LOTR: Rings of Power - Was The Dwarven Mine Collapse Caused By The Balrog?

gamerant.com:

One of the most difficult things about watching the beautiful realms and civilizations in the Rings of Power is knowing that, by the time the Lord of the Rings happens a thousand years later, many of these beautiful kingdoms no longer exist. There are several such places including Lindon, where Elrond currently resides, and Numenor, where Galadriel and Mirirel have just formed an alliance. But probably the most famous of them is Khazad Dum, the dwarven mine where the famous metal Mithril was discovered.

This is the very same kingdom that the fellowship pass through, now a tomb, on the way to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. In the fourth episode of Rings of Power, there has just been a shaft collapse deep in the mine, endangering the life of four of the dwarves. Fans have already questioned whether this collapse was due to a Balrog, who was confirmed in the teaser trailer to be appearing in the Amazon series.

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There are many risks involved in the mining of Mithril. This is why King Durin is so controlling over it, and why the prince swears Elrond to secrecy once he has learned the knowledge of its existence. It is a game-changer, and it literally shapes the next century for the race of dwarves as they make new and incredible things with their rare and highly valuable substance. It is as light as a feather, but as strong as diamond. These properties are why it makes such iconic armor as the mithril vest given to Bilbo by Thorin during the Hobbit, and passed down to Frodo in Rivendell. But this precious metal is not without cost. Delving deeper and deeper into the mines to reach its ore is known to have had disastrous consequences.

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