orcs would have found a way to bridge the gap. __________________ High Lord Kharank has spoken

12-07-2002, 11:36 AM	#6
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,850	Why didn't Gollum have knowledge of the tunnels? I'd imagine he had been through them a few times, having lived under the Misty Mountains for some 400+ years. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

12-07-2002, 01:45 PM	#7
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	Yes, he'd been living in the Misty Mountains, but near Rivendell. He had no reason to go south, and even if he did, Moria was full of orcs and goblins and Balrogs (oh my!). __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

12-06-2002, 09:40 PM	#3
Gwaihir the Windlord Essence of Darkness Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Evermore Posts: 1,420	Yes, you're right; the bridge wasn't totally destroyed. It was simply cracked in the middle. Gollum could have jumped it; dangerous and desperate, but then he himself was desperate to find his Ring. He probably waited in the Shadows until all the orcs had receded back into their deep lairs, and then emerged and sprung over. [ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: Gwaihir the Windlord ]

12-07-2002, 01:29 AM	#4
Tarthang Wight Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Paths of the Dead Posts: 108	I imagine there may have been other way's to reach the front door. Remember that Aragorn was rather anxious to reach the safety of Lothlorien before the orcs of Khazad Dum were able to regroup and chase after the Fellowship. All Gollum had to do was follow the pursuing orcs, through any other existing passageways to the door. Or wait until the orcs had devised a means of crossing over the broken section of the bridge. Then again, perhaps the orcs had added other exits (and again Gollum only need follow behind the orcs).

12-09-2002, 01:51 PM	#8
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,267	I think you shall find the Bridge of Khazad-dum interesting __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

12-09-2002, 02:42 PM	#9
Earendil evening star Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Scotland Posts: 26	Didn't gollum scale down the cliff side near where sam and frodo stopped after the part with the elven rope? Did sam not describe him as looking like a spider? or is that just my imagination? __________________ "Earendil,the Evening Star,and most beloved of the elves,shone clear above" Chapter vII

12-09-2002, 02:46 PM	#10
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,267	Welcome to the Downs, Earendil [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] may your rest be peaceful It is not your imagination, just the bit discussed here occured earlier, when the fellowship left Moria. The situation you refer to took place when the Fellowship broke up and Frodo and Sam ventured on seeking entrance to Mordor __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

12-10-2002, 04:13 PM	#11
Keneldil the Polka-dot Wight Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 128	I just read "the Bridge of Khazad-dum" (thanks for the link H.I.). Who would have thought one skinny bridge could generate three pages of posts? Anyway.... I lean toward the idea of more than one way across the chasm. Specifically, removable bridges..(see above referrenced thread). Gollum may have found one of these. Another question....how did Gollum get into Moria in the first place? The gate the Fellowship went in was destroyed by the Watcher right after they went through it. If Gollum knew a different way in, he could have used the same way to get out. __________________ "Trust in the ball Jake.....and throw yourself."

12-13-2002, 11:05 AM	#12
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,267	He came from the East __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!