Gandalf facing the Balrog in the Mines of Moria is one of the most intense and memorable scenes in The Lord of the Rings, and there's a reason it's become so quotable. Whether fans are referring to JRR Tolkien's book or Peter Jackson's film adaptations, the line “You must not pass!“- changed slightly from the source material”You can not pass” — stands out as one of the best Lord of the Rings quotes out there. Of course, That's not the only thing Gandalf says to the Balrog before dragging him into the depths of Moria.
Gandalf's dramatic speech raises tensions as he uses his magic to restrain the Balrog. However, some of his phrases may be off-putting to more casual people. Lord of the Rings fans – and perhaps even those versed in the source material. Although the message behind “You can not pass!“It's quite clear, Gandalf's comments on “the secret fire” and “Flame of Udûn“have deeper meanings related to Tolkien lore. THE Lord of the Rings The films do not offer direct explanations for these lines, but it is possible to find answers by consulting the author's writings.
“You can not pass!” Serves a greater purpose in the LOTR books and films
It's more than just an iconic line
“You can not pass“is altered to the iconic and instantly recognizable”You must not pass!“in Jackson Fellowship of the Ring film, but Gandalf uses both lines with similar effect. Its inclusion goes beyond giving Istar something memorable and powerful to say. The fact that he repeats this same line several times throughout his speech proves this, giving it a greater purpose in the context of the scene. Read Gandalf's full quote to the Balrog below:
“'You cannot pass,' he said. The orcs stopped and a dead silence fell. 'I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not serve you, flame of Udûn . Go back to the Shadow!
As Lord of the Rings screenwriter Philippa Boyens said Jake's takes, Gandalf “You must not pass“line becomes something of”an enchantment” when brought to life on screen. And that's how it reads in Tolkien's text as well, indicating that he is drawing on an enormous amount of power to keep Durin's Ruin in check. He conveys the energy of this scene impressively, gaining momentum each time Gandalf utters it. Of course, this also captures the Istar's determination to ensure that the Balrog does not, in fact, pass. That's why the film's final delivery is much louder and more imposing.
Why Gandalf describes himself as a “Servant of the Secret Fire”
Gandalf is referencing his connection to Eru Ilúvatar
After the first delivery of “You can not pass,“he tells the Balrog he is one”servant of the Secret Fire,” although he does not elaborate on what this means. In Tolkien's Middle-earth, the Secret Fire – also nicknamed “the Imperishable Flame“- refers to the power of creation exercised by The Lord of the Rings' version of god, Eru Ilúvatar. When Gandalf says this phrase, he is referring to his connection with Eru Ilúvatarwho created the Ainur (a group that includes both the Maiar and the Valar).
Although the Balrog is not directly associated with Sauron, Durin's Ruin is an extension of the darkness that Gandalf must fight against.
Gandalf serves the light and Eru Ilúvatar, as he is one of the Istar that the Valar sent to Middle-earth to stop Sauron's darkness to spread. Although the Balrog is not directly associated with Sauron, Durin's Bane is an extension of the darkness that Gandalf must fight against. His line about serving the Secret Fire is a reminder of this. The Rings of Power season two sees Gandalf mention the Secret Fire again, so it's possible the Amazon show will expand on that Lord of the Rings line further.
The 'Flame of Anor' also links Gandalf to the light
Anor means “Sun” in Elvish
In addition to highlighting his loyalty to the Secret Fire, Gandalf claims to exercise the “called Anor“while shouting at the Balrog. The meaning behind this part of his speech is a bit hazy, as Tolkien doesn't delve into what “called Anor” is. However, “Anor“translates into”Sun” in Elvish, and this provides two possible explanations. This could be yet another declaration of loyalty to the Valar, who created the Sun, and this makes sense given where this statement falls. It is in the same vein as mentioning the Secret Fire, which is equally related to Gandalf's quest.
By calling upon the flame of Anor, Gandalf could be calling upon the light by which he strives to drive away the dark creatures of Middle-earth. However, Fandom. with postulates another possible explanation: that Gandalf is referring to Narya, the Ring of Power he carries, which is also the Ring of Fire. This may be the flame of Anor that Gandalf is talking about, although it is unclear why he announced the presence of the ring or called it by another name. More likely, the flame of Anor represents the forces of light that Gandalf represents and draws strength from them.
The “Flame of Udûn” is a reference to Morgoth
Udûn was one of Morgoth's most powerful fortresses
Gandalf also calls the Balrog “Flame of Udûn“while informing the creature that the darkness will not save it. Its feeling that”the darkness will not serve you” is clear, for he understands that goodness and light will triumph. However, Gandalf is referring to a very specific darkness when he mentions Udûn. Udûn is one of the most powerful fortresses in Lord of the Rings, and is associated with Tolkien's original villain Morgoth. Also known as Utumno, Udûn is Morgoth's first stronghold, where he operated during the First Age of Middle-earth..
Calling Durin's Curse the Flame of Udûn is a means of declaring the creature's loyalty to the dark forces of Middle-earth, directly opposing Gandalf's servant with the title Secret Fire.
Calling Durin's Curse the Flame of Udûn is a means of declaring the creature's loyalty to the dark forces of Middle-earth, directly opposing Gandalf's servant with the title Secret Fire. But it goes beyond that, as the Balrogs are also Maiar who have been corrupted by Morgoth. Given that Morgoth is responsible for the Balrog's existence, this line recognizes where Durin's Bane came from. And in doing so, it leads perfectly into Gandalf's next command.
What does Gandalf mean by “Return to the shadow”
Gandalf tells the Balrog to “return to the shadow“right before your final”You can not pass,“, and it's another direct command – although following the wizard's reference to Morgoth, it's even more ruthless. As CBR notes, Gandalf is telling the Balrog to go back where he came from, banishing him to darkness once more. But the reminder that this is a creature of Morgoth adds another layer to that feeling. If Durin's Bane does not retreat, he will end up like his former master.
Morgoth is defeated during the First Age, well before The Lord of the Rings, so Gandalf is reminding the Balrog what happens to the forces of evil in Middle-earth. Unfortunately, the creature does not heed his warning, and Gandalf defeats it on Silvertine's peak.. The Istar returns as Gandalf the White later, but this speech marks an epic farewell for Gandalf the Gray.
Source: Jake's takes, Fandom. with, CBR