As they travel towards Mordor, the Fellowship of the Ring attempts to cross the Misty Mountains, but they are forced by a deadly blizzard to take a more sheltered path and make the dangerous journey underground through the mines of Moria. Khazad-dum, once the greatest of the Dwarf realms in Middle-earth, was carved out of solid rock over the course of countless centuries. But an ancient evil known as a Balrog was awakened in its depths and drove the dwarves from their home. The halls of Khazad-dum were eventually overrun by orcs and other foul creatures and it became known as Moria or the Black Chasm. As the Fellowship nears the end of its journey through the mines of Moria, they are attacked by the Balrog. In order to buy the others time to escape, Gandalf engages the Balrog in battle. Although he dies during the course of the battle, Gandalf's life is later restored and he is returned to Middle-earth to complete his task.