Durin's Bane, also known as the Balrog is a former servant of Morgoth and an antagonist in The Lord of the Rings.
Background[]
Durin's Bane was one of the last Balrogs of Morgoth in Middle-earth. It served under Morgoth during the First Age. Some centuries ago, the dwarves re-awoke the ancient evil in Moria. Though most of the dwarves fled, Durin's Bane killed their king, Durin III and it remained in Moria ever since.
After the battle of Moria, Thráin wanted to take control of Moria, but was advised against it by Dáin Ironfoot when he revealed that the Balrog still lived there. .
Live-action series[]
The Fellowship of the Ring[]
After a perilous journey, Gandalf stays behind to face the Balrog to protect the company. As the dangerous creature goes to fallow them, the Bridge breaks. Before the wizard can escape, he is suddenly dragged down by the throngs of Durin's Bane's whip. A helpless Frodo is held back by Boromir while trying to rescue his friend. However, before Gandalf falls, he yells for the company to fly before he falls with the Balrog. As they fall to an underground lake, Gandalf and the Balrog continue to fight. Though badly injured by the Balrog's fires, Gandalf is able to defeat his enemy before dying from his wounds.
The Two Towers[]
In the following sequel, the Balrog is seen in a flashback twice. First, he is seen when Frodo relives Gandalf falling in Moria. As in The Fellowship of the Ring, the Balrog falls and takes Gandalf with it. However, it shows them fall into the abyss.
He is later seen when Gandalf reveals how he became the White Wizard and defeated Balrog.