Azanulbizar, also called Dimrill Dale and Nanduhirion, was the valley below the East-gate of Moria on the eastern side of the Misty Mountains.
Description
The valley was very deep and lay between mountain ridges leading up to the peaks of Bundushathûr in the north, and Zirakzigil in the south. The great peak Barazinbar, which was also called Caradhras, towered over the vale in the west. The Pass of Caradhras came down into that valley by the Dimrill Stair, a deep-cloven way that was carved by the Dwarves.
The East-gate of Moria came out to the huge steps that were called the threshold of Moria. Less than a mile away from those stairs there was the lake Kheled-zâram and the monument Durin's Stone.
The River Silverlode, called Kibil-nâla by the Dwarves, ran through the valley eastward through Lothlórien and into the Anduin. Its origins were in deep well of water near Kheled-zâram, but as it flowed through the valley it was joined by many smaller mountain-streams and became a swift and powerful river. An old Dwarven road lay alongside it.
History
In earlier centuries, the valley was considered beautiful and sacred, but by the later part of the Third Age was barren and desolate, serving as a geographical buffer between the Orc-infested mines of Moria and the forest of Lothlórien. The final and greatest battle in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, the Battle of Azanulbizar, was fought here in 2799 of the Third Age. In that battle the Orc captain Azog was slain by Dáin II, and Thorin II son of Thráin II earned the name Oakenshield.
Balin son of Fundin also came to the vale in his attempt to retake Moria and fought some battles there. He was shot with an Orc-arrow and died there, when he went alone to look into the waters of Kheled-zâram.
The Fellowship of the Ring paused here in their flight from out of Moria, after the loss of Gandalf.
Etymology
The name Azanulbizar is Khuzdûl.
