The Book of Mazarbul: A Hidden Tale from Middle-earth

For the lovers of The Lord of the Rings

In the chamber of "Mazarbul," where Balin once sat on his throne and later laid to rest, the Fellowship of the Ring - in the movies - discovered the body of a dwarf holding a book. It is said that this book belonged to Ori, one of Thorin Oakenshield's thirteen companions.

This book is known as the "Book of Mazarbul," and it contains the history of the "Balin" people. It was written by multiple authors and narrates the battle against the Orcs who had inhabited the ancient halls of Khazad-dûm. The Dwarves of Balin emerged victorious, settling in the twenty-first hall above the eastern gate. Balin ruled his new kingdom from the ancient records chamber, also known as the "Mazarbul" chamber.

Over the next five years, it seems that the Dwarves successfully established their new home and explored beneath the mountains all the way to the western gate of Moria. They reclaimed Durin's Axe and other priceless artifacts, all of which were recorded in the book.

In the final pages of the book, Ori, who was with Balin in Moria, described how an unexpected army of Orcs attacked from the east. Balin was killed outside the eastern gate, and the Dwarves fought to defend themselves. However, they were trapped from the east by the Orcs and from the west by a mysterious watcher in the water. The Orcs besieged them in the "Mazarbul" chamber, and despite their best efforts, the Dwarves were overwhelmed and slain. With no hope of escape, Ori continued writing in the book, hoping that someone would find it and learn of their fate.

The victorious Orcs, unaware of the book's significance, left it to rot in the chamber. It was discovered by the Fellowship of the Ring after twenty-four years, burnt, torn, and stained with blood. Some pages were missing, but it remained readable in certain parts. Gandalf entrusted the book to Gimli, who later delivered it to King Dáin.

The "Book of Mazarbul" is a hidden gem within the vast lore of Middle-earth. It offers a glimpse into the tragic fate of Balin and his companions, shedding light on the bravery and sacrifices made by the Dwarves in their quest to reclaim their ancestral home. For the lovers of The Lord of the Rings, this book is a must-read, providing deeper insight into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastical world.