Khazad

Khazad, also known as Khazad-dûm, is a fictional underground kingdom featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. It is the ancient capital of the Dwarves, located deep within the Misty Mountains. The name Khazad-dûm translates to "Dwarf-fortress of the Shadow," reflecting the dark and foreboding nature of the kingdom.

Khazad-dûm was founded by the Dwarf-king Durin I in the First Age of Middle-earth. It was a center of Dwarven learning and craftsmanship, known for its vast wealth of precious metals and gems. The kingdom was renowned for its skilled smiths and architects, who constructed magnificent halls and forges.

However, Khazad-dûm's prosperity was short-lived. In the Second Age, the kingdom was beset by a great flood, which submerged much of its surface and led to the eventual abandonment of the kingdom. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm were forced to retreat deeper into the mountains, eventually establishing the city of Moria.

The ruins of Khazad-dûm remain a haunting and mysterious site, often associated with the dark and dangerous forces that dwell in the depths of the earth. The kingdom's legacy lives on in the tales and lore of Middle-earth, serving as a reminder of the Dwarves' enduring spirit and their enduring quest for wealth and knowledge.