Mirrormere
Mirrormere was a dark lake in Dimrill Dale on the east side of the Misty Mountains.
The lake was located less than a mile below the East-gate of Khazad-dûm. It was long and oval with a shape like a great spear-head. The deep water of Mirrormere was dark blue like a clear evening sky seen from a lamp-lit room and had a still surface. Close to the southern end of the lake stood a column with a broken top, which was called Durin's Stone. A short distance below the lake was a spring with clear ice-cold water that was the source of the river Silverlode
According to the Dwarves of Durin's Folk, after Durin the Deathless had awoken at Mount Gundabad in the north of the Misty Mountains, he travelled south until he came upon this lake. He looked down in it and saw a crown above his head, being the reflection of stars above. Taking the crown as a sign, he founded the great city of Khazad-dûm beneath the mountains that fed Mirrormere. A pillar called Durin's Stone was placed along the banks of the lake to mark the event.
On 10 November T.A. 2994 Balin, the Lord of Moria was shot from behind by an Orc when he went alone to Dimrill Dale to look into Mirrormere.
During the events that led up to the War of the Ring, on 15 January T.A. 3019 the Fellowship of the Ring passed by the lake after escaping Moria. Despite their hurry, Gimli would not leave without looking in the lake. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee joined him, and they saw Durin's crown.
Artwork
Durin at Kheled-zâram
David Greset