If they still had Gandalf...

[AragornII]

And what would the Balrog done later on? It's not like people went to Moria after Sauron fell (or did they?), and the only reason the Balrog was even out was because the Fellowship went through Moria. Do you think that the Balrog would have died when the Ring was destroyed? I would think not, since Balrogs were created before the Ring was.
Speaking of Balrogs, have you ever felt that it was Frodo's fault that Gandalf fell? I mean, if Frodo hadn't chosen to go to Moria when they were on Caradhras, then Gandlaf would still be there. That's just something I thought about once .

[Lolidir]

it was Frodo's choice but at the same time he is still human. he was freezing on Caradhras and in all that snow, and sicnce it was that or Moria he chose what he thought better than freezing. he didnt know the danger of Moria and Gandalf didnt tell him so with his knowledge and the present situation he made the best choice he could.

my thought is that its Pippin fault that the Balrog and the Goblins were "awakened" so to speak. if he hadnt knocked the head down the well then all that might not have happened. so if Pippin hadnt done that then no Goblins and no Balrog then maybe they could have escaped Moria with out to much of a hastle. but as said before Tolkien wrote the book and everything happened for a reason. to ask the what if question make us think, but we will never know.

[alatar]

Originally Posted by AragornII

And what would the Balrog done later on? It's not like people went to Moria after Sauron fell (or did they?), and the only reason the Balrog was even out was because the Fellowship went through Moria.

Don't think so. The Balrog was awake during the Battle of Nanduhirion (Third Age). Also, I would assume that the Balrog may have helped destroy Balin's party. IMO the Balrog was again awake as Sauron was growing in power again, and was putting out the call to all things evil.

Speaking of Balrogs, have you ever felt that it was Frodo's fault that Gandalf fell? I mean, if Frodo hadn't chosen to go to Moria when they were on Caradhras, then Gandlaf would still be there. That's just something I thought about once .

Good thought. However, I think that in the books it's Gandalf who from the very first is the proponent for going through Moria. He follows Aragorn's lead to Caradhras, and when they are defeated by the mountain, Gandalf starts leading them to Moria. After the battle with the wolves, everyone's opinion regarding the Mines begins to change, as they would rather take a chance with the orcs that may or may not exist than with the wolves/wargs that are hunting them.

Aragorn warns Gandalf regarding his personal fate, yet Gandalf still chooses to go. Surely Frodo feels some guilt though.

Originally Posted by Lolidir

my thought is that its Pippin fault

In a way it was - Pippin surely felt responsible, and maybe this helped him 'grow up' a little - but on the other hand, Gandalf needed to fall, and so maybe if Pippin did not start things going then someone else would have had to pull the trigger, so to speak.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I remember reading that Gandalf thought going through Moria was a good idea in order to get the Fellowship out of sight of their enemies for awhile - being underground was a good place to hide, or would have been had things not gone wrong. (Problem is, I don't remember and haven't been able to find the source of that information by quickly skimming the various books - I'll add it if and when I do...) So the blame can't be put just on the hobbits.

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

Problem is, I don't remember and haven't been able to find the source of that information by quickly skimming the various books - I'll add it if and when I do...

Don't have my books, but I think that it's just after they complete 40 days out of Rivendell. Aragorn and Gandalf discuss Moria, and I think that Frodo gets a wiff. Also there might be more just before the wolves attack after Caradhras.

Gandalf, like most of the Fellowship (in the end, even Boromir) were to sacrifice themselves as needed so that Frodo could complete his mission. The object of the 'game' was to keep Frodo alive and out of the hands of the enemy; if they didn't, game over.

Gandalf understood this well.

[wilwarin538]

I remember reading that Gandalf thought going through Moria was a good idea in order to get the Fellowship out of sight of their enemies for awhile - being underground was a good place to hide, or would have been had things not gone wrong. (Problem is, I don't remember and haven't been able to find the source of that information by quickly skimming the various books - I'll add it if and when I do...) So the blame can't be put just on the hobbits.

Don't have my books, but I think that it's just after they complete 40 days out of Rivendell. Aragorn and Gandalf discuss Moria, and I think that Frodo gets a wiff. Also there might be more just before the wolves attack after Caradhras.

I found it!!! It goes like this:

Frodo overheard these words, and understood that Gandalf and Aragorn were continuing some debate that had begun long before. He listened anxiously.

....said Gandalf.'But there is another way, and not by the pass of Caradhras: the dark and secret way that we have spoken of'

'But let us not speak of it again! Not yet. Say nothing to the others, I bed, not until it is plain that there is no other way.'(that was Aragorn talking)

'We must decide before we go further,' answered Gandalf.

'Then let us weigh the matter in our minds, while the others rest and sleep,' said Aragorn.

fellowship pg. 279-280