What are the western gates of Moria called?

The western gates of Moria were called the Doors of Durin. They formed the western entrance to Khazad-dûm, the vast underground Dwarven realm beneath the Misty Mountains.

The doors were created through the friendship between Narvi, a Dwarf craftsman of Moria, and Celebrimbor, the Elven-smith and lord of Eregion. Their surface was decorated with images and lettering in ithildin, a magical substance made from mithril that became visible in moonlight. The designs included Durin’s emblems, the Two Trees of the High Elves, and the Star of the House of Fëanor.

The famous inscription gives the gate its other name: “The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria.” It also says that Narvi made the doors and Celebrimbor drew the signs. Gandalf initially struggles to open them because the entrance requires the correct password.

Readers sometimes confuse these with Moria’s eastern entrance, the East-gate or Dimrill Gate. The Doors of Durin are specifically the western gate, opening toward Eregion and the route through the Misty Mountains.