The destruction of the ancient Dwarven state by Durin's Bane in T.A. 1980-81 was as shocking a blow to Rhovanion. A flood of Dwarven refugees wandered the country for a few years loaded with portable treasure, then there was nothing; trade collapsed, the Gate-towns burned and crumbled. The recurring nightmare of nearby leaders, for centuries to come, was that Durin's Bane, believed—but, not actually known— to be a Balrog, might emerge with its army of Orcs and Trolls to attack Lorien or invade the Upper Anduin Vales Expeditions of investigation proved little; it was soon realized that Durin's Bane was trapped in its lair—either by the spells it laid to hide itself in the First Age; or by enchantments of Dwarvish origin, created to keep such horrors from entering the city; or due to its lac